Looking for some recomendations for a new skimmer

[Marlin65]

I am almost ready to run my 60 Gal cube and I could hook 2 Remora pro's with Mag drive three's on them up to it, but am thinking there must be something a bit better than that. I am just not sure what.... not wanting to spend thousands, but wanting something decent as well.
I am limited to about a 12x12x18 or less space. I also would prefer it to be in sump.
Any thoughts.

[sphelps]

What about a Vertex IN-80?

Or what about the octopus line (pumps may be quieter):
Reef Octopus Extreme 160 (http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-extreme-160-br-protein-skimmer-br-by-coralvue-2199.html)
Reef Octopus DNW 150 Recirculating (http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-dnw-150-br-recirculatingbr-protein-skimmer-984.html)

[Tom R]

I would look at the Vertex Line. They are extremely good value and supper quiet. My Alpha Cone 300 is very quiet and works extremely well.

There are much smaller models in the Vertex line that would be ideal for your situation.

These look like something to look into as well

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=161

Tom R

[sphelps]

The alpha cones are made by Royal Exclusive, so they are not comparable to the regular vertex line.
http://glassbox-design.com/2009/new-royal-exclusiv-vertex-alpha-cone-skimmer-intro-pricing-and-more-photos/

Definitely a good skimmer though if it's in your budget, however the smallest model may be too big for your setup.

[Myka]

Another vote for Vertex, excellent value in a mid-quality skimmer. EuroReef would be a slight step up, and another I would recommend. I would suggest you pick a skimmer that is rated for about 25% more than the volume of your system. How big is the sump? A Vertex In-100 or EuroReef RS-100 would probably fit the system better than the 80 gallon version of either.

[Marlin65]

Not sure the vertex will fit I have a max hieght of about 20"
I am just uploading the pictures now.

[Myka]

20"? Yikes! Don't you know you should build the stand around the skimmer? :p

[Marlin65]

I can go external but would prefer not to.:redface:
Here are some pictures to give you a better idea.
Sump
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg94/hikingtrigger/Sump-2.jpg
The Tank
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg94/hikingtrigger/CubeTop.jpg
Together
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg94/hikingtrigger/Full.jpg

[fishoholic]

SWC (salt water connections) skimmers are nice. Not sure about size wise but here's a link so you can take a look. http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&sort=20a

[Marlin65]

Those look good but the shortest one is 23" tall
I might get that Vertex in but it depends how the cup comes off.

[fishoholic]

Those look good but the shortest one is 23" tall
I might get that Vertex in but it depends how the cup comes off.

That sucks, they are pretty good skimmers I have the 250 cone skimmer with an askol pump.

[sphelps]

You'll probably need about an 1.5"-2" of clearance for the vertex, it's a gland style oring fit.

The Reef Octopus NWB 110 would fit with room to spare and has a twist lock so additional clearance is minimal.

The Tunze line are low profile and should fit no problem.

[leducreef]

a vertex i 80 will fit
but i would take a look at the eshopps skimmers i have one works great

[mseepman]

I have a Aqua-medic T1000 Blue which I find does a very good job for the price. You can get it from www.aquacave.com (they ship to Canada) for only $179 and our CAD dollar is strong right now. It's 18" high according to their site, but I have never measured mine. I have a 70G mixed reef and I get a full cup of ugly skim-mate every week like clockwork. It can be used as an HOB or In-sump (which is what I do)

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/mseepman/skimmerbox.jpg?t=1256052815

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/mseepman/AM1000bubbles.jpg?t=1256052865

As you can see, the bubbles are quite fine and it's easy to set and forget.

Hope that helps.

[Marlin65]

That does not look to bad at all.
Will have to give it some more thought. That Octopus does not look bad either.

[mseepman]

Another one to look at is the Bubble-Magus line of skimmers. I have their little nano skimmer the BMQQ and not only is it built really well, it does a great job in my little 16G nano for uber cheap. Check out www.nuocean.com as they are the US supplier that can sell them here in Canada at the right voltage.

There is a good thread on RC from owners who are for the most part happy.

[Marlin65]

Decided to go with this skimmer I got it from a guy in the states for a decent price.
It is a Dutch made skimmer DAS BX-1 only 17" high so will fit real nice.:biggrin:
www.mops.ca/articles/ca-articles/DASkim.asp

[fkshiu]

Where are you getting the DAS from?

[Marlin65]

A guy on Reef Central was selling it. Looks like it works okay.

[mseepman]

I hear great things on the DAS skimmers. My LFS has a new BX-1 in stock that they found buried under a bunch of other stuff and it looks really decent. I would have probably got that if I knew that they had it before I bought my Aqua-medic.

[fkshiu]

I hear great things on the DAS skimmers. My LFS has a new BX-1 in stock that they found buried under a bunch of other stuff and it looks really decent. I would have probably got that if I knew that they had it before I bought my Aqua-medic.

Yes, so have I. I believe that their in-sump skimmers are actually licensed Deltec clones sold at a lower cost, so I wouldn't doubt that the DAS HOB is just like the MCE-600.

[Skimmerking]

great score man they are a great skimmer, u are taking the KIS rule there i see keep it simple

[Gizmo]

wow, lots of votes for vertex. Never used one, but they get the job done from what i've read. I'm a fan of ASM skimmers for <90g I have a G3 on my 55g. For larger tanks Precision Marine. I have a PM Bullet XL-2 and its doing a fine job. **** 1/2 stars