Large skimmer question

dwerbs87 · #1 12-30-2010, 09:46 PM

I am in the process of building a large aquarium with a total of 350-450 gallons of total water once you take out the space the live rock takes up. It will probably have around a medium bioload. What would be a good skimmer without blowing the bank. I like the super reef octopus cone design but seems like its either small or way to big. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

dwerbs87 · #2 12-31-2010, 01:56 AM

frizzo1983 · #3 12-31-2010, 02:08 AM

I would go with a Deltec but if your building that size of tank be ready to spend lots o moola

michika · #4 12-31-2010, 02:33 AM

Look at the Octopuses again, they're great skimmers. You can oversize your skimmer. We went with a 6ft tall DIY dual beckett skimmer for our ~450g display, and its been working like a dream on our 180g test tank.

dwerbs87 · #5 12-31-2010, 03:28 AM

I understand these tanks are expensive but you have got to save money wherever you can. Here and there it all adds up. Michika what do you mean look at them again I was planning on them already. Should I oversize to like the 8000?

frizzo1983 · #6 12-31-2010, 03:31 AM

How much you want to spend on a skimmer ?

reefwars · #7 12-31-2010, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwerbs87

I understand these tanks are expensive but you have got to save money wherever you can. Here and there it all adds up. Michika what do you mean look at them again I was planning on them already. Should I oversize to like the 8000?

The rule of thumb is if you can fit it and afford then you should buy it nothing wrong with a really oversized skimmer especially on that large of a tank where you know eventually it will be stocked with lots of fish..... It's hard tobresist that urge knowing you have the room

cheers

amoreira · #8 12-31-2010, 04:27 AM

I have an SWC cone skimmer that works well. The SWC Extreme 250 1A has the same Dragon pump as on the Vertex and BK skimmers. Took awhile to break in but after that it works like a dream. The pump was a bit oversized for the skimmer, so I had to throttle back the air a bit. It cost about 1/2 that of an equivalent Vertex skimmer. This one is rated for 400 gals heavily stocked. So it may just be the ticket for you. For my situation it's a bit of overkill, but that's fine.

lastlight · #9 12-31-2010, 04:45 AM

I think SWC has some larger models in the works but not sure what the ETA is. I love my little 160 so I'd def consider another SWC in the future.

wickedfrags · #10 12-31-2010, 12:58 PM

For that much water volume budget $1500+/- for the skimmer and pump. Aside from personal preference and reviews you may find, a product at this price point should allow you to accomplish whatever you are looking to do, and not have to be replaced unless you add alot more water.