Skimmer Input

[jeepboy_90]

I am looking to purchase a new skimmer or used skimmer for my new sump. My main tank is 60g and the new sump will be around 45g. I currently am running a Pro Clear Wet/Dry that has been modified with live rock and has the built in skimmer. I am looking to spend no more than $200 if possible. I dont have a very heavy bio load, with only 5 fish, maybe a few more to come.

Please give me you input on what brand,style, etc, you feel I should purchase.

Thank you

 

[jeepboy_90]

After alot of research which of these two

Octopus Extreme 160

or

MSX 160

 

[sfsuphysics]

IIRC those are essentially the same skimmer, but you'll probably be good with which ever you choose.

 

[iani]

I second the MSX recommendation. I have a msx 250, the skimmer works great.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

I'm a fan of the euro-reef's

 

[Roc]

You should check out the Aqua-euro's, I got mine for around your price point and I would send it against a euro-reef anyday of the week.

 

[Tumbleweed]

The MSX 160 is a very good skimmer. That would be a good choice.

 

[kurplunk]

I second the MSX! I run a 200 and for the price and performance, can't beat it.

 

[Raddogz]

One thing to take into consideration is there enough room in the sump to accomodate an in-sump skimmer - the skimmer body maybe small but sometimes the overall skimmer footprint (which includes the pump plus skimmer output) can be quite large.

Another thing to consider is an external skimmer typically more expensive but does allow you to run it outside of the sump assuming you have enough room in the stand.

And then - there are hob skimmers which can work well.

All of the above mentioned skimmer brands work well. I have used or still use Euro-Reef, Bubblemaster, and Aqua C skimmers.

 

[sfsuphysics]

IIRC the 160 models of those skimmers have the pump located in the base of the skimmer, which might be a PITA to do regular cleaning maintenance but it does keep it compact. But going with the room theme, also make sure you can remove the cup and do that kind of thing when under the tank. I can tell you there's been a few times where I had to make last minute changes due to a "Awwww @#&" moments of the skimmer cup not being removable due to location

 

[jeepboy_90]

Thank you for all the inout. I have around 11X11 foot print avaliable for the skimmer. I think that the MSX 160 or Octo 160 are going to fit the bill. Are the foot prints really 8x10 or is this an est. I have heard of people getting the skimmer and then it being a little to big.

 

[Raddogz]

They are pretty close, but don't forget height and the whatever clearance you need to take the skimmer cup off.

 

[jeepboy_90]

I have 29-30 inches inside the cabinet so 23" should work with the 8-10 inches of water they recommend. That would be 13-15" above the water level. Right?

 

[Vincerama2]

[quote author=Raddogz link=topic=5796.msg72566#msg72566 date=1231002134]
One thing to take into consideration is there enough room in the sump to accomodate an in-sump skimmer - the skimmer body maybe small but sometimes the overall skimmer footprint (which includes the pump plus skimmer output) can be quite large.

Another thing to consider is an external skimmer typically more expensive but does allow you to run it outside of the sump assuming you have enough room in the stand.

And then - there are hob skimmers which can work well.

All of the above mentioned skimmer brands work well. I have used or still use Euro-Reef, Bubblemaster, and Aqua C skimmers.
[/quote]

The AquaC can be run in or out of the sump. I used to run my EV-120 on a 10 gallon tank with a 10 gallon sump...the skimmer sat outside the tank (on a wooden box) and the pump and output were in the sump.

V