Looking for skimmer suggestions

[tcwoodrn]

I'm back. I picked up a 100g DT and it will be run with two 50g Rubbermaids for filtration. I'm trying to figure out what kind of skimmer to put in it. I really liked my SRO xp2000 so I am considering an xp3000. I've also looked at ATI bubble master 200 or 250 so I'm open to suggestions of other skimmers that are in the same ballpark as those.

I plan to have a nice carpet nem, lots of sps, and nice clowns and wrasse if that helps.

[on the spot]

There are several fine candidates on RC right now at considerable discount to new.

[dan-in-gr]

Any budget for new skimmer?

[tcwoodrn]

I'd like to get a used one in the $200-$300 range, but that's really just because I know I can get something nice around there. If something great like a deltec or bubble king was a great deal I would go above that range and get it.

[Lecter]

If you want thorough scrubbing with max ORP, ETSS Evolution 500 and Precision Marine Bullet 1 will do the best for the size tank you have. Cavitating prop types work well, but you have to oversize them highly to get the water flow needed. I can give a vid of mine in action if wanted. Plus they are made in the good old USA.

[uncle salty]

I like my ev 180. It's actually been the best skimmer I've ever used.

[Lecter]

Originally Posted by uncle salty

I like my ev 180. It's actually been the best skimmer I've ever used.

I have an ev 400, I bought for my 165. Maybe you can help me, I seem to have a issue with it collapsing a lot, I thought it was because of smoking in the hose so I ran a line outside to give it fresh air, that helped a little, but when I feed anything but flakes it collapses and stays like that for about 3 to 4 hours, I tried rinsing brine shrimp and mysis in RO water prior to feeding That really did not help a lot also RO/DI topoffs cause the same too, I even tried a prefilter on the pump intake a, large PVC tube with carbon, floss and chemi-pads but it still killed it when adding RO topoffs and seemed to lessen a little when feeding, Water changes kill it for 12 hours, I use Red Sea Coral Pro, any clues?

[leejr]

will a AquaC EV120 work good for a 90 gal. w/30gal. sump, will it work better if I go from a mag 5 to a mag 7. how are they on there ratings compaired to other skimmers.

[uncle salty]

Originally Posted by leejr

will a AquaC EV120 work good for a 90 gal. w/30gal. sump, will it work better if I go from a mag 5 to a mag 7. how are they on there ratings compaired to other skimmers.

I would personally go with an ev 180 if you can but the 120 is certainly rated for a 90 gal. I just like the added wiggle room the larger skimmer offers. Overdriving it by a little bit with a larger pump is definitely the way to go. I use a mag 9 on mine and I couldn't be happier with the performance. As far as how it rates, its like anything else. They have their die hard fans (me) and there are people that hate them. Most reviews I've read are excellent. I chose it based on those reviews and ease of maintenance as it has very few parts that require service.

[uncle salty]

Originally Posted by Lecter

I have an ev 400, I bought for my 165. Maybe you can help me, I seem to have a issue with it collapsing a lot, I thought it was because of smoking in the hose so I ran a line outside to give it fresh air, that helped a little, but when I feed anything but flakes it collapses and stays like that for about 3 to 4 hours, I tried rinsing brine shrimp and mysis in RO water prior to feeding That really did not help a lot also RO/DI topoffs cause the same too, I even tried a prefilter on the pump intake a, large PVC tube with carbon, floss and chemi-pads but it still killed it when adding RO topoffs and seemed to lessen a little when feeding, Water changes kill it for 12 hours, I use Red Sea Coral Pro, any clues?

The same thing happens with mine although I don't believe it takes quite as long to foam back up. As I understand, its kind of the nature of the beast with them. I just don't worry about it. I have never seen evidence that the periodic lags in foam production leaves me under-skimming overall. My params stay very solid and my water is always crystal clear. That skimmer is a beast. But to answer you more directly I will say yes, feedings knock it down for about an hour. I do small, frequent top offs that the skimmer doesn't seem to notice at all and my water changes seem to knock it down for about 2-4 hours. I don't use a pre filter as I don't like to use very much mechanical filtration at all. I do use carbon but nowhere near my skimmer because of how my sump is set up and my air valve does not have any tubes or screens as I don't want to chance affecting performance. I have read that skimming drier makes it less likely to collapse though.

[Lecter]

Originally Posted by uncle salty

The same thing happens with mine although I don't believe it takes quite as long to foam back up. As I understand, its kind of the nature of the beast with them. I just don't worry about it. I have never seen evidence that the periodic lags in foam production leaves me under-skimming overall. My params stay very solid and my water is always crystal clear. That skimmer is a beast. But to answer you more directly I will say yes, feedings knock it down for about an hour. I do small, frequent top offs that the skimmer doesn't seem to notice at all and my water changes seem to knock it down for about 2-4 hours. I don't use a pre filter as I don't like to use very much mechanical filtration at all. I do use carbon but nowhere near my skimmer because of how my sump is set up and my air valve does not have any tubes or screens as I don't want to chance affecting performance. I have read that skimming drier makes it less likely to collapse though.

I never had any skimmer that did not collapse from something, this one just seems to be rather picky. I bought it used. I am going to try 1 more thing, and that is putting the old beckett from my PM on it. I bought a new one cause the old one was a pain to clean, the new one has a union, but the old one works fine, if I can do it a without carving it up I will give it a try otherwise I will have to sell it. thanks for the tip.

[leejr]

Originally Posted by uncle salty

I would personally go with an ev 180 if you can but the 120 is certainly rated for a 90 gal. I just like the added wiggle room the larger skimmer offers. Overdriving it by a little bit with a larger pump is definitely the way to go. I use a mag 9 on mine and I couldn't be happier with the performance. As far as how it rates, its like anything else. They have their die hard fans (me) and there are people that hate them. Most reviews I've read are excellent. I chose it based on those reviews and ease of maintenance as it has very few parts that require service.

I just can't find a used 180 that people don't want a crazy amount of money for.

[Lecter]

Originally Posted by leejr

I just can't find a used 180 that people don't want a crazy amount of money for.

Wanna buy a used ev 400 with a mag 24 for $225.00, shipped?

[tdb320reef]

Get the SRO-5000. It has a 3 year on the pump and was only $500. They keep their value.

[JimC]

I jammed with a Bubble Master 250. Loved the skimmer. Hated the start up issues. An annoyance really. If your going to have plenty of room in your sump to deal with that if the problem arises, may be worth it. Great skimmer.

Oviously love my old Bubble King, if you can find one at the right time for the right price....

I've ran 3 different Octopus skimmers and truth be told, I wasn't a fan.

Currently running a SWC in a system. Pretty happy with it.

Had a Euro-Reef in my current display. Always liked those. Had one back in the day too. Actually took it off line in favor of Shawns Bubble Magus cone. Love that skimmer believe it or not .