Protein skimmer advice needed

[jason c]

Well i finally oreder my sump/refugim which is going to be custom made for my tank and stand configureation. It is going to be 48x20x20 which comes out to 84 gallons or so, and leaning towards the reef octopus NW 200 skimmer. my question is that since i have a 180 tank and 84 gal sump do i need to size my skimmer for the combined gallons of 264 or just match it for the tank only gallons ?? I do want to have SOME overkill, but dont want to just waste money on a giant skimmer if i truely dont need to. Also what do you guys think about the reef octopus brand, and there performance ?? I want to stay under $400.00 for the skimmer, and my LFs can get me the NW 200 for $330.00 Any advice will be great, thanks.

[ScottCRRT]

I always include my total gallons when considering what bio-load a skimmer can handle. I would combine your display and sump together. Also, I am a Reef Octopus user myself. I use the DNW-150 recirculator, and am totally pleased with it. Before buying new, check out the forums/ post a "want to buy" thread. But, the skimmer is where you don't want to skimp on quality or bio-load capacity.

[aileen]

I would look at the Eshopps cone skimmers. Particularly, the S150 or S200. They use sicce pumps, which are good quality. I'm running an S120 on my 65g reef which is way overkill, but I wanted to be able to use it if I ever upgrade. The good thing about eshopps S series is that they have a small footprint. I was able to fit my S120 into a pretty small sump space. I like the skimmer and the price runs between 300 for the S150 or 400 for the S 200.

[allendavant]

Definitely combine your total water volume. A lot of people suggest you get a skimmer rated for twice your water volume, so I would at least get one that is meant to handle at least a little more then your total water volume, if not twice that to be safe. How heavy you are planning on stocking your tank will matter too. I have heard good things about Reef Octopus. A lot of people like SWC skimmers too, which I think are made by Reef Octo. I personally run a Euro Reef that is rated for 90 gallons on my 35 gallon system. I am very happy with it. It is low maintenance and very easy to adjust. I think Euro Reef changed their name to Reef Dynamics now, if I'm not mistaken. Lots of people should chime in and give you better advice than me though.

[jduck]

If your not in a hurry wait for the 4th of July sale. Should be able to save at least 10% off.

[on the spot]

Extreme XS 200 Protein Skimmer is a better value based on the pump used.

The water volume rating is completely bogus. It's a guess based on guesses. Find the most air injected for the least watts consumed that fits the ballpark of your sump turnover.

Let's guess you need to push 500 gph through your overflow to keep the surface water clean (that floating film). This is the stuff the skimmer removes. If the skimmer pump can only pump 200 or 300 gph, your skimmer is too small.

This is just my best guess though.

JMO, HTH, YMMV

[jason c]

I have a mag 18 that will be return pump if that makes any differance . Do you guys think that my sump/ refugium at 48x20x20 is a good size for the 180 that's going to be a reef tank ?

[Jim_Dont_Care]

sump rule
#1 make sure its not to tall to get equipment in or out
#2 make sure when u drop power i can hold the extra from tank so there is no flood
folow these and size dont matter bigger is always better allows for better bigger equipment and such.
even if your sump is 48x20x20 when u figure water volume remember its not going to be full like the main tank

[on the spot]

Originally Posted by jason c

I have a mag 18 that will be return pump if that makes any difference .

How big or how much water you can push isn't as relevant as how much you should push. More is not better. In my book ever, but some folks are in the whirlpool sump camp - more power to them, as they need it.
I want my return moving enough water to keep the surface turned over, and matched as closely as I can to my skimmer. Since you have the pump already you may want a valve on the return line so you can dial it down. I won't hurt your pump at all.

Originally Posted by jason c

Do you guys think that my sump/ refugium at 48x20x20 is a good size for the 180 that's going to be a reef tank ?

Originally Posted by jim48442

sump rule
#1 make sure its not to tall to get equipment in or out

The other Jim gives good council. If this is under the stand 20" can be a literal pain in the neck and shoulders.

[Jim_Dont_Care]

i mean more room is better guess i should have made that clear i also run a mag 18 no whirlpool in my sump seems to go a good pump for what i have

[McPuff]

I also have a Mag 18 for my return pump for my 180. I have a 60 sump... which is a 48 x 18 x 16 tank. I would not want it any taller than this... would be too tough to work in... and would have been impossible to get my skimmer in there (barely got it in there as it is!). Perhaps your stand is taller than mine... I have about 26" clearance under there.