I'm currently on the lookout for a skimmer for the 125. We'll be using a 55G sump. What type / version would you recommend? It will be moderately stocked with fish and mixed reef.
Skimmer Recommendation?
- Thread starter Hooked Newbie
- Start date
Look into the Octopus Extreme models. Good bang for your buck and not prohibitively expensive, either.
Thanks for the recommendation- we are REALLY looking forward to starting the 125, or at least collecting the equipment we need to start it! I've done a bit of Googling, but I'm not really finding many explanations as to what model we should be considering. Can we trust the manufacturer's rating if we can find it, or is it like most other aquarium equipment; should we go up a size?
I've checked the familiar online shops for aquarium equipment (the Drs., Marine Depot, etc.) and I'm not able to find this brand. Would you mind linking us to a store that sells the Octopus Extreme at a good price?
I personally can not make a recommendation because I am JUST getting into saltwater... but in light of that fact I have been doing exhaustive reading of reviews, both official and on forums like this, I now know more about skimmers in terms of "book knowledge" than I ever wanted to know. After all my research I landed on the Bak Pak 2 (only 36 gallon tank and I needed a HOT) - but the one brand that got universally great reviews across the board for larger tanks was "TurboFloater"
http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-Protein-Skimmers-s/838.htm i found this for ya's sev and HN. not a bad price on the 125 gallon model
I would stay far away from those models with larger tanks. With smaller tanks, for the price, they will get the job done, though.
interesting, after all my research online and in person you're the only one whose ever said that. Guess it all comes down to personal experience.
fishieness- are you referring to the BakPak or the Turboflotor or both? We are not interested in a hang-on skimmer anyway, as we will be running a 55 gallon sump (or at least a 40 long).
Well, both Hooked Newbie and myself have experience with keeping SW tanks successfully, but we've been keeping nano tanks so we know very little about skimmers. Thus, personal experience with specific models would be of the most benefit to us.
I would choose the turbofloater over the backpack definitely. Once again, both are decent for smaller tanks, but for the 125 that the poster has, i would not get either. There aren't many GREAT HOB skimmers. For a larger tank, you are going to have to pay for it. THe deltec MCE600 would be a pretty good choice if you need a HOB. Most others are a little on the ok-side. For a 40 gallon tank, the turbofloter will definitely do the job. ANd if the money for a deltec is not avalible, which is veeeeeery understandable, the other common HOB skimmers like the octopus, turbofloter, or backpack will definitely do something. It is just on the smaller/weaker side for a larger tank, especially if it is heavily stocked.