Best skimmer for under $300?

[Bosco83]

My tank is a 90 gallon with a 30 gallon sump and I currently have an etss reef devil skimmer. I am tired of this thing I can never get it to skim good for more than maybe a few hours at a time. So I would like an in sump skimmer and the space I have available is L 11 1/4" X W 9" X H 25" any suggestions? I was thinking the SWC160 would have liked the SWC200 but it's just a little too big of a foot print.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Myteemouse]

SWC160 would be perfect..

 

[Skimmy]

considering the space you have, yes the SWC extreme 160 would be perfect.
it's probably at least 2 times the skimmer as the reef devil.

 

[Bosco83]

Cool thanks guys I figured so after doing a little research. Have they fixed any of the start up problems with the pump that comes with it?

Brian

considering the space you have, yes the SWC extreme 160 would be perfect.
it's probably at least 2 times the skimmer as the reef devil.

 

[gotfish]

If you buy it before tomorrow you can get free shipping as well. Just type FREE SHIP in the code box when ordering from www.saltwaterconnection.com

 

[Bosco83]

Thanks for the tip! I won't be ordering it before september though saving for my wedding.

Brian

If you buy it before tomorrow you can get free shipping as well. Just type FREE SHIP in the code box when ordering from www.saltwaterconnection.com

 

[ReefJunkie]

By the time September comes along there may be a better one yet so you almost have to do you searching and reviews when it comes time to buy. I run an AquaC EV180 on my 75 gal which is a bit overkill but I really like the performance of this skimmer. I run a calcium reactor also so the JG fitting that comes with the EV180 allows me to run my output to the fitting and therefore "blowing' off any access CO2.

 

[Bosco83]

By the time September comes along there may be a better one yet so you almost have to do you searching and reviews when it comes time to buy. I run an AquaC EV180 on my 75 gal which is a bit overkill but I really like the performance of this skimmer. I run a calcium reactor also so the JG fitting that comes with the EV180 allows me to run my output to the fitting and therefore "blowing' off any access CO2.

Yea I was maybe thinking of spending a little more and getting the swc mini cone skimmer it's $499 right now. But it's hard to convince my fiance that I really need one that costs that much.

Brian

 

[ReefJunkie]

Trust me on this one. It's a lot easier to convince your 'fiance' now than your 'wife' later.

 

[Bosco83]

Trust me on this one. It's a lot easier to convince your 'fiance' now than your 'wife' later.

LOL yea I bet we are getting married this september in Vegas.

 

[ReefJunkie]

The best of luck to you both!

 

[Bosco83]

Thank You!

 

[tylert]

talk to matts125, I have the exact same set up as you 90/30 and he built me a beckett skimmer that can handle 500 gallons. I can feed AS MUCH AS I WANT! and it was for a really good deal, under 300. It'll beat the SWC 160 and 200 no prob, down side is it uses a mag 12 and more electricty.

 

[Adam Black]

talk to matts125, I have the exact same set up as you 90/30 and he built me a beckett skimmer that can handle 500 gallons. I can feed AS MUCH AS I WANT! and it was for a really good deal, under 300. It'll beat the SWC 160 and 200 no prob, down side is it uses a mag 12 and more electricty.

That's a great deal. If it's anything like his calcium reactors then you know it's well built.

 

[Skimmy]

talk to matts125, I have the exact same set up as you 90/30 and he built me a beckett skimmer that can handle 500 gallons. I can feed AS MUCH AS I WANT! and it was for a really good deal, under 300. It'll beat the SWC 160 and 200 no prob, down side is it uses a mag 12 and more electricty.

fwiw, your going to have to power a single beckett injector with more than a mag 12 for you to get the 40scfh the sicce pulls, more like 1600-2000gph pump depending on the pressure.... you want nothing but foam with no waterline in a beckett's reaction chamber, if you can do it...same with downdraft skimmers.

 

[Bosco83]

I was thinking about it his beckett skimmer but I am already fighting heat issues so I think a smaller pump would put out less heat and noise.

 

[DonW]

fwiw, your going to have to power a single beckett injector with more than a mag 12 for you to get the 40scfh the sicce pulls, more like 1600-2000gph pump depending on the pressure.... you want nothing but foam with no waterline in a beckett's reaction chamber, if you can do it...same with downdraft skimmers.

I agree here. A beckett with a mag 12 is not going to perform well. The msx will probably easily out perform it. Switch the beckett to something like a Iwaki md20rlt and it will perform like a beckett should.

Don

 

[tylert]

well I have dual beckett injectors with a 6inch diameter to a 4 inch diameter, it's about 30" tall. What kind of pump would you recomend?

 

[DonW]

well I have dual beckett injectors with a 6inch diameter to a 4 inch diameter, it's about 30" tall. What kind of pump would you recomend?

An Iwaki 55 and close/plug off one of the beckett injectors. IMO its to small for duals and will be much easier to tune with a single.

Don

 

[tylert]

An Iwaki 55 and close/plug off one of the beckett injectors. IMO its to small for duals and will be much easier to tune with a single.

Don

how do i close off one of the injectors? and I have a mag 18 will that work?