Here's my build, it's a 150 gallon display tank with a 50 gallon sump that I'd like to keep a mixed reef in, if you'd like more details please feel free to visit the link or ask any questions necessary.
After reading a ton of stuff here on the forums and a few other places I'd consider myself fairly well educated on the basics of how protein skimmers work, and the different types of skimmers. Unfortunately in all my reading I still haven't come up with a concrete answer as to whether downdraft, venturi, spray jet, needlewheel, airstone, or some other type of skimmer works best or more efficiently.
I've read a ton of posts recommending Octopus skimmers, and so I looked a bit more into them and found these two.
Reef Octopus 8" Pinwheel In Sump Skimmer OCT NWB200
Reef Octopus Extreme XS 200 Protein Skimmer
The first is rated for aquariums up to 250 gallons, and the second is rated for 200 gallon aquariums but the first is cheaper than the second. I'm assuming, and maybe I'm making a mistake, but that there must be some reason for the Extreme XS 200 costing more money despite not being able to handle as large of a tank.
Would someone mind cluing me into why this is and/or recommending a skimmer for my system along with why that skimmer would be good for my setup?
After reading a ton of stuff here on the forums and a few other places I'd consider myself fairly well educated on the basics of how protein skimmers work, and the different types of skimmers. Unfortunately in all my reading I still haven't come up with a concrete answer as to whether downdraft, venturi, spray jet, needlewheel, airstone, or some other type of skimmer works best or more efficiently.
I've read a ton of posts recommending Octopus skimmers, and so I looked a bit more into them and found these two.
Reef Octopus 8" Pinwheel In Sump Skimmer OCT NWB200
Reef Octopus Extreme XS 200 Protein Skimmer
The first is rated for aquariums up to 250 gallons, and the second is rated for 200 gallon aquariums but the first is cheaper than the second. I'm assuming, and maybe I'm making a mistake, but that there must be some reason for the Extreme XS 200 costing more money despite not being able to handle as large of a tank.
Would someone mind cluing me into why this is and/or recommending a skimmer for my system along with why that skimmer would be good for my setup?