Help choosing a skimmer

[Hecdr34]

I'll keep it short. I need a new skimmer that fits right for my 33.6 gallon with 40 gallon sump. 50 gallons total. I don't want a skimmer that is too big like the XP-1000sss that I have now. It's an all anemone tank with a few chromis and a pair of clowns. Some that I had in my mind are listed below. Thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Thank you

1- Vertex IN-80
2- Nac5
3- Curve5
4- Nac5.5 cone
5- SWC 120

 

[NYreefNoob]

personally i like the in80

 

[Hecdr34]

Thank you. That's also my first pick. I was also looking at the Reef Dynamics INS80 but It's $100 more.

 

[E.intheC]

I like the Vertex (or a used euro reef if you can find one) by far out of those you listed.

Also, take a look at the Warner Marine MF-121. It's what I have right now. Awesome skimmer

 

[Hecdr34]

Thanks Eric. If I could only find a Euro Reef rs80. I think the Vertex will do the job for now. Do you guys think the RD ins-80 is worth the extra $100?

 

[E.intheC]

I wouldn't spend the extra money on the Reef Dynamics. If you want to spend some money, buy a Tunze Hydrofoamer or one of the new Sicce pumps (If you can match the GPH of the Vertex pump). They're great.

 

[Hecdr34]

I've been reading and the Vertex won't fit in my sump. It says its 10 3/4" wide and my sump is 10"

Second choice?

 

[E.intheC]

Skimz equivalent of the Warner Marine MF-121. It has a pretty small footprint.

Third choice would be a Sea Side Aquatics skimmer. They're really just the bubble magus with a GOOD pump.

 

[Hecdr34]

I ended up ordering the Vertex. I'll make it fit in my sump

 

[E.intheC]

Good choice. Might want to rethink that sump if THIS skimmer doesn't fit :lol2:

 

[Hecdr34]

I have a 40 breeder on my 33.6 gallon now but if this skimmer doesn't fit I will use a 75 gallon that I have in my yard. I really hope it fits though.

 

[NYreefNoob]

normally id agree with eric on the sicce 600 pump upgrade, but i think that might make the skimmer a little too much for a tank that size, and no i wouldnt spend the extra $ on the reef dynamic, it's basically the same skimmer, and use's the same pump ( different name ) once ya get it lmk, pay for shipping and ill send ya a volute from the sedra, it does fit but might change the foot print

 

[Hecdr34]

Wow, thank you. I appreciate it. If it makes it wider on the 10" side then it might not work. I'll see how wide it really is and then I'll contact you. I've seen 3 different footprints online for the same skimmer so I'm not really sure which one to believe. Thank you

Hector

normally id agree with eric on the sicce 600 pump upgrade, but i think that might make the skimmer a little too much for a tank that size, and no i wouldnt spend the extra $ on the reef dynamic, it's basically the same skimmer, and use's the same pump ( different name ) once ya get it lmk, pay for shipping and ill send ya a volute from the sedra, it does fit but might change the foot print

 

[NYreefNoob]

pending angle you put the pump makes a difference in the foot print, also can cut some of that tube down to make smaller foot,

 

[Hecdr34]

Good pointers. Thank you

 

[E.intheC]

Hector, do you still have the two-tank setup? If not, then yeah the Sicce pump upgrade would probably be too much.

You should be able to fit everything in the 40 breeder though, right? I fit that skimmer (and the IN-100) in a 20 gallon high tank.

 

[garys reef]

Im running the BMNAC3.5 cone in my 40 breeder and its pulling out some real nasty

 

[Hecdr34]

Im running the BMNAC3.5 cone in my 40 breeder and its pulling out some real nasty

The nac3.5 is an awesome little skimmer. I use to run it on my 30 rimless and it pulled some nasty, black, smelly stuff but It's just so tiny... Lol

 

[garys reef]

Ok im running a 40 breeder for my sump and a bm nac7 is great

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

I love the swc120 extreme , great great great skimmer!!