Looking for input on Skimmer selection.

[Klewis]

I'm looking to buy a new in sump skimmer for my 120 reef tank. The following skimmers are what I'm trying to choose between.

1) Eshopps S-150 Economy Cone
2) AquaC EV-180 Skimmer with JG fitting and Mag 7 pump
3) Reef Octopus Extreme in-sump 6.4 in (160 gal)
4) Reef Octopus XP-2000 Cone or the XP-2000 SSS
5) Gen 3 Vertex VX-IN180 (Might be to big for Sump)
6) Bubble Magus NAC-7 Cone

Any input, pros and cons from personal experience would be appreciated. And recommendations on best pricing would be nice too...

 

[NYPDFrogman]

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/equipment/81514-new-reef-octopus-skimmer.html

I would suggest the Super reef octopus XP 2000 cone for a 120gal DT
Give Jim or russ a call (saltwatercritters) I had my skimmer in 3 days!

 

[NYreefNoob]

the vertex is a kick butt skimmer had the in 180 and would be a great match, the Reef Octopus SRO XP-1000SSS Cone would be on the small side, aquac definately would, power hog and think the nac 7 would be a little small

 

[Klewis]

I have read good things about the Vertex, Octopus XP's, and Aqua C EV180. The Vertex foot print is a little to big for my sump.

NYREEFNOOB : So the Aqua C is a recommend skimmer but it is a power hog?

Other than maintenance of the pump what is the limitations of the Super Reef XP 2000SSS verses the the Super Reef XP 2000?

 

[NYreefNoob]

id not a huge fan of down draft unless you have a 200 or bigger. pmoneyt has the 2000 octo cone and loves it but has to be ran in 6-7" of water, if going with a down draft id take the etss sump buddy 40 or 60 over the auqac

 

[Klewis]

Ok, I think I have narrowed my choices down to two. The only problem is the foot print of the skimmers.

1) Vertex IN-180
Or
2) Super Reef XP2000I

I'm leaning towards the Super Reef XP2000I because the foot print is about 1/2" smaller and I think I can squeeze it into my sump.

Does any one know if the Super Reef XP2000SSS is as efficient as the Super Reef XP2000I???

 

[NYPDFrogman]

Ok, I think I have narrowed my choices down to two. The only problem is the foot print of the skimmers.

1) Vertex IN-180
Or
2) Super Reef XP2000I

I'm leaning towards the Super Reef XP2000I because the foot print is about 1/2" smaller and I think I can squeeze it into my sump.

Does any one know if the Super Reef XP2000SSS is as efficient as the Super Reef XP2000I???

I thinks so and here is my explanation
the bubbles in my 5000 start just above the diffuser plate, in 2000 sss
the pump is in the area right below I don't see a disadvantage or advantage having the pump mounted in or out, regarding skimmer efficiency
I would say maintenance wise it would be easier to service an externally mounted pump
if you are strapped for space than the space saver is the way to go

 

[NYreefNoob]

well to me the super space saver couldnt work as efficiantly because if your using the same pump it actually would have less reaction time with the pump in the body, making the rise of the body less then the external pump model. if they ever made the 1000 with the pump outside the body i would order it myself, plus the external pump model is $50 less

 

[NYPDFrogman]

the air water reaction occurs above the pump

 

[NYreefNoob]

naw i know, but the space between the bubble plate and and where collection cup is, is less then the version with the pump outside of the body

 

[NYPDFrogman]

naw i know, but the space between the bubble plate and and where collection cup is, is less then the version with the pump outside of the body

when you're strapped for space u have no choice I think the difference is nonsense efficiency wise
cleaning and maintenance is another issue
if I didnt say it before the SRO is a kick ass skimmer the bubble blaster pump is awesome

 

[NYreefNoob]

frank lmk how you still like that skimmer in 3 month's, one thing i have always said with skimmers you really need atleast 3 months of use to properly judge a skimmer, the body needs to get coated and pump really broke in, i see alot of people first week swear by a skimmer and you never hear about it again. friend owns the 2000 and loves it, and reason why i am lookin to get one also except the 2000 will be too much skimmer for my tank

 

[Klewis]

NYPDFROGMAN: I just saw your pics of your skimmer in action, Nice!!! After seeing that I'm leaning heavily towards the Super Reef Octopus XP2000I Cone What size tank is that on?

NYREEFNOOB: how long has your friend had the 2000?

 

[NYPDFrogman]

NYPDFROGMAN: I just saw your pics of your skimmer in action, Nice!!! After seeing that I'm leaning heavily towards the Super Reef Octopus XP2000I Cone What size tank is that on?

NYREEFNOOB: how long has your friend had the 2000?

on a 450gal mixed reef

 

[NYreefNoob]

i do believe around 6 months and actually is a guy selling one on here also