Difference between a Recirculating and NON Recirculating skimmer?

One recirculates the water, and one doesn't

Quote:

Originally Posted by BW256S_SRT4 

LOL I figured that... Which one is better for my 90gal with 30gal sump.

LOl...I think it all depends on how you plan on stocking your tank.....

I just read a few blips on these......apparently if you plan on heavily stocking the recirc would be the better skimmer

light stocking, then the other would be sufficient......

IMO we spend soooooo much money on this stuff, I would get the one capable of handling more.....

are you looking at any specific skimmer brand?  

Quote:

Originally Posted by BW256S_SRT4 

Well I was looking at the octopus brand and found some at a good price that is rated for 125 gallon. Yes it is already heavily stocked.

Which model?   How much room do you have in  the sump?      I have done some research on a few of the Octos.....

I really like the Super Reef Octopus XP1000SSS, and it is good for limited space too

Quote:

Originally Posted by BW256S_SRT4 

The spot for the skimmer is 15x8. My sump is 30x15x15 30gal and I dont want to spend over 300 for one.

well the XP1000SSS runs about $295

Here is the specs...I think it will fit.....I will look up some purchase places and pm you

Super Reef Octopus XP 1000SSS CONE Protein Skimmer.

-Super Reef Octopus® 6” Space Saver Cone Skimmer
-Dimensions: 9.5”x7.5”x20.5”
-Rated up to 125gal.
-Features the new Bubble Blaster HY1000S
-High quality machine welded cast acrylic construction
-High performance design
-3 year warranty on Bubble Blaster pump. 1 year
warranty on skimmer. Lifetime warranty on support.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BW256S_SRT4 

Well I have 4 chambers in my sump. Skimmer spot is 15x8 like said before. Ref is 14x15, bubble trap is 15x1.5 and the return chamber is 6x15.

Sounds like 9.5 x 7.5 will fit then

sent you a pm

IMO A recirculating skimmer is better. The difference is that a recirculting skimmer has to be fed water via a pump or plumbed to your overflow. What that does is give you the ability to regulate the amount of water going to the skimmer without effecting the water level and amount if air being sucked in. Meaning you can run the skimmer with slower gallons per hour giving the water more time in the skimmer and more contact time with the air. End result cleaner water. Kinda hard to explain but I did the best I could. here is a pic of my asm g5 that has been modded to be a recirluating skimmer

As you can see I can control the amount of water going in and the amount of water going out with the 2 ball valves. It is plumbed directly to the left overflow on my tank. it let me leave the water in the skimmer longer to be skimmed. Hope this helped