Advice on Protein Skimmers

[juliesfish]

I am probably going to be buying a protein skimmer soon and wanted to know what I should look for, what brands are good and what to stay away from. I have a 90 gallon tank that's been set up for about 6-7 weeks now and I have 2 clownfish and one firefish in there right now. What size protein skimmer should I get? Are they really necessary?

 

[juliesfish]

Someone is selling a used Reef Octopus Extreme 200 for $80 not to far from me. That seems like a really good deal. Any opinions?

 

[mr. limpid]

For a reef tank a must, for fish only tank they are nice to have, helps keep nitrates down and organics. Octopus or ASM is a good brand, I personal went jeep since I have a 20gal reef and fish only tank I run Red Sea prizm hang on, they both run fine.

 

[mr. limpid]

that's a good deal norm about $300 new, make sure it is running and the pump isn't making any weird noises. Also clean out the pumps propeller compartment before you start using it.

 

[clown-keeper99]

generaly you want a skimmer that is rated for an aquarium a little larger than your tank (I suggest a skimmer rated for 100-120 gallons)
also bite the bullet and buy a venturi style skimmer because most airstone driven skimmers just don't have the power to handle a tank that big
also be carful with used skimmers and be careful they are working properly before you buy

 

[1guydude]

Dont go cheap imho....ull end up wasting ur money and getting another more expensive unit down the road! The octopus does seem to be a good deal. Make sure to check for cracks, ask to see in action if possible maybe! You can get another pump for relativly decent money if it dont work!

 

[juliesfish]

Well, I'm going to keep looking. I don't have to have one right now, all of my levels are good. I think the Octopus 200 is going to be more than I need. Thanks for the advice as usual!

 

[acrylic51]

A big question is what do you want to spend? ASM, EuroReef, are both excellent skimmers.....Octopus another top performer....I'd opt the Octopus skimmer, but my 2nd choice would be the ASM...Not as fancy as the EuroReef or Octopus, but definitely decent skimmer.

 

[juliesfish]

I'm actually looking at an Octopus NWB-110 Protein Skimmer. Seems to get good reviews. Ebay is a wonderful thing.

 

[clown-keeper99]

still be careful with ebay (I have had my fare share of headaches from ebay)
my personal favorite is the coralife super skimmers, they may be worth looking into