Best skimmer for 150 gallon Reef

jrt0030

jrt0030

New Member
About 7 months ago, I went from a 55 gallon to a 150 with a sump. I am using my old reef octopus BH-100 which I know isn't big enough. Can someone please help. My nitrates will not go below 40 nomatter what and I think a better skimmer would do the trick. I don't have alot of room. The one I am using now is a hang on the back.........
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I love my ASM G3, ran it on my 155, and now on my 180. You could look into the Reef Octopus that is rated for your size tank as well.
 
jrt0030

jrt0030

New Member
Thank you. I have heard that the rates are way overstated on skimmers. Example a rate of 100 is only 50.......is that true?
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator

Thank you. I have heard that the rates are way overstated on skimmers. Example a rate of 100 is only 50.......is that true?
Some believe it, some dont. On my 180, I have a 30g refugium and a 30-40g sump. I don't think the skimmer I run is technically rated for what I have, but with it and the fuge, everything is fine and I have a heavy bioload.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
but then again, Acrylic said that not all octopus skimmers are good... I don't get why Octopus skimmers are good, but an Octopus NWB 150 Needle Wheel skimmer is not?
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Peformance wise I think it comes down to the pumps that the different models are using. The bubble blaster pumps on the super reef octos produce some good numbers. Not that the older versions are bad. Just that they don't have the performance of the cones with the bubble blaster pumps. That's my take on it.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388303/best-skimmer-for-150-gallon-reef#post_3424656
but then again, Acrylic said that not all octopus skimmers are good... I don't get why Octopus skimmers are good, but an Octopus NWB 150 Needle Wheel skimmer is not?
Snake where/when did I say this?????? I never said that it wasn't a good skimmer....I said there are more efficient skimmers in their model lineup.....
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388303/best-skimmer-for-150-gallon-reef#post_3424658
Peformance wise I think it comes down to the pumps that the different models are using. The bubble blaster pumps on the super reef octos produce some good numbers. Not that the older versions are bad. Just that they don't have the performance of the cones with the bubble blaster pumps. That's my take on it.
Exactly what I was getting at Snake......You can look at some of the older skimmer models of Octopus that have 3-4 pumps, and huge bodies.....Look at their newer models with really efficient pumps, and the necks are an important key to the skimmer as Corey pointed towards the efficiency on the "cone" design.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreef http:///t/388303/best-skimmer-for-150-gallon-reef#post_3424660
sort of like ASM, their G3 is great, but I probably wouldn't buy a G2.
I too like the ASM line, but wouldn't use anything bigger than the GX1......Their pumps to body size is horrible IMO......G3 could use a better pump.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrt0030 http:///t/388303/best-skimmer-for-150-gallon-reef#post_3423741
Thank you. I have heard that the rates are way overstated on skimmers. Example a rate of 100 is only 50.......is that true?
Some manufacturers tend to hype up the numbers. But basically what it boils down to is the bio load on the tank. For instance a particular skimmer may work well on a 125g tank with a light bio load. But the same skimmer would be maxed out on a 75g tank with a heavy bio load. Usually when you see the rating on a particular website for what sized tank a skimmer is rated for it will say "up to" a 125g tank etc. So as a general rule of thumb most folks tend to go with a skimmer rated for a slightly bigger tank if they plan on having a medium to heavy bio load.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator

I too like the ASM line, but wouldn't use anything bigger than the GX1......Their pumps to body size is horrible IMO......G3 could use a better pump.
 
I agree, that's why I run a larger pump on mine.
 
aquaknight

aquaknight

Active Member
I will be replacing the horribly outdated and inefficient AquaC skimmer on my 240gal shortly. It will definitely be a Skimz Monster that I'll be getting. (SM201 probably).
For a 150gal, the Reef Octopus SX200 would be awesome skimmer. The comparable Skimz model would be the SK181 cone. Great choice too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top