Input On New Skimmer Please

mr&mrs.o

mr&mrs.o

Member
We are looking to buy a new skimmer for our tank and need some input from the experts and experienced

Tank Info:
180 Reef
Currently home to: clowns, tang, anems, CUC, pep shrimp, cleaner shrimp, serpent star
Will eventually be home to: other tangs, blenny, firefish, maybe an angel
Current corals: hammer, candy cane, zoos, brain
Will have other corals in the future: leather, other soft and hard corals
We want to make sure we're going to have a good enough skimmer to take care of all types of corals and keep everyone happy. We are currently looking at a Pacific Coast PS-2000. Any thoughts/experience with this one? Should we try to go with a 3000?
Other questions:
1. We've heard Needle Wheel is better? Is this true?
2. How many gallons should our new skimmer be rated to to support the things we want and the size tank?
3. We've also heard of MSX skimmers. Any thoughts on these?
4. Any other skimmer suggestions for us?
TIA for any help and input
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

I hate my corallife skimmer, it has the needle wheel...I hate it because I have messed with it since I bought to get rid of micro bubbles, and once I finally got it, the thing flooded the living room. I also was very unhappy with the CPR Backpac...avoid those. I HEARD Octopus brand makes a good skimmer.
 
joncat24

joncat24

Active Member
For your tank size, I would go with a MSX 200 or or mini s cone., depending on your sump size.
If you are looking at cone skimmers, another good choice is the ATB 840 version 1.5. Although the atb is a little more expensive.
 
mr&mrs.o

mr&mrs.o

Member
We'll start looking more into the MSX. Do you know where has the best deals on these? I'm actually not finding them on a lot of the sites I've looked.
Anyone else?? What about the needle wheel...better or not?
 
pinstripe

pinstripe

Member
I just got a Reef Octopus HOB skimmer (BF-2000 if memory serves). This thing is absolutely amazing. The "break-in" process takes a while though. I had to hang it on the front of my tank, plug it in, the cup would fill up in 5 minutes, unplug, empty, repeat.... next time it would take a few more minutes to fill.... repeat.... until I could keep it on long enough to walk away from it, then overnight, etc.
BUT!!! once it broke-in, WOW is all I have to say. It literally pulls out yellow tint from your water column due to its effeciency. Now, I have thick skimate that I remove once a week/2 weeks, and there is never a film on the water surface. Furthermore, I use a canister filter and I feel like I don't really have to change the sponges as often because they just don't get dirty anymore. For the money, the best I have come across.
One big drawback is that the instructions are in Chineese and broken English. It consists of a one page diagram and very non-specific directions. You have to use your brain a little when putting together. If you search them on the net, you will find similar complaints.... and the help desk number the vendor gave me was completely useless.
Get past the initial setup and you will love it.
My 2 cents.
 
T

tizzo

Guest
For a cone skimmer that is a little cheaper, google I-tech skimmers.
They really do work very well, & they are very quiet.
 
mr&mrs.o

mr&mrs.o

Member
We've decided to go with the MSX 200...on order now. I've seen it suggested more than once around here and haven't seen any major complaints. It seems that it will be able to handle our bioload once we begin adding more. Plus, our current skimmer is WORTHLESS! Thanks for the input!
 
detane

detane

Member
ASM G's are a great BANG FOR THE BUCK SKIMMER. Vivid Aquariums uses them in their own systems and they swear by them. check them out online.
I use an ASM G3
 
rigdon87

rigdon87

Member
Mr&Mrs.O;3140648 said:
We've decided to go with the MSX 200...on order now. I've seen it suggested more than once around here and haven't seen any major complaints.QUOTE]
I bought the msx300 4-5mnths ago and it does a extremly good job. BUT there customer service is horrible and there quality isnt the best(cheaply made), alot of people including me have had a hard time running the mesh mod in the pump.5 out of 5 for its functionality(wrd?) and for quality i woud give it maybe 2stars.I hope you dnt have any prblems and good luck
Click to expand...
 
rigdon87

rigdon87

Member
Originally Posted by Mr&Mrs.O
http:///forum/post/3140648
We've decided to go with the MSX 200...on order now. I've seen it suggested more than once around here and haven't seen any major complaints.
I bought the msx300 4-5mnths ago and it does a extremly good job. BUT there customer service is horrible and there quality isnt the best(cheaply made), alot of people including me have had a hard time running the mesh mod in the pump.5 out of 5 for its functionality(wrd?) and for quality i woud give it maybe 2stars.I hope you dnt have any prblems and good luck
 
joncat24

joncat24

Active Member
Originally Posted by Rigdon87
http:///forum/post/3141004
I bought the msx300 4-5mnths ago and it does a extremly good job. BUT there customer service is horrible and there quality isnt the best(cheaply made), alot of people including me have had a hard time running the mesh mod in the pump.5 out of 5 for its functionality(wrd?) and for quality i woud give it maybe 2stars.I hope you dnt have any prblems and good luck

what problems did you have with customer service? Did you call or use their forum?
I remember telling you that the mesh is hit or miss, if you run the mesh, you have to mess with it to get it right. Which is why I recommend using the pinwheels that come installed on the pump. It is very hard to use mesh and get it balanced as well as a pinwheel, but if you do, it can be very effective.
 
pbnj

pbnj

Member
Originally Posted by DETANE
http:///forum/post/3140753
ASM G's are a great BANG FOR THE BUCK SKIMMER. Vivid Aquariums uses them in their own systems and they swear by them. check them out online.
I use an ASM G3
+1

Love the ASMs. I know there are newer technologies (recirculating) and better-rated skimmers out there, but you can't beat the price for the amount of skimmate they produce/remove. Simple design and maintenance to boot.
Check out user reviews online....you'll be hard-pressed to find an ASM user who isn't pleased.
 
moondog

moondog

Member
I recently purchased teh MSX 200. The skimmer works great, but I was having some issues with the Sicce Pump, I stuck the "break in" process out, but that pump was really loud, it would wake me up at night.
I have been dealing with their customer service since I have bought the skimmer, and they have been very responsive in trying to solve this issue, I just sent my pump back, and they are trying to resolve the issue as we speak, but he would e-mail me back in minutes sometimes.
Other than being really loud, that skimmer kicks butt.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top