Protein skimmer question

[rknapp]

I'm looking for some input on skimmers. My Red Sea broke again and I don't want to fix it any more. I can't spend a lot of money but I don't want another piece of junk like my last one. I have a 90 gal reef tank with about a 10 gal sump and I heard the Reef Octopus Needlewheel are pretty good for the price. I was thinking of the 4(100 gal). The only problem is they are metric. Are metric fittings easily available and does anyone know if the whole thing has to go in the sump or can I just put the pump in like my old skimmer? Also any opinions on the Octopus brand would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Octopus are good skimmers, so are ASM skimmers. Eshopps are ok if you are on a budget and can fit it in your sump. If you want one that is out of sump, then you'll need to get a recirculating skimmer. Your old pump can push water to the skimmer, and the pump(s) on the skimmer will create the bubbles.
As far as being metric, I haven't heard many people complain that they aren't able to adapt it to their tank. Maybe someone else with a little more technical experience can chime in.

 

[rknapp]

Thanks for the reply again. I guess I'll get an Octopus then since they are reasonably priced too.

 

[clown-keeper99]

Coralife super skimmers are my personal favorite
the 125 version is only $250

 

[rknapp]

Thanks, I'll check them out too.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Quote:
Originally Posted by clown-keeper99 http:///t/388651/protein-skimmer-question#post_3428833
Coralife super skimmers are my personal favorite
the 125 version is only $250
I don't know where you are shopping, but a coralife 125 costs about $140 online, and a 220 version costs about $200 online. There are much better skimmers out there for that kind of money.

 

[clown-keeper99]

well yeah I got the numbers messed up
I spent $100 on my coralife skimmer and am loving it
well worth it IMO

 

[al&burke]

Check out the SWC cone 160