I need a new skimmer

I bought a Berlin x2 turbo about a year ago and have had nothing but trouble. I have gone through two pumps and three impellers. I ran into the same problem with both pumps at some point they stop pumping water and just run every time the power goes out.

I have a 120 gal tank with fish only (though at some point I want corals) and no sump here were some of the pricier HOBs I was looking at:

1) Tunze 9011 (or smaller)
2) Any of the HOB Reef Octopus Skimmers
3) Deltec Internal MC500

Im hoping to spend round $350-400 and get something that is good, easy to maintain, and will last any suggestions?

 

heres what id do, buy a 200 dollar octo skimmer then take the 200 you would save and buy a overflow kit and make your self a sump....by far the better way to go....



btw im in rochester id be more then willing to come help you set it up and plan it out

 

I looked into a sump and to get all the pieces the way I want them I would like end up spending 600 for sump, overflow, pumps, tubing, etc. If I went that waya, then bought a new skimmer it would be cheaper to buy a new tank with overflow built in. Besides everyone says not to do the overflows as they will just fail when the power goes out. Which happens 3-5 times a month where I live.

The LFS suggests octopus skimmers but I was still interested in going as low cost as possible while only buying it once. I was saving up for a light fixture

 

One more thing I dont have the skill, time, or patience at the moment to build myself a sump. Things tend to not work for me till the forth or fifth time and that would drive me crazy right now. :-/

 

40 gallon breeder at pet co-40 bucks
overflow-40 bucks
pvc pipe-25
skimmer 200
baffeles and glue-20 bucks



think about it...much better option.....

 

and i agree octo skimmers are the shiz-nit (yes i use one lol )

 

I recommend the aqua c remora. I love it. unfortunately its probably to small for a tank with a bioload like yours. They aren't super pricey and are built simple and very efficient.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I was thinking about getting the octopus skimmer that is fire engine red. Does anyone have any opinion about aquacave.com (yes I know they sponsor the site so dont be a brown nose lol).