In sump skimmer

Any suggestions on a small base in sump skimmer? I have about an 8" x 9" open area to place it in. All suggestions are helpful. Max price is $250.

 

I have an AquaC urchin, and it works rather well. Granted, this is the only serious skimmer I've owned, but it seems to work rather well. The collection cup fills with a nasty dark skimmate weekly. Minimal noise issues as well.

 

I hear nothing but good about the Aqua C's. I have a Coralife 125 that works well for me though.

 

What is the total footprint of those two skimmers? Any other suggestions?

 

Aqua C Urchin 6" X 3"

Coralife 125 8.5" X 7"


Go with the Aqua C if you can its smaller and gets better reviews.

 

I also have the same CSS as mikejrice and it does a pretty good job. the section in my sump for the skimmer was the same size as you have so I was pretty limited in what I could get as far as skimmer size.

 

With the Aqua C Urchin Pro, what exactly is the drain fitting ( I think it is for the skim cup)? Could anyone send me a photo of it so I can see what I have to work with. Would you recommend the rio1400 or the mag drive 3 pump with it? How does the water go back in to the system (tubing, degassing plate)?

 

I would avoid the new marineland skimmer for sure...it is a real pain to use. It has to have just the right water level, or it does not work at all. It really stinks. An example of a major problem with it is when you turn your water pump off from your sump to your tank (like for maintenance). I have my skimmer and my sump pump on two different power supplies. When I turn my sump pump off, the water level in the sump obviously goes up a bit...well with the marineland skimmer, this raised the water level too high for the skimmer, and it overflowed into the skimmate collection cup to the point that it then overflowed into my sump. I had to drain the whole sump to get it clean. I never had that problem with the coralife skimmer I use in my other tank. So I pulled the marineland one out, and replaced it with the coralife 125. Have to give prop's to the folks at Dr.'s Foster and Smith on line- they took that Marineland one back with no questions asked. Thankfully.

 

I have read mixed things about both skimmers. I might try the corallife 125 out since it is cheaper and not as many options to confuse me. lol To many choices when it comes to these things.

What is the opinion on these:
http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-NWB-110-Protein-Skimmer-p/oc3524.htm
http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-Super-Reef-1000-Internal-Skimmer-p/oc9155.htm

 

have the coralife in my sump and no complaints so far. got it from foster and smith and everything is great. easy to adjust and clean, but for the price i don't think it can be beat in it's range.