New Skimmer

I was assured my mini 160 could pull a 90g comfortably. I always was a little concerned maybe it was undersized, or not enough head room.

Well I got a bigger skimmer, but was a little worried all I was doing was buying more head room. A skimmer is only going to pull out what is produced. My K2 so far seems to bepulling the same as the 160. Seems all I have done is buy more head room. (In fairness, it has not been a 100%. I'm getting a new pump this week. We have not been able to figure out what is wrong with the one I got. So results are inconclusive right now)

So I am all for bigger/better, and I'm all for a good nights sleep knowing I'm doing everything I can.... but what is the point of buying and running a skimmer that can support a schoal of 100 Blue Tangs when all I have is 1?

 

Interesting - I'm just wanting to make sure that I have room to upgrade when I decide to upgrade, and also make sure I have the most efficient skimmer possible. In fairness I did have the injector seated improperly and it skims better, but still requires adjustments every other day. The Octo is a great deal but I don't want to cut off my nose to spite my face so to speak.

What's the noise like on the K2?

Because you CAN ;D

 

My mini 160 pulled 600 lph of air. The K2 pulls 900 lph. That is with a small meter, on the larger ones it will register 1100 lph. As with all NW skimmer with large air draws, it does make some noise, but the silencer takes care of most of it. The 160 was silent at the pump, but there was still air draw. It is nothing crazy. Skimmers pulling a ton of air are the same. The skimmer you are looking at I would not doubt to be over 2000 lph. Moving air makes noise.

Nothing wrong with upgrading. Some folks I was talking to seemed to like to buy skimmers rated for twice the tank for upgrade resons alone. I will be comfortable moving to a 150 with the one I have and honestly don't see me doing that any time soon. REALLY. I don't think I want to go huge. So right now I have all the skimmer I need.

If you think of a 180... well something in the 300-400g rang does not seem crazy. But when you get that big, pump power and water movement and flow through the sump all have to increase, so operating cost come with it. I want the lowest operating costs for the setup I have. No need to pump water just for the sake of it.

 

Zach for your tank I would skip on the Octo beast... Heck I would get their newly revamped Octo 250... You have a 75... Remember, no need to waste money.
If you want a beast get the Octo XP2000 that SHOULD be here in September... supposed to be August.... OR better yet the 5000SSS Octo super Reef, the bubble blaster pump pulls wicked air and if doesn't crap out will move Askoll to the side.

I am planning on getting the 5000SSS for my 230ish system, when Dave gets more in stock... so I am sure it will be fine on yours. Remember you CAN overskim, so why waste money and electricity...

Also with that mega octo, do you really want to worry about 3 pumps?

 

Here is a very interesting article on determining a scientific method for measuring skimmer performance. It is the one that determined the 30% DOC removal rate.

Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Feature Article: The Development of a Method for the Quantitative Evaluation of Protein Skimmer Performance

Here is a thread discussing skimmer recommendations for a 180g and Octos are in the mix.

Reef Central Online Community - what skimmer for 180gallon total system

And here is the Daddy of all skimmer comparisons done by Mojo on RC. He has been a big help to me and I find his objectivity and comparisons to be uncommon. Especially in this area and this hobby. Yes the thread is long, but I would not make a purchase without reading it.

Reef Central Online Community - Skimmer Q&A Thread

Happy reading.

 

nice!!!

 

Some good reading there Kevin.

Thank you everyone who has made recommendations, I am going to pass on both the Reeflo and the Octo.

I'm calling some folks about an I-Tech - from what I have seen in person, they're dang impressive. Looks similar to the WM Cones, and you can use the Sicce or Tunze pumps. Looking at around 600 with the pump.

 

Just remeber if a skimmer works too good ,, you can at least dial it down.

If it dosnt skim enuff your screwed.