Octopus vs. Coralife

I have been looking at skimmers for a 55 fowlr. currently, the 2 i am comparing are the "coralife super skimmer 65" and the "reef octopus BH 100" . Which would you recomend? Also, if you know another HOB skimmer in this range that is in this low price range that is better, please tell me about it.

 

i would recommend you doubling the skimmer what ever it is. so i would recommend a coralife 125. that said i had a coralife 125 and i was very satisfied with it as a skimmer. in fact I would say it worked miraculously considering i got it one ebay for 50 dollars.

how ever i have also heard good things about octopuses.

now for the bad. coralife skimmer performs very poorly as a HOB unit. its is a big bulky skimmer. the bubble trap is pretty large, and it may need some very simple mods to improve the microbubble trap.

octopus since i havent owned one i cant say what i dont like about the skimmer.

if you are going to have a sump i think the coralife 125 may be the better buy. if its gonna be HOB i would recommend the octopus

 

also did i mention you can get coralifes one ebay for a steal

i would not buy a seaclone what ever you do. buy a poor skimmer will be the biggest waste of money in this hobby. this isn't a area when people say bad it kinda works but just barely. this is a area when people say bad they mean using this skimmer you may very well end up with old tank syndrome

 

The answer to the micro bubble issue is simple--I just put a small filter sock on the return and Presto--no micro bubbles at all.

 

i did say very simple didn't i ;D lol

 

Here is how mine is set up

 

Money's kinda tight, especially being 13. How important is it for me to "double up"?

 

haha---you sure did--went back and re-read post--my bad!!!!

 

I told you mine is handling a 150gal no problem--just have to empty more often, I dont mind that though--I like being interactive daily with my tank. It was put to me this way, If you buy a bigger house, do you buy a bigger vacuum cleaner? No it just works a little harder. Alot of people will not agree with me, but it would not be the first time, and thats OK. That is called a debate--It is just what works for me and my tank--I have 0 nitrates and perfect readings.

 

it will help out in the long run i suppose with the fish being so small its not as important now as when you tank matures

Coralife 65 Gallon Super Skimmer Needle-Wheel System - eBay (item 270361289505 end time Mar-29-09 20:00:00 PDT)
heres a 65 for practically nothing ebay has the coralifes for cheap