Skimmer Advise - 90 Gallon Build

I am looking for some skimmer advice for my 90 gallon reef build (90 gallon display, 30 gallon fuge, 15 gallon sump... which should be getting wet tomorrow!!!).

I am hoping to stay on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but I don't want to take shortcuts on filteration (in other words, I am fine giving up bells and whisles, but it better skim good!).

My biggest requirement is size. I have around 9.5 by 11 area to work with at the most, ideally smaller.

The skimmers I am debating between:

AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM100 or EM200
Bubble Magus Curve 5 or 7
Reef Octopus Diablo 160 XS Space Saver
SCA-302
(Feel free to mention any others!)

So, basically I am stuck where I don't know which is worth purchasing. Looking for something that will work well, be quiet and reliable. Any input is helpful!

Thanks!

 

Size the skimmer for total water volume not for display. From what I've heard reef octopus is really nice.

 

Right, I should have put that the ones that were boarderline I was also looking at the larger models.

My biggest question, is it worth the price difference?

 

most important thing IMO is getting a skimmer that comes with a high quality pump.

 

I'm also considering an external skimmer... but I REALLY know nothing about them.

 

Take a look at the SWC 160.. its inexpensive, and skims really well.

 

I have the SWC 160 on my 90 gal and have been very happy with it.

 

I'll add it to my list.

Additional bad news: My sump is acrylic so it has a bit of a lip along the top. I didn't take this into account when I guessed my measurements above. So at the TOP of the sump I have a 9x8 area :S.

I'm starting to think I either need to go external... or go with the smallest footprint and hope it works.

 

External isn't a bad idea.

 

The only problem with externals is the very real possibility of an overflow causing a flood.Check out the Skimz brand they have extremely small footprints .