Skimmer recomendations.

Looking to do a large upgrade on my skimmer. I want something that fits under my cabinet and can be external or internal. I am going to be building a fish room but its months if not a year off from done so I need something compact but potent. I have about 280 of total water pretty well stocked. I have no more then 27 in of height. I have access to presision marine products and can have a xl1 bullet moddified to fit into the hight and still should perform well but is there anyting else that anyone can recommend? I wanted a large needlewheel but cant seem to find anything that fits. I am trying to get that overskimming feeling but dont think its possible if I am restriced to height.

 

Do you have room in the sump or under the tank for two skimmers?

Tough situation.

 

What is your budget?

 

I do have enough room. I can get the xl1 from precision marine which I know is a tank and have it shortned by them and this is the only thing I can find so far. I do stuff with them for ponds so they are extreamly helpfull. I do have room for two yes and I thought about doing this but dont know what will work the area in the sump I have is 15x15 so I can have somthing large.

Reefwizard this is an expensive hobby. I will do it right. I have ignored the budget ill ask for forgivness later its easier then permission.

 

First I would look at the SWC 250A. I would get it just for the Askol pump. It will be a bit tight at 24" tall, and a little tight in a 15x15. $750

If money is no object, the best you can get would be a ATB 1.5. $1200.... and no it's not the delux that goes for $1500. But the Air Star pump is Laguna based just like the Askoll. Only 22" tall. 16.5x 14

Last I would look at the SRO 5000 cone. The Laguna pumps are proven and great quality. The Bubble Blaster pumps from SRO are new, but lots of folks love them. They have some great features, but some not as quiet as Laguna. It will fit in your space. $560

All of them will do you well. ATB's customer service is legendary. Needle wheels are set and forget. Lot's of folks don't like how finicky becketts are. While the Bekett will serve you well, it takes a lot of pump wich equals a lot of power and heat. Why bother?

Good luck. Personally, if it was between waiting for the fish room and getting what I want, and settling for something that works now.... I would wait the year. With these you can do both.

 

I agree about the becket. I have had good luck with them I just am very open to the needle wheel. I actually would perfer it. I just need to know what to go with. I want to get this one time or at least buy me a year before the fish room. We have another kiddo on te way so the fish room is on hold although we need a skimmer so I have the ok.

 

Well I'm not down on cylinders. Cones are just good and coming down. Again, I would go with a Askoll over a Bubble Blaster, but I don't think the SWC cylinders will fit in your space. (250A, 300A) Even the SRO 5000 cylinder is bigger.

And yes I know $1200 is a lot for a skimmer. I had a Bubble King and loved it, but the extra money does not buy better performance, so I can't justify another one. But ATB is really all that and a bag of chips. A Bubble King for your tank would cost $2000-$2500. I'm just trying to give you fence posts. If ATB is outside, no biggie.

But personally, I think it is a draw between becketts and needle wheels for performance. They are both good and I've never said different. But after that, power use, ease of use, set and forget.... needle wheel hands down.

 

Precision marine makes a great skimmer. I have a bullet xl-2. It has worked like a charm since day 1. Easy to set up, easy to tune and skims like a horse. The overflow to a separate holding tank is great. I set up the airflow out through a short column of charcoal-no smell. All in all a great product.- Paul

 

I agree I have a couple pm skimmers now. I just am worried modifying one. I will not be they will be but you know what I mean. The xl1 will actually fit in the sump and with them taking a couple inches out of it will fit under the cabinet. I am pretty torn. I was looking at needle wheel for energy consumption but I have a large enough return pump that I can run the xl1 in series so decisions decisions. I am doing some homework on others sugestions also.