Smallest Footprint Skimmer for 50+Gal.

Hummm, a bigger skimmer rated for a larger tank would eat a smaller one for lunch.


The SWC 120 cone would do well on your tank and is sized very good. A aquamaxx 100 has a 6x10 foot print. As large as you would need . You don't need a skimmer rated twice your task. The 100 is though... but that is as big as you want to go. Ideally you should look for one with 125-150% your tank.Not cause it will skim more cause it won't. Just to have some head room and it not skimming 100% of the time.

Aquamaxx has a H1 HOB and so does Octopus as was mentioned if you go that route. SWC has one but it is too big.

 

i really like the aquac stuff, I had the 180 on the 55.. it was great till I dropped it. then I snagged a 240 off ebay, all I can say is wow. I never imagined the crap it would pull out, and it just keeps on pulling.

 

Based on your initial post I am going to recommend what I went with and that is the Eshopps PSK75. I have it in a 10 gal sump and it is the perfect size. Nice and quiet and does a really good job. Price was right about $110 too so it won't break the bank.

Here is the manufacture link:

Eshopps: Protein Skimmers

 

Its a local company, he has been around 10+ years and worked with universal studios. He is a great guy and his stuff is top notch

 

They use mags and sicces. This guy does not cut corners, he builds it all by hand with 1/4" acrylic and makes sure it works good before shipping it out.

 

i bought and have had the swc 120 cone running for a week now. its a well made unit that feels sturdy and very easy to adjust, its doing a great job skimming. im very happy with it, i just cleaned the cup and in one day it has 1/2 inch of nasty tea in it. and whats been said about them being quiet, is soooooo true i cant even hear it running...love that! so far i give it a A+

 

Ok. I've decided on this model Reef Octopus HOB BH2000. Its rated for up to 120g and I know i'll have a heavy bio-loaded 40 g so Im hoping its not overkill.

I figured this skimmer may be used on up to a 100g upgrade in my future, but I really want to see it kick butt on my 40g mixed reef that I have going on.

Reef Octopus BH 2000 Hang on Back Protein Skimmer by CoralVue - Aquarium Supplies, Discount Fish Tanks & Fish Tank Supplies for Complete Saltwater & Freshwater Aquarium, Protein Skimmers, Saltwater Reef Aquarium - AQUASYTHE.com

 

i like counter current skimmers . i use a few ,but the one i like for small fugs is the BERLIN AIRLIFT 60 good for 60gal , i use it on a 20 gal .works very good and CHEAP 9.99 on e-bay. the wood air stones last about 4-6 months . it was pulling foam in 24 hours . easy to set with air valve.

 

How does the BH 2000 compare to the Aquamaxx equivalent?


I've looked and read some information, but so far only found a couple points. First the Aquamaxx has some impressive videos on youtube. And In a couple reviews I read the Reef Octo to be louder than expected.

Dang Aquamaxx is 200. bucks though. BH 2000 is 179. with free ship.

 

What's $20 bucks... try to find free shipping. Look up Warner Marine H1 and H2. WM imported the Aquamaxx. It's a very good HOB and for a time was the best out. I don't know what is now... but it's a good skimmer. HOB were mostly a joke... but other companies finally started making some with some good features found in regular skimmers. Heck... even ATB makes a cone skimmer that looks like a regular skimmer it just hangs on the side of the tank.