SPS Heavy 45G Cube Skimmer

So I was originally leaning towards an octopus NWB 150 6" for my 45G heavy-SPS cube build but am reading that there may be some slightly better skimmers out there for the same money - namely the Vertex IN 80. I don't want to go over $200, so both skimmers would fit the budget, but I want the best.

I come from a long history of BAD skimmers, so I'd love to be able to finally own one that I can just set and forget.

Thanks everyone in advance!!!!!

By the way, sump is an Eshopps RS-75, return pump is an Eheim Compact+ 2000.

 

I'm running the NWB-200 on my 95 gallon TWV SPS system, with Bio-Pellets/Vodka dosing. It pulls like a champ! I upgraded from the 150 to the 200 when I did my upgrade. I had the 150 on a 75 gallon TWV system, SPS heavy. I think it would work out great for you. I can't comment on the Vertex, but other skimmers I looked at, were the SRO-Cones, and the SWC Cones. Both of the above were quite a bit more money, and the reviews I had read stated the performance difference was not worth the extra money. One thing I will note, clean the pump monthly. It has start-up issues once it collects a month or two's worth of gunk.

 

Thanks for the input! The past two skimmers that I owned were very finicky and inconsistent (despite having an ATO, etc) and really kept me from being able to maintain low nitrate (without having to do big water changes very frequently).

For this reason, I want to be ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that my skimmer will do a superb job.

 

OK so there is now a twist - I just realized my Eshopps RS-75 sump does not have a particularly large skimmer chamber. About 10x11.5 at 8" water level is as far as I can go. So, that leaves me with the following options (as I'm aware of):

Octopus NWB110
SWC 160 Extreme
SWC 120 Extreme
Bubble Magus NAC3.5
Seaside Aquatics CS3.5 (same as NAC3.5 but w/Sicce pump)
Avast CS1 (Looks like it would be a blast to build)

My tank will have low bioload with respect to fish, but high coral load (SPS). Could any of you point me in the right direction?

 

Anyone?

 

Of all those options you just listed I think I would go with the SWC 160 extreme.

 

Have you looked into Eshopps skimmers? You could fit an Eshopps PSK-100 in there (10"x5" footprint and needs 7-9" water IIRC). I am very pleased with mine in my 55 w/ 30 gal sump.

 

Sps heavy cube?

Well I need to see what we are working with here.

I know little to nothing about skimmer recommendations but I would sure love to see the tank.

 

+1!

FTS Please!

 

It is not SPS heavy yet, actually just finished the cycle. Will be SPS heavy a few months from now, but planning on adding things relatively slowly.

I think i'm going to go with the avast skimmer. Recirculating, fits in the sump and draws over 1000 lph of air. Certainly overkill, but given that I'm going for a zero nutrient tank should get the job done.