Time for a new skimmer...which one?

The coralife super skimmer I'm using doesnt overflow for me anymore( it only happened a couple times for me initially). It just took some time to find that "just right" setting. As far as micro bubbles, if you use their box that comes with it properly you won't get any microbubbles. I had mine as a HOB while finishing my canopy, it's now in a sump. Not saying it's the best skimmer ever, but it's good IMO!

 

If you want a skimmer that is basically set and forget without any chance of overflow, then go with the remora or remora pro if you plan on upgrading in the future. I use a Rio 1400 plus pump in my remora over the maxijet. It greatly increases its skimming ability but I would not upgrade the pump until the skimmer breaks in because of increased bubbles with a more powerful pump. If you can swing it, go with the Remora Pro. It skims much better than the remora. The only thing you need to do with the remora skimmers is to keep them clean. Every 2-3 months I give mine a good cleaning with vinegar and a hose to keep it in top performance.

 

Remora's are small and don't move a whole alot of air. It all adds up to being underpowered. If you don't believe me check the threads below.

Two run on but useful threads
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...pagen umber=1

Even in Aqua-C owner club it 50/50 love/hate
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=594995


Coralife Super Skimmer
Size Dimensions Flow Rate
65 Gallon 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" x 20-3/4" high 325 gph
125 Gallon 5" x 7-1/4" x 24-1/2" high 500 gph
220 Gallon 6" x 8" x 25-1/2" high 500 gph

Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer
65 gallon $71.99
125 gallon $109.99
220 gallon $142.99
at Aquarium Protein Skimmers: Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer


AquaC Remora Hang-On
w/ MaxiJet 1200
Note: Maxi-Jet 1200 does not come with suction cups. up to 75 17.5" $163.95
AquaC Remora Pro Hang-On w/ Drain Fitting
w/ Mag-Drive3 75+ 21.5" $242.95

at AquaC Remora/Remora Pro Protein Skimmers - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store

The most expensive Coralife is still $20 cheaper than the cheapest remora. The CSS220 at $142 would still out skim the $242 dollar Remora Pro. Needlewheel skimming is just better than Spray Injection.

 

And if you want the cream of the crop for HOB Get a Deltec
Deltec - Aquarium Equipment - protein skimmers, turbo skimmers, calcium reactors, fluidized reactors, kalkwasser stirrers

It will hands down beat both the remora and the CSS but you might cry when they run your credit card.

 

I just bought the Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer based on the link given out by Covey. Thanks again! When it is installed I will do a review of it

Jim

 

Funny. A week ago I decided to replace my SeaClone 100 and so I bought a Red Sea Prism. Now that it's broken in, I have to say I'm pleased with it. It's quiet and produces better skimmate than the old SeaClone. But I have a smaller tank than you, Willieo, with a much smaller bioload.

 

In retrospect, Saw, it's a pretty good skimmer once it gets going: easy to set up, good skimmate production, etc, it's just way undersized for a 55 gal with a big ol' messy tang. The Prizm keeps chugging away and filling up with nice dark skimmate, but it just can't keep up and I'm left with a layer of gunk on top of the water. My upgrade plans are currently on hold until I can sucessfully find a way to slaughter some 20 or so aiptasia (see my thread in coral health if you have any bright ideas), but I'm leaning toward the 65 gal Coralife. I'd get the bigger one, but I don't know if it would fit hang-on style on the back of my tank, and I don't have a sump.

 

I am a fan of Asm. Skims like Euroreef costs alot less but, you need a sump

 

I just got an aqua-c remora. Only complaint is that it is louder than the seaclone I replaced, hopefully it will quiet down.

 

In my limited experience with making my own and having a couple of manufactured skimmers is the amount of water moved through the skimmer along with lots of air bubbles equals good skimming. If your skimmer is a decent size I would just get a bigger power head. Its definitly cheaper.