New setup questions

afish70 · 12/07/2018, 11:59 AM

Hello everyone. I am beginning a new build and am in search of some guidance/advice. I am going to be doing a 90 or 120 gallon mixed reef. I have purchased a sumo/algae scrubber combo from 302 Aquatics. i am looking at using either the Eshoppes Eclipse L overflow or the Synergy Reef 16" Shadow overflow, unless someone has something better they can suggest. i have a Jebao DCP-5000 pump i was going to use fro return pump. all will be plumbed with 1" PVC. i am trying to figure out the skimmer for this setup and if the pump I have will be enough. I have been looking at the Vertex Omega 150, the Reef Octopus Classic 150 EXT, the Reef octopus Classic 150 INT and the new IceCap K-1 160. What are y'alls thoughts on these skimmers? What about my setup? All advice greatly appreciated.

mcgyvr · 12/07/2018, 01:02 PM

I suggest the DCP-6500 instead.. Gives you plenty of extra overhead if needed for potential reactors or just whatever..
I'm running one on my 80G and am very happy with it.. Running it at a low percentage of total power also seems to be useful with Jebao products..

I will also suggest a Bubble Magus Curve 5

manateemark · 12/10/2018, 11:42 AM

I would say any of the offerings from reef octopus will be your best bet. Reef Octopus has a good standing reputation. I bought a skimz skimmer for my tank, and regretted the decision for a while, but finally on the 3rd pump have everything working like it should be.

manateemark · 12/10/2018, 11:45 AM

Also the return pump you have should be adequate. You're really only looking to have 2-3 times turnover now and days in the sump. Just make sure you're pumping more water through the sump than what your skimmer is skimming or else you'll end up having a less efficient skimmer. Also don't go overkill on the skimmer. If the skimmer is rated for 120 gallons then it will be enough even if you go with a heavy bio load. If you go with a 300 gallon rated skimmer then you won't pull much skim mate out. Bulk Reef Supply did a video a couple of weeks ago explaining this phenomenon, which I would encourage you to check out.

12/07/2018, 11:59 AM	#1
afish70 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tampa Posts: 688	New setup questions Hello everyone. I am beginning a new build and am in search of some guidance/advice. I am going to be doing a 90 or 120 gallon mixed reef. I have purchased a sumo/algae scrubber combo from 302 Aquatics. i am looking at using either the Eshoppes Eclipse L overflow or the Synergy Reef 16" Shadow overflow, unless someone has something better they can suggest. i have a Jebao DCP-5000 pump i was going to use fro return pump. all will be plumbed with 1" PVC. i am trying to figure out the skimmer for this setup and if the pump I have will be enough. I have been looking at the Vertex Omega 150, the Reef Octopus Classic 150 EXT, the Reef octopus Classic 150 INT and the new IceCap K-1 160. What are y'alls thoughts on these skimmers? What about my setup? All advice greatly appreciated.

12/07/2018, 01:02 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I suggest the DCP-6500 instead.. Gives you plenty of extra overhead if needed for potential reactors or just whatever.. I'm running one on my 80G and am very happy with it.. Running it at a low percentage of total power also seems to be useful with Jebao products.. I will also suggest a Bubble Magus Curve 5 __________________ Who me?

12/10/2018, 11:42 AM	#3
manateemark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 52	I would say any of the offerings from reef octopus will be your best bet. Reef Octopus has a good standing reputation. I bought a skimz skimmer for my tank, and regretted the decision for a while, but finally on the 3rd pump have everything working like it should be.

12/10/2018, 11:45 AM	#4
manateemark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 52	Also the return pump you have should be adequate. You're really only looking to have 2-3 times turnover now and days in the sump. Just make sure you're pumping more water through the sump than what your skimmer is skimming or else you'll end up having a less efficient skimmer. Also don't go overkill on the skimmer. If the skimmer is rated for 120 gallons then it will be enough even if you go with a heavy bio load. If you go with a 300 gallon rated skimmer then you won't pull much skim mate out. Bulk Reef Supply did a video a couple of weeks ago explaining this phenomenon, which I would encourage you to check out.