Skimmer Q&A Thread - Page 4

yeldarbj · 03/12/2009, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tracey2
Can anyone tell me if a Tunze 9010 will work on a 150 gallonDT, 40g sump and 20g fuge?

Depends on what you want to keep. I think Tunze rates the 9010 for up to 264g, but that is pretty much for a fish only system. If you are thinking a lot of sps, you might want to check out their new Tunze Master DOC 9440 or others that Mojo is suggesting.

I've got the 9010 on a 65g tank, heavily sps stocked, and it does a great job, but I probably wouldn't want to go with it on much more than a 90g tank if you want to keep a lot of sps.

mojo~ · 03/12/2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by brando07
I HAVE AN ASM G3 SKIMMER IN A 30 GAL ACRYLIC SUMP ON A 120gal TNK, IN THE 2 WEEKS MY COLLECTION IS STILL ONLY 1/2 FULL. I WENT FROM EMPTING A FULL DARK BROWN ALMOST BLACK COLLECTION CUP EVERY WEEK TO ONLY A 1/2 CUP IN 2 WEEKS. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY POINTERS OR IDEAS, IF SO CAN YOU EITHER REPLY HERE OR PM ME. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

pull the pump apart. You may have salt creep in the air intake or calcium build up in the pump housing.

mojo~ · 03/12/2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefKeeperRob
mojo - I have an octo extreme 200. The sicce pump is obnoxious. I had coralvue send me a new impeller because my LFS tells me the magnets can occasionally be out of balance. This did not help. It doesn't matter if I run mesh or pinwheel.

I really just don't want to deal with the sicce pumps at this point. Can you recommend another pump. It doesn't necessarily have to be plug and play, I can fab something up. Something silent that pulls between 35-60 scfh.

thanks

You might want to try another Sicce pump with the ATB pinwheel you can get from reefspecialty. Otherwise you might want to look at a laguna or askoll pump. You will want a smaller one. like a 1000 model. any other pumps I think are just too big to try to mount on the octo 200. On pinwheel you shouldnt have any issues with the sicce. something has to be wrong with your pump and should be covered under warranty.

x2uranium · 03/12/2009, 01:32 PM

mojo~ I need something newer for my tank 100 gal total volume, I want something bigger, for when I upgrade but dont feel like spending a huge lump sum of money I was thinking about max price ~500ish. Which would you reccommend. I also have a heavy bio load. I was thinking on the realm of bubble magus 250S possibly. I have the BM100 on my 30G total vol frag tank and it performs very very well. Even though it is a cheap chinese knock off, it is built pretty darn well.

mojo~ · 03/12/2009, 10:10 PM

For your system volume and budget. I First pic the warner marine as 150 . Two reasons I would pick this over the msx 200. THe WM as 150 uses a sedra 7000 and runs on a pinwheel and cycles more water than the sicce. Also no worries about running in reverse as well. With the increased water volume it will cycle the water a little more often. The build quality is amazing.
Second I would go with the MSX 200. Great bang for he buck.
Another option is wait for a nice used BK mini 160, or a used cone skimmer if you can find one. Might be something to look at. Hope this helps.

ReefKeeperRob · 03/13/2009, 12:45 AM

Mojo -

I've done this on another thread and was told my sicce shouldn't sound like this. Can you look at the two videos I've posted and confirm that something doesn't sound right with my Octo Extreme 200? The quiet video is just with my return pump running as well as water draining into the sump from my overflow. The next one is with the octo plugged in.

It's in my room and I can't deal with it. I need to figure out if the sicce is quieter when it operates correctly or if I need to get a different pump.

sump no octo

sump with octo

ReefKeeperRob · 03/13/2009, 01:01 AM

Mojo -

The Warner Marine 150 with the sedra 7000 pulls 500l/h of air which converts to 18 scfh.

The Octo Extreme 200 (Same as MSX) I have is pulling 35-40 scfh with a mesh wheel that has no start issues. With the new purple pinwheel that came out in the last week or so you can get 30 scfh.

I would go with the Octo if the noise issue I'm having is not normal.

Tracey2 · 03/13/2009, 04:21 PM

thanks mojo, I'm not sure if the Tunze is what I want, I just liked that it seemed more compact but I'm not sure if that means it won't do the job. I also looked at the Octo extreme.

Tracey2 · 03/13/2009, 04:36 PM

It's good to hear it works well, I never hear anyone talking about Tunze and have been concerned if i have might the right choice or not. I looked up the price of the Tunze Master 9460, quite a price jump. Not sure what corals I want to to yet, would it work it I stick to soft?

mojo~ · 03/13/2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefKeeperRob
Mojo -

The Warner Marine 150 with the sedra 7000 pulls 500l/h of air which converts to 18 scfh.

The Octo Extreme 200 (Same as MSX) I have is pulling 35-40 scfh with a mesh wheel that has no start issues. With the new purple pinwheel that came out in the last week or so you can get 30 scfh.

I would go with the Octo if the noise issue I'm having is not normal.

The 500lph is pretty modest. In reality it will pull about 20 to 24 scfh. But everyone forgets about the water that is pulled in as well as the design of the skimmer. THe 150 uses a longer transition cone top piece.
If we go by air draw alone you would say that the msx 200 is better than a bubble king mini. And I can say for a fact that this is not the case.
Sounds like your mesh is too big or not balanced. you may have worn your shaft and or worn out the pump. The sicce pump will pull massive air but it will wear out the pumps alot faster. And hte MSX over the octo X . THe octo X has a different reducer venturi assembly on the sicce than the MSX otherwise the same. You need to pull your pump apart and find out what is up with it. It should not be that noisey. They arent the quietest pumps but they are not that loud.

mojo~ · 03/13/2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tracey2
thanks mojo, I'm not sure if the Tunze is what I want, I just liked that it seemed more compact but I'm not sure if that means it won't do the job. I also looked at the Octo extreme.

Warner MArine and ATB are both coming out with mini cone skimmers as well as the swc brand. Might want to give them both a look. The will be compact as well.

ReefKeeperRob · 03/13/2009, 09:53 PM

Tracey -

The Tunze 9460 is rated to FIFTEEN HUNDREED gallons! Just a tad overkill if you ask me

I would get the Reef Octopus Huricone Category 1 skimmer. I would say the Octo Extreme 200 but I'm unhappy with the noise of the sicce pump on mine. I haven't personally listened to an Askoll pump but I'm guessing it has to be quieter that the siccce. Can anyone verify that?

edit:
Hopefully it's not improper for me to give my .02 cents. Just sharing my little bit of experience. If mojo's supposed to be answering all the questions I'll stay out of it

Tracey2 · 03/14/2009, 07:52 AM

Ok, someone above had suggested the 9460, thanks for the input.

reeferkeeper · 03/15/2009, 07:22 PM

Just thought I would post this here for those that are following the skimmer Q&A thread will see and and maybe help or even be informed.

I have a 65gal that I plan to make a FOWLR. I will stock on the conservative side. I have a 26 gal sump that I will be using to house the skimmer, return pump and fuge. I can design this sump anyway I want, it's empty. I don't have a stand built so skimmer height is not a problem. My price range is around $300 or less maybe a little more.

Any suggestions?

mojo~ · 03/15/2009, 07:53 PM

for that price range I would say the msx 160 or 200 with the pinwheel. if you wanted to go cheaper you can go with the Vertex IN 100.

treylane · 03/15/2009, 10:09 PM

120g system, mixed reef, lots of small fish, fairly heavy feedings. Price and size aren't an issue (except that I don't want a HUGE skimmer), but ease of use and quiet are important.

ATB Small Cone vs. BK Mini 160 ? Or something else entirely?

mojo~ · 03/15/2009, 10:56 PM

Bk mini Gen 2 180 would be a great fit. Small and it will move more water and be a perfect fit for your tank. IT would be my top pick for sure. The 160 will work but the 18o will be a better fit.

jkeim1974 · 03/16/2009, 03:31 PM

I have a 75 gallon display and a 30 gallon frag tank that will go into a 40 gallon sump about half full. I need a skimmer for around 300 bucks with the 40 gallon sump footprint shouldn't be an issue.

jkeim1974 · 03/16/2009, 03:37 PM

As of now I am figuring on being moderately to heavy stocked if this helps to narrow the skimmers.

mojo~ · 03/16/2009, 05:14 PM

msx/OctoX 200 will fit you fine. Get the new Large atb pinwheel and you will be set dialed in. You dont need the pinwheel but it is better than the stock ones. Good luck

Mojo~

jkeim1974 · 03/16/2009, 05:20 PM

where is best place to purchase msx/octox 200? Do you have a link and also one for the atb pinwheel.

mojo~ · 03/16/2009, 05:32 PM

Skimmer
http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein...duct_info.html

pinwheel (large)
http://www.reefspecialty.com/p400/AT...duct_info.html

jkeim1974 · 03/16/2009, 05:57 PM

thanks for your help

reeferkeeper · 03/17/2009, 01:25 PM

For my 65 gal FOWLR light load with sump

Marineland Advanced In-Sump Protein Skimmer 100 Gal

$160 shipped

Or

Bubble-Magus BM100 v2 Skimmer $145 shipped

jkeim1974 · 03/17/2009, 02:02 PM

Just to let you know I'm replacing that marineland skimmer now.
It doesn't pull much crap out and it has a nasty habit of going crazy and overflowing. I have had nothing but trouble with it on my 75 gallon reef.

03/12/2009, 10:10 PM	#80
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	For your system volume and budget. I First pic the warner marine as 150 . Two reasons I would pick this over the msx 200. THe WM as 150 uses a sedra 7000 and runs on a pinwheel and cycles more water than the sicce. Also no worries about running in reverse as well. With the increased water volume it will cycle the water a little more often. The build quality is amazing. Second I would go with the MSX 200. Great bang for he buck. Another option is wait for a nice used BK mini 160, or a used cone skimmer if you can find one. Might be something to look at. Hope this helps. __________________ Mojo~

03/15/2009, 07:22 PM	#89
reeferkeeper Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 86	Just thought I would post this here for those that are following the skimmer Q&A thread will see and and maybe help or even be informed. I have a 65gal that I plan to make a FOWLR. I will stock on the conservative side. I have a 26 gal sump that I will be using to house the skimmer, return pump and fuge. I can design this sump anyway I want, it's empty. I don't have a stand built so skimmer height is not a problem. My price range is around $300 or less maybe a little more. Any suggestions? __________________ If you want what most don't have, you have to do what most won't do to get it. Current Tank Info: None

03/15/2009, 07:53 PM	#90
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	for that price range I would say the msx 160 or 200 with the pinwheel. if you wanted to go cheaper you can go with the Vertex IN 100. __________________ Mojo~

03/15/2009, 10:09 PM	#91
treylane Super Scary!! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: San Mateo Posts: 583	120g system, mixed reef, lots of small fish, fairly heavy feedings. Price and size aren't an issue (except that I don't want a HUGE skimmer), but ease of use and quiet are important. ATB Small Cone vs. BK Mini 160 ? Or something else entirely? __________________ 200g peninsula reef

03/15/2009, 10:56 PM	#92
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	Bk mini Gen 2 180 would be a great fit. Small and it will move more water and be a perfect fit for your tank. IT would be my top pick for sure. The 160 will work but the 18o will be a better fit. __________________ Mojo~

03/12/2009, 01:32 PM	#79
x2uranium Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pittston, PA Posts: 1,257	mojo~ I need something newer for my tank 100 gal total volume, I want something bigger, for when I upgrade but dont feel like spending a huge lump sum of money I was thinking about max price ~500ish. Which would you reccommend. I also have a heavy bio load. I was thinking on the realm of bubble magus 250S possibly. I have the BM100 on my 30G total vol frag tank and it performs very very well. Even though it is a cheap chinese knock off, it is built pretty darn well.

03/13/2009, 12:45 AM	#81
ReefKeeperRob Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 291	Mojo - I've done this on another thread and was told my sicce shouldn't sound like this. Can you look at the two videos I've posted and confirm that something doesn't sound right with my Octo Extreme 200? The quiet video is just with my return pump running as well as water draining into the sump from my overflow. The next one is with the octo plugged in. It's in my room and I can't deal with it. I need to figure out if the sicce is quieter when it operates correctly or if I need to get a different pump. sump no octo sump with octo

03/13/2009, 01:01 AM	#82
ReefKeeperRob Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 291	Mojo - The Warner Marine 150 with the sedra 7000 pulls 500l/h of air which converts to 18 scfh. The Octo Extreme 200 (Same as MSX) I have is pulling 35-40 scfh with a mesh wheel that has no start issues. With the new purple pinwheel that came out in the last week or so you can get 30 scfh. I would go with the Octo if the noise issue I'm having is not normal.

03/13/2009, 04:21 PM	#83
Tracey2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 860	thanks mojo, I'm not sure if the Tunze is what I want, I just liked that it seemed more compact but I'm not sure if that means it won't do the job. I also looked at the Octo extreme.

03/13/2009, 04:36 PM	#84
Tracey2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 860	It's good to hear it works well, I never hear anyone talking about Tunze and have been concerned if i have might the right choice or not. I looked up the price of the Tunze Master 9460, quite a price jump. Not sure what corals I want to to yet, would it work it I stick to soft?

03/13/2009, 09:53 PM	#87
ReefKeeperRob Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 291	Tracey - The Tunze 9460 is rated to FIFTEEN HUNDREED gallons! Just a tad overkill if you ask me I would get the Reef Octopus Huricone Category 1 skimmer. I would say the Octo Extreme 200 but I'm unhappy with the noise of the sicce pump on mine. I haven't personally listened to an Askoll pump but I'm guessing it has to be quieter that the siccce. Can anyone verify that? edit: Hopefully it's not improper for me to give my .02 cents. Just sharing my little bit of experience. If mojo's supposed to be answering all the questions I'll stay out of it

03/14/2009, 07:52 AM	#88
Tracey2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 860	Ok, someone above had suggested the 9460, thanks for the input.

03/16/2009, 03:31 PM	#93
jkeim1974 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 148	I have a 75 gallon display and a 30 gallon frag tank that will go into a 40 gallon sump about half full. I need a skimmer for around 300 bucks with the 40 gallon sump footprint shouldn't be an issue.

03/16/2009, 03:37 PM	#94
jkeim1974 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 148	As of now I am figuring on being moderately to heavy stocked if this helps to narrow the skimmers.

03/16/2009, 05:14 PM	#95
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	msx/OctoX 200 will fit you fine. Get the new Large atb pinwheel and you will be set dialed in. You dont need the pinwheel but it is better than the stock ones. Good luck Mojo~ __________________ Mojo~

03/16/2009, 05:20 PM	#96
jkeim1974 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 148	where is best place to purchase msx/octox 200? Do you have a link and also one for the atb pinwheel.

03/16/2009, 05:32 PM	#97
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	Skimmer http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein...duct_info.html pinwheel (large) http://www.reefspecialty.com/p400/AT...duct_info.html __________________ Mojo~

03/16/2009, 05:57 PM	#98
jkeim1974 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 148	thanks for your help

03/17/2009, 01:25 PM	#99
reeferkeeper Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 86	For my 65 gal FOWLR light load with sump Marineland Advanced In-Sump Protein Skimmer 100 Gal $160 shipped Or Bubble-Magus BM100 v2 Skimmer $145 shipped __________________ If you want what most don't have, you have to do what most won't do to get it. Current Tank Info: None

03/17/2009, 02:02 PM	#100
jkeim1974 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 148	Just to let you know I'm replacing that marineland skimmer now. It doesn't pull much crap out and it has a nasty habit of going crazy and overflowing. I have had nothing but trouble with it on my 75 gallon reef.