Looking for a skimmer

[Mr_Cool]

I've been thinking of getting a new skimmer. My total water volume is about 200 gallons. I know that there are some out there that take in water from the overflow, and I'd like to be able to take advantage of that feature. Anyone know what type of skimmers do this? I guess that they still use a pump, right?

Of course, I can't spend a whole lot on this. If I can't can't afford one like this, anyone have any recommendations?

(I put this in the "Equipment and Do It Yourself" forum because I really just want input on skimmers. If you have one you might want to sell, you can always PM me. Thanks!)

[Jeff]

try building one of these. http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=25146

[LoneStar]

The type of skimmers that gravity feed, like you mentioned, are Recirculating skimmers. The way these skimmers work is they are feed water into the reaction tube via a gravity feed drain, or via a pump. From there, a needle wheel recirculating pump pulls water from the reaction tube, injects air into the water (creating the fine bubbles) then pushes the mixture back into the reaction tube. The theory is taking a smaller constant water flow into the skimmer, and increasing the contact time with the recirculating pump. On average these skimmers will cost you more money as compared to a simple in-sump needle wheel skimmer. Some of the good, major brands of these are Euro-Reef and Deltec. There are some knock off versions from China and I believe they are called Octopus.

ASM, Euro-Reef make good in sump (non-recirculating) needle wheel skimmers that are reasonable in price. ASM is basically a Euro-Reef, just using a cheaper, yet just as strong, acrylic parts.

Since we kinda know where you want to put this skimmer (out of sump right?), thats part of the puzzle. Next would be how much you would be willing to spend and how much you would be willing to save up for? Sometimes the second option is usually the best solution in this hobby ;)

[thedude]

ATI's bubblemaster might be a good alternative.

http://www.reefgeek.com/product/Bubble_Master_250_Protein_Skimmer_by_ATI

I have no idea what the long term reliability of these skimmers is but ATI appears to be standing by their products.

[Mr_Cool]

Since we kinda know where you want to put this skimmer (out of sump right?), thats part of the puzzle.

Does it HAVE to be out of sump? I don't know if I'll have room for a skimmer outside of the sump.

[LoneStar]

Nope it does not have to be out of sump. Some are able to run out of the sump to free up space in the sump. But mostly all can be run in the sump.