Skimmer Decisions

[longhorn_20m]

I currently have an Euro-Reef CS 8-1 skimmer running on my 180 gallon tank. It came with the tank when I purchased it. I'm pretty sure my pump is on its last leg because over the last month, I've had to consistently raise the output pipe to bring up the level within the skimmer to produce skimmate. I had also cleaned it in between thinking it was overdue for a scrubbing, but I'm still having to raise it on a recurring basis.

The sump has a steady level of water also.

I contacted Euro-Reef to determine what replacement pump I would need (currently has a SEDRA 5000) and also provided a potential Ehiem upgrade.

Sedra 5000 replacement cost: $145 ish
Ehiem 1262 upgrade cost (requires drilling?): $285ish

Overall I'm not a big fan of the Sedra 5000 because it does create a lot of unwanted noise and I've seen other complaints on different forums, so if I went with keeping the skimmer and replacing the pump, I would most likely go for the upgrade.

Now I've also been looking around and found a few skimmers. Is it just worth taking the hit and purchasing a new skimmer? Would I get better performance then trying to mod / upgrade my current one?

Here is what I was looking at:

Octopus Extreme 200 or 250
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=34_398_455

Does anyone have this skimmer? How does it perform? Any other options?

[ErikH]

I myself own a EuroReef RS 135 and a RS80. One is on a 75, the other is on a 48. I have been told by a few people unrelated to ER about how sturdy the older skimmers are in comparison to the newer ones. I had an impeller that the plastic needles were very brittle, and any cleaning resulted in losing more. Even missing about ten or 15 of the needles, I never adjusted it, and still pulled the same skimmate. I would get the ehiem and have Ace mod if needed.

[brewercm]

I bought the Octo extreme 200 about a month ago but don't have it up and running yet since the tank is still in process.

[longhorn_20m]

I'm still trying to make a decision. If you get it up soon, let me know the outcome!

[Joshua]

Wow those are expensive, but they do look nice. I'm cheap so I built my own. :)

[dustint21]

I like the ASM's for the money! The only thing is they run the sedra pumps that you dont like. Good luck!

[seaurchin]

I recently purchased an ASM G2 for my 100 gallon setup and it has done a great job.

[princer7]

I run an MSX 250 (Octopus 250) from Marine Solutions on my 215 tank. It is one kick butt skimmer. Very well made. I use mesh wheels with the pump but they also have the option of the needle wheels as well (slightly less performance but less maintenance).

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers/c22/p133/MSX250/product_info.html

[Kristy]

Hey Jennifer,
Thanks for the link and info about the MSX 250. We have a fairly heavy bioload in our 210g and know a skimmer upgrade needs to be in our future, but had no clue what to look at. Glad to hear you've been so happy with yours. Have to keep that in mind next time we have "extra money" to spend...

[coraline79]

I am running the octopus 200nw, and it has been working great! I put a gatevalve mod on it and it has work flawlessly. It is pulling out about a cup every 2 days on my 125 with about 200 gallons of water in the system, and the collection cup is huge/easy to remove.

[jpond83]

what does a skimmer do exactly?

[Joshua]

what does a skimmer do exactly?

Tiny bubbles attract and stick to dissolved organics in the water, bubbles end up floating up and foaming over into the skimmer cup and taking the dissolved organics with them.

[brewercm]

Tiny bubbles attract and stick to dissolved organics in the water, bubbles end up floating up and foaming over into the skimmer cup and taking the dissolved organics with them.


What he said, basically if you've ever been to the coast and noticed that wonderful smell coming from the foam along the edge of the water. That is what we are attempting to recreate for our systems.

[Bill S]

Yup. Sea foam = fish pee. That idyllic picture of seafoam just went out the window! Same thing I tell my kids and their cousins.

[reeferRob]

I contacted Euro-Reef to determine what replacement pump I would need (currently has a SEDRA 5000) and also provided a potential Ehiem upgrade.

Sedra 5000 replacement cost: $145 ish
Ehiem 1262 upgrade cost (requires drilling?): $285ish


WOW those prices are WAY out of line! check marine depot

Sedra 5000 $98
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~ASM_Protein_Skimmer_Sedra_500 0_Replacement_Pump_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Pro tein_Skimmers_Replacement_Parts_ASM_Parts~vendor~A ll_Seas_Marine_(ASM)~SearchStr~sedra~action~view~i dProduct~AG1635~idCategory~FIPSRPAP.html

I also am partial to ASM as far as bang for the buck, I have a G-3 on my 180, and I recently replaced the Sedra 5000 with a Sedra 9000 - HOLY COW what a difference!!

Sedra 9000 $109
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~ASM_Protein_Skimmer_Sedra_900 0_Replacement_Pump_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Pro tein_Skimmers_Replacement_Parts_ASM_Parts~vendor~A ll_Seas_Marine_(ASM)~SearchStr~sedra~action~view~i dProduct~AG1637~idCategory~FIPSRPAP.html

Eheim 1262 $140
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?action=view&idProduct=EH1046&idCategory=FIWPSBFT&category=500_to_1000_GPH-Submersible-Water_Pumps-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies&vendor=&child=EH1262


Hope this helps!