Need Skimmer Suggestions for a 120

[paulthomas]

In addition to the 120 in my living room, I'll have a 37 gallon sump and 20 fuge in the basement below.

I've been looking at Octopus, ASM, Euroreef and MRC skimmers. Some of them come with a Sedra 3500(35W) or 5000(50W) pump, which both seem like economical pumps. But I'm not sure they'll be strong enough for my planned tank.

I've been leaning towards an MRC MR-2 with a Blueline 40(120W) or 55(180W). Would the MR-2 with a Blueline 40 be any better at skimming than say an ASM G-3 with a Sedra 5000? Would the electrical consumption of the Blueline outweigh its flow advantage over the Sedra pumps? The Blueline 40 and 55 are pressure rated, the Sedras are not.

Should I consider a Mag pump for the MR-2?

TIA,
Paul

 

[Liam]

In addition to the 120 in my living room, I'll have a 37 gallon sump and 20 fuge in the basement below.

I've been looking at Octopus, ASM, Euroreef and MRC skimmers. Some of them come with a Sedra 3500(35W) or 5000(50W) pump, which both seem like economical pumps. But I'm not sure they'll be strong enough for my planned tank.

I've been leaning towards an MRC MR-2 with a Blueline 40(120W) or 55(180W). Would the MR-2 with a Blueline 40 be any better at skimming than say an ASM G-3 with a Sedra 5000? Would the electrical consumption of the Blueline outweigh its flow advantage over the Sedra pumps? The Blueline 40 and 55 are pressure rated, the Sedras are not.

Should I consider a Mag pump for the MR-2?

TIA,
Paul

i will have an MRC MR2 and genx 40 available in a few weeks.
This is the best skimmer i have owned.Blew my deltec out of the water.
I would love to keep it but its size and the noise of an external pump will not work in the cramped confines of a 90 cabinet.
For a basement set up it is ideal.
Wether you have any interest in my unit or not aside,i would highly recommend this skimmer.

oh and don't waste your time with the mag12

 

[B.rian]

i just bought the reef octopus 150 for my 92g and it is awesome. if you have room, i would suggest the 200 model. these skimmers are beasts and they are the cheapest you will find. the pumps are very quiet also.

 

[paulthomas]

PM sent Liam.

Zen, the Octopus ia a close runner. You can't beat the price on them.

 

[ZReef]

I have the Octopus NW150 on my 46g bow and may continue using it when I upgrade to a 120 or 150g. It is a very good deal for the money. It skims like crazy. However, I have been asking the supplier where I got it to get me a new collection cup for months now because I broke mine while cleaning it and he hasn't done it yet. Also, the first pump I got never sucked in any air without being primed first and the second pump's air intake has significantly dropped to where I don't get any foam at the top now. These problems could be on my end but just warning you. Otherwise it works quite well.

 

[paulthomas]

Was the first pump the supplied one? What did you get for the second pump?

 

[RichConley]

I have the Octopus NW150 on my 46g bow and may continue using it when I upgrade to a 120 or 150g. It is a very good deal for the money. It skims like crazy. However, I have been asking the supplier where I got it to get me a new collection cup for months now because I broke mine while cleaning it and he hasn't done it yet. Also, the first pump I got never sucked in any air without being primed first and the second pump's air intake has significantly dropped to where I don't get any foam at the top now. These problems could be on my end but just warning you. Otherwise it works quite well.

Are you actually measuring airflow, or has the water level in the skimmer dropped and now it wont foam over.

With non-recirc needlewheels, and increase in air will actually lower the water level in the skimmer. Every time i've seen the air reduced in a non-recirc, they overflow, not drop.

How does your tank look? Thats an awful big skimmer for that tank, and it may just not have much to pull out, and be unable to build a large foam head.

 

[RichConley]

Was the first pump the supplied one? What did you get for the second pump?

There were some issues with the original OTP 2000 pumps. I'm sure they just replaced it for him.

 

[paulthomas]

I don't know... I'm thinking Bubble Master 200 now.

 

[ZReef]

The first pump was replaced within a week. It just didn't start up on its own. The second pump was working great for months and now it doesn't seem to be drawing as much air. It was pulling out all sorts of gunk but now I don't get any foam and a lot less bubbles. The water level normally rises if the air is cut off but this skimmer never seemed to do that. The water level is exactly the same but I can see right through the chamber body because there are hardly any bubbles. The hose makes noise and is definitely sucking in air but no bubble production. If I restrict the water inlet on the pump a little I get more air intake but only as long as I restrict it.

I have my old CSS 65 on the tank right now and it is pulling out gunk and doing its normal overflow problems but at least the tank is getting skimmed.

I am going to be contacting the company I purchased it from tomorrow.

 

[paulthomas]

Zreef, that's a shame. Please keep us posted with your results on the Octopus skimmer. I, for one, am curious how they handle your dilemma.

Paul