Protein skimmer help

[Ryan1221]

I have a fluval Osaka 260L. I have a fluval 406 canister filter that I run chemi pure carbon. 75lbs of live rock and 80lbs of live sand. I am in the process of adding a sump and the next step I need to figure out is what protein skimmer I need. I plan on having some coral and a medium bio load.

I am currently looking at the following name brands:
Skimz
Reef octopus
Tunze
Aqua C

Are there any other name brands that are worth considering? What specifc model do you think would work best for my setup from the name brands above?

I want to make sure I don't get some cheap brand that won't last. I am not one that gets something cheap and ineffective just to have the piece of equipment.

Help would be greatly appreciated as I am new to the saltwater aquarium hobby.

 

[Old_Moe]

Since I have only had the reef octopus, I cant really comment on the other brands. I have this one and it has worked great.

Super Reef Octopus XP1000 Space Saver (110 Gallon) Internal Cone Protein Skimmer

 

[Amba]

I have used eshopps HOB skimmers for two years and never had a problem. They are much cheaper than a lot of other skimmers, and do just as good of a job. However if you have the dough, reef octo is smexy.

 

[Ryan1221]

I am currently looking at the Reef Octopus DIABLO SX 160 Protein Skimmer

 

[Ted]

Thats a nice skimmer. Its made to be used in sump from the look of it. Are you running a sump or where you going hang on back?

 

[Ryan1221]

In sump

 

[Ted]

Cant argue with that skimmer you are leaning towards. Its a beast and will do very well for you.

 

[Ryan1221]

How much room would I need for it? My sump is 10x16x15. Would that be big enough to fit a protein skimmer and a return pump?

 

[Ted]

10x16x15 is that 10 length 16 wide and 15 high? the skimmer has a Footprint: 8.3″ x 9″ so that gonna take half the sump..... my sump is 24 long 9 wide and 15 high (or tall) Its what would fit in my stand. Anyway how big are the chambers.

 

[Ryan1221]

I haven't made any chambers yet. I had to get a custom tank to fit that are.

 

[fastrd400]

Look at the Bubble Magus Skimmers as well. They are great skimmers at a lower price point than the Reef Octopus. With that one you are looking at, I would swap the pump out for a PSK1000.

 

[Ryan1221]

I'll check out those.