Skimmer suggestions/recommendations?

[Gdbyrd]

There are so many options and I really don't know where to start. I liked the EM300 but can't find it in stock anywhere. The SWC200 extreme looked great at first, but then I started reading reviews about the noise factor. There are the SROs too...

I have a 150g tank with a 30g sump. I plan to have a heavy bioload and wanted to keep SPS, but my sump only has an 11x12 skimmer area and I really only wanted to spend a max of 4-500$. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

 

[NathanMI]

I love ASM skimmers. I have a mini-g on my 90 and I need to empty the cup every other day and man does it stink lol. I need to upgrade to a larger one it's a little underrated. I think the mini-g is rated for 80g and I have 110g total.

ASM Protein Skimmers

 

[mariobrothersleeve]

Have you thought of running dual hob's on your sump?

 

[d2mini]

It really would depend on your budget.
I good "value" in a higher end skimmer is the Vertex Apha line with Red Dragon pumps. I say a good value because it's made by the people who make Bubble King skimmers, Royal Exclusiv. I'd rather pick up a used one of these than a new lesser skimmer. And I did. :D
Although mine is actually too big for my tank. I got the 250 because of the deal i found, but the 200 would be a much better fit for my tank.

 

[Gdbyrd]

I'd really be comfortable in the 4-600$ range.

 

[bangbangkhan]

did you look at reef octopus xs series? they have a very small footprint.

 

[Gdbyrd]

I'm looking real seriously at the RLSS R8-i right now. It has really good reviews from everyone that's owned one.

 

[noy]

There are online calculators to figure out the actual water volume of your system

e.g. Aquarium System Volume Calculator

I would buy the biggest rated skimmer you can afford.

I'm not really sold on the DC pumps with the variable speeds as far as value goes. I think the variable speed feature seems like more of a gimmick (pricey one).

I would suggest something from Reef Octopus
or the new Vertex Omega with the PSK 1000 pump
If budget is an issue the Bubble Magus curve 9 is getting great reviews.
The Vertex Alpha is a great skimmer but quite pricey.

Get one with the pump inside the skimmer body - it saves tons of space and is every bit as efficient.