Which Skimmer to buy

[SonicGT02]

I've been thinking of upgrading my skimmer and have been looking into the Octopus skimmers. I presently have a Coralife Super Skimmer, but think it could do a better job. I haven't had all the problems that some have mentioned, like overflowing, but I think it could do better. So, if I went with Octopus, which one?? Is there a less expensive skimmer that would do better than what I have?? I need an in sump that doesn't have a bigger footprint than my present skimmer, which would be 10"x8". I have a 90 gal tank with a 30 gal sump. Suggestions?

 

[reeffreak]

As Octopus skimmers goes....

Go with the one you can afford and fit in the space.If all you can afford is needlewheel version then go with that.If you want one a little better then go with the recirculating needlewheel for a bit more money.On the higher end models,the Extremes,Cones and Super Reef,it's harder to decide which version to go with.The Cones are the space saving version but I don't know which is considered the best.IMO,all will do a much better job then the CSS.

 

[ccCapt]

That's a pretty small footprint and will really limit your choices. A Octopus Extreme160 would fit and is a great skimmer.
Reef Octopus Extreme 160 Protein Skimmer by CoralVue* - AquaCave
The Octo XP1000SSS cone skimmer is around the same price and would also fit.
http://www.aquacave.com/super-reef-octopusbr-xp-1000sss-cone--brprotein-skimmer-3059.html

 

[SeaBee]

Reef octo makes a real good external as well. Mine is kickin the crap out.

 

[crazy cajun]

+1 Capt, i have a 90 gal and i use the Octopus EXT 160 and it works great this is the model you want, it is the newer ext 160 it has a longer cone than the one in capt's pic and with the pump mounted below saves a lot of room, the super reef xp1000 is also nice

Reef Octopus Extreme 160 Protein Skimmer 160 Gallons - eBay (item 380251112617 end time Aug-13-10 17:29:57 PDT)

 

[SonicGT02]

Thanks for all the info!! If I do go Octo, I'll go with the extreme 160. Now today a friend of mine told me that he would sell me his Aqua Euro USA 135 skimmer for $125. He got rid of one of his tanks a year ago, so he has this one sitting around. Does anyone know anything about this brand?? Doesn't look like a great price for used, but I don't really know.

 

[crazy cajun]

do a search on this site and see how many people have Octo skimmers !!!!!

and have change over to Octo's i know i did

 

[ccCapt]

The AquaEuro is similar to a regular Octopus skimmer, not the Extreme or Cone. I doubt that skimmer has a small enough footprint, plus you can buy 1 brand new for $180.
PS-135 Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer by AquaEuro USA* - AquaCave