If you had $1000 for a Huge Bioload Skimmer, which would you buy?

[Tom Toro]

I plan on running biopellets and am using an ETSS1400 w/250ps Panworld for my 240g (400g total volume) system. I would like to run another large, but in sump skimmer, but don't have a clue what's state of the art (for under $1000) these days. I really wouldn't mind retiring the 1400 if I can find a powerful enough skimmer that uses 200watts or less. That's half of the Panworld.

I plan on having a large number of fish, with just softies and anemones, but don't want the algae associated with heavy feedings.

What do you guys with large systems run? Also, am I putting too much importance on the skimmer and is there something else that large systems use for nutrient export (besides biopellets)?

Last, does everybody run a refugium or sump with tons of algae or mangrove forests? Is this a necessity?

[Hopkins]

How about this guy?

ATI PowerCone 250 I-Series Skimmer with Controllable Pump

It is under $800, runs on 35 watts of electricity, and is rated for 250-500+ gallons.

[marc49127]

I would buy a super reef octopus 5000 cone. I have had mine for about six months and it's the best skimmer I have ever bought. Not a complaint about it!

[Tom Toro]

If your just going to house softies and nems you really don't need some amazing skimmer... or the biopellets. What you have would work, if you want to replace the skimmer there are options that would work good for probably half of what your considering spending.

I'm interested. What types/models are you thinking?


I would buy a super reef octopus 5000 cone. I have had mine for about six months and it's the best skimmer I have ever bought. Not a complaint about it!

There's a guy with a 300+ sps tank that's world class that uses that skimmer. So that's on my list and again around $500 so thanks.


How about this guy?

ATI PowerCone 250 I-Series Skimmer with Controllable Pump

It is under $800, runs on 35 watts of electricity, and is rated for 250-500+ gallons.

I like the efficiency for sure, but in the old days (I'm old) when a manufacturer quoted a rating, we used to cut 'em in half. I did see this guy for 733$ shipped. I have to do more research, but thanks for the suggestion.

[binford4000]

Royal Exclusiv Alpha 200 Cone Protein Skimmer - AquaCave.com (http://www.aquacave.com/Royal-Exclusiv-Alpha-200-Cone-Protein-Skimmer-P2494C645.aspx)

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/RE-200.html

By far the best you can buy !! I have a reef octopus right next to my BK,the octo does well but next to the BK it looks like me trying to race carl Lewis.i have owned so many skimmers in my time in the hobby that I can honestly say the Bubble King skimmer line is the best available to those who are willing to spend the money. It only uses 28 watts of power,is constructed of first class craftsmanship and have the best pumps on the market! Tom if your going to retiree the ETSS monster give these a serious look! Best money I have spent even more so then My AI's. you can also find em on RC usually for half price. They pull serious stinky thick skimm. :thumbsup:

http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz179/binford4000/6c3cb57513c8db58bce7f7207ed8da55.jpg

[Rabidgoose]

I would say the RE Alpha 250.

[binford4000]

Good input chort. I disagree about the reef octopus tho. They are very loud and if you don't mod them they have a tendacy to flood . We had a skimz on the wife's 75, decent skimmer but nothing compared to what he is running right now I have heard there's a mod out now from knuckles and he is very happy with his. So if you want to work on a new skimmer it's a good deal. The bubble king line IMHO is cream of the crop. Tom is running a huge ETSS skimmer now so I recommend a skimmer that would perform to a standard he is use to havering. After watching my diablo next to my BK I could only recommend the BK. the BK has to be dumped three times to the octopus single dumping. I have owned the reef octopus hob skimmer and it was a very serious disappointment and their customer service was even worse. That thing flooded my house three times !! I am not even willing to sell it on any forum. Just my 02 but if he's looking to replace the ETSS and lower his power consumption without loosening his capabilities to remove waste at the level he wants the BK is the way to go in my book!

[marc49127]

I would agree that the alpha 250 is a very good skimmer but the whole point of the thread was under $1000 dollars and your not going to find one for that! As far as opctopus skimmers being loud and flooding I couldn't disagree more. Maybe an ancient one but even my original nw200 was quiet. My new super reef octopus with the bubble blaster pump is a first class skimmer that performs very well!

[binford4000]

It was not the diablo that flooded it was the HOB cone that was always have issues tell I installed an after market micro valve in between the muffler and the pump. And yes my diablo is very loud. The water comeing out of the valve splashing drives me nuts !

[binford4000]

Clearly it wasnt that good since you disagree with everything I said..... I am done trying to help people you clearly have it all under control thanks :)

BTW you have to be doing something seriously wrong to cause flooding with any insump skimmer.... Not surprising your HOB leaked tho, HOBs all suck... but even my POS prism pro has never caused a flood, but then again I've never pluged it in and walked away from it not having it fully dialed into where I wanted it or let the skimmer cup overflow. When cleaning it I also always make sure the pump is properly attatched and the seal is holding up before walking away.

I've been doing this hobby for a very long time guy. I clearly stated it was the HOB.Even reef octopus admitted they had an issue with the pump not maintaining a consitant level even after break in. The skimmer now will be comeing with a valve in the air tube because of mod I did. I am sorry if I offended ya dude it was not my intent. Good luck Tom

[marc49127]

It was not the diablo that flooded it was the HOB cone that was always have issues tell I installed an after market micro valve in between the muffler and the pump. And yes my diablo is very loud. The water comeing out of the valve splashing drives me nuts !

That's what I thought! The diablo isn't a super reef octopus is it! I bet if you compared a cheaper vertex to the alpha there would be some big differences too!