external skimmer suggestion

[gchaney]

Ok I know people are always asking whats the best skimmer but for the most part everyone is looking for in sump or hang on skimmers. I have a 125 mixed reef display with a 55 gallon sump. I am running an ETSS 800 skimmer externally and I really like the external skimmer but the 800 just seams to maybe be over rated it doesn't run consistently on my tank. So my question is what are some good external skimmers out there to upgrade from the etss downdraft?

 

[swcc]

consistency is more about smaller vs bigger.. so if it is inconsistent, it pulls everything then idles till more organics are there... if you want consistent...you go smaller. the etss 800 is very powerful for your tank.

 

[azjohnny]

whats your price point?

 

[gchaney]

not really looking to spend thousands or anything but since I have something that works now I can always save for a while if need be.

 

[swcc]

not really looking to spend thousands or anything but since I have something that works now I can always save for a while if need be.

I would just keep what you got..it will pull, idle, the pull some more.
frankly, if you want to change... nothing better than a reef dynamics xrc135 for your tank... anything else will be less productive or cost more.

 

[gchaney]

Mostly the reason I want to replace it is the fact that it has bioballs in it and you have to replace them about every six months

 

[swcc]

Mostly the reason I want to replace it is the fact that it has bioballs in it and you have to replace them about every six months

true... and it is and energy hog...still reef dynamics will steer you right... never seen any better tanks than recirc(external) skimmed via reef dynamics(euro reef).... including mine and I am in sump standard ins135(the recirc is even better).

 

[swcc]

and this is wet skimming with an oversized skimmer..
some will say "reef dynamics is old technology"... yup...so is my rolex...LOL.

 

[NyReefNoob]

skimz sm202 would be perfect for that size tank, normally i dont ever recommend the octo line the but the recirc ones seem to fair better then the in-sump model, you could also use a das ex 2 if you can find one