Upgrading My Skimmer - Your Recommendations for a 120 mixed reef

[mattdg]

Here is a video I recently posted about replacing my old Reef Octopus SSS110 and my experience with the Lifereef SVS3-24, so far. Thank you again to everyone who participated in this thread, all of the skimmer suggestions and shared opinions. It helped to inform a decision that really works for this setup.

 

[mattdg]

My lifereef skimmer has been running great. Basically set and forget, aside from emptying the cup once in a while. The thing literally seems to clean itself. Never a dirty neck or clogged venturi. So wonderfully boring. Only issue is, the Mag Drive pump that was included with the skimmer, is like a heater that is on all summer. It's great in the winter! Basically, need to upgrade to a cooler running pump for summer and probably swap back to the Mag Drive in the winter. Those of you who run Lifereef skimmers, do you recommend the Sicce 5 or 7? My sicce syncra return pump, seems to run cool enough. Please share your opinions, if you happen to be a LR user. Thanks.

 

[fishybizzness]

This is on my 120 with the sicce 5.5 pump. It would probably work even better with the 7 but I don't want the extra heat and electricity consumption and I am very happy with the way it works with the 5.5. If it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[mattdg]

This is on my 120 with the sicce 5.5 pump. It would probably work even better with the 7 but I don't want the extra heat and electricity consumption and I am very happy with the way it works with the 5.5. If it ain't broke don't fix it

Nice foam! Looks similar to what I get with my pump, but without all the heat. Don’t want to over skim either, so a 5.5 might be fine. Does it feel cool to the touch, when running?

 

[fishybizzness]

I originally ran a mag pump but being in the Caribbean, I couldn't deal with the extra heat. The 5.5 definitely doesn't feel hot. A little warm at most but way better than a mag.this is how it looks before I empty it!

 

[fishybizzness]

Nasty stuff!

 

[Jedi1199]

I have a Rossmont SX250 skimmer on my 180g fowlr tank. It works well, but has a design issue I dislike. The pump is external. Makes it easy to remove for cleaning, but also takes up a huge amount of space.

My 55g mixed reef uses this skimmer.
Amazon product

Compact, quiet and reliable. Oversized a bit for my 55g but I have a very heavy bio-load. Seems to do what I need quite well in this system. Might be a tad undersized for the new 135 build I am about to start. Fortunately, I have an old Bubble Magus curve 7 on hand. Might swith to that for the new build.

 

[Reefer825]

Ultra Reef UKS 160! Switched from a Nyos six months ago and it produced this within five hours. It's so simple to adjust. No regrets with this purchase.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Hey all.

I am going to upgrade the skimmer in my 120 gallon, heavily stocked, mixed reef.

I am not into heavy skimming. I do employ several means of nutrient export. With that said, I am currently very underpowered with my Reef Octopus SS110, which though WAY undersized, has been an awesome work horse for many years, but is starting to show its age. It will become my new backup.

I am looking for an internal protein skimmer under 10x10 footprint, max 23" tall (smaller is ideal) that can handle at least a 100 gallon heavy bioload. Cost is not a big consideration, though good value is of course preferable.

I'm not super into DC. I prefer equipment that is simple with as few things to fix / maintain / adjust / replace / plug in / screw up, as possible. I will consider though, if there is an excellent option out there.

As far as I can tell, the Skimz Monzter SM161, is the closest thing to what I am looking for. I am a bit concerned with long term availability of parts and service, since BRS seems to be discontinuing the line.

I'd like to know if anyone has long term experience with this particular brand / skimmer, since I tend to hold on to my gear for a LONG time.

Please reply with your thoughts and recommendations, whatever brands / styles fit the bill.

Thanks!

I’m using a Simplicity. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but it skimms very well and has very quiet. I would buy again. Good luck.

 

[Reefer825]

I’m using a Simplicity. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but it skimms very well and has very quiet. I would buy again. Good luck.

That's good! The ultra reef doesn't have any bells and whistles, no float valve or control box. Plug in play. It's crafted just right for my liking.

 

[mattdg]

Also wondering if anyone is using a DC pump on their Lifereef skimmers and what, if any, advantage there might be. Also, please chime in if you are using other brands of AC/DC pumps on your Lifereef or similar Venturi Driven Skimmers.

This thread is already a great resource for those looking for skimmer upgrade ideas, so please do keep all of the skimmer recommends flowing.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I’m using a DC pump on my Simplicity skimmer and I don’t understand the point of it at all. I always have it on max setting which an AC pump can do. I think it’s a bit of a hype honestly.

 

[DavidinGA]

Been 20+ years since I used a skimmer (only use ATS), but the difference between skimmers within a typical price point typically provides very very little difference in performance imo.

 

[ddc0715]

i run a duo 600