Protein Skimmer Selection Opinions & Advice.

[JoeyBabooey]

Hi reefers,

So I have a new tank arriving next month and I'm now exploring options for equipment. In this case, protein skimmers. I know you guys had to deal with tons of such topics before but please bear with me. My range of options are a little unique.

The tank volume including sump is max 280L. this is not taking into account the volume of rocks and such. The tank will be a mixed reef with an emphasis on fishes. I am aiming at collecting rarer species of fish and coral rather than jam packing vast collections. Therefore, stocking will be low and slow.

If you have experience with any one of the options below, do offer your opinions and such or other alternatives. Your input will be much appreciated!

Budget wise... not too cheap and not too expensive. You can tell from my options below.

My initial first choice:

Skimz Monzter E Series SM161. Rated for 500 to 1200L Air Intake 780L/Hr

- I know these are relatively good skimmers. My initial first choice because of price.

Reef Octopus Super Series RO-PS-2000INT or 3000INT (depending on stock availability.)

Rated for up to 1200L or 1500L respectively.

- I am currently using the Reef Octopus hang on skimmer for my 2 footer and very happy with it.

Marine Sources Red Devil Cone RDC-1600. Rated for up to 1600L. Brought in by East Ocean Aquatic.

- I am very interested in this skimmer. Not much reviews about this one here. Anybody has any inputs on this one?

Looks great and solid build, price is good too. Just need some consumer confidence from your experiences.

And Lastly,

Deltec SC1455 Rated for 800L to 1000L Air Intake 600L/Hr.

- I have a feeling everyone will go for this one.

So, are my options of skimmers too overpowered?

What are your opinions and if you had another option what would it be?

Let's not let this become a "Mac user vs Windows User" battle..

Final reveal of choice will be shown when I start the tank setup journal.

Thank you all in advance.

[angmoh]

I will rule out "cone" skimmers. Read from somewhere that this kinda design has the least bubble contact time, which is not ideal for a skimmer to perform effectively.

I am a SC1455 user, for my lightly-stocked 250L mixed reef, and I'm happy with it.

[[V]tEc]

Get a skimmer that is rated twice your water vol is more than enough. Using one that is rated 1000L is way too high for your tank. Your tank might not produce enough foam to fill the skimmer neck

[JoeyBabooey]

thank you for your input so far, guys!

So it does seem that overly powered skimmers are indeed an overkill... didn't take the water volume into consideration. and will try to stay away from full cone skimmers =)

I guess the Deltec SC1455 will be my second option.. im sure nobody can go wrong there.

Will re-write the plan again for a better suited skimmer from the brands earlier mentioned.

Thanks again fellas!