Best affordable Skimmer

[Philnashbass]

Looking for recommendations for an effective protein skimmer for under $ 200 for my 50gal reef cube.
Thanks for your input

[Salt]

Reef Octopus NW 110 for the job ;-)

I got mine from A.V. and I love it on my 90.

Disclaimer: I stand to make 0 $ on my opinions/suggestions ;-) happy reefing

[ramblnpony]

If you want a Hang on the back type, ( if you don't have a sump) I'm using a Reef Octopus Classic 90 Hang-on-Back Protein Skimmer that works well for me. My only complant is that it is hard to clean inside the cone chamber but that can be done with vinegar and water. 

[Philnashbass]

I should have specified: yes, in sump is what I'm looking for.
I'm considering either Bubble Magus or Reef Octopus at this point.

[bitterman]

What about Cad Lights Skimmers?

Love the PLS-100 I have for my sons tank.

Bruce

[Stussi613]

I had originally purchased a Cadlights for my 125g but ended up changing to a Bubble Magus because the dimensions on the Cadlights ones are weird.  I'm super happy with my bubble Magus and most people I know with reef octopus are very happy with them too.

[beertech]

I love my tunze skimmer! Its almost silent and pulls really thick crud daily.I am using it in the sump of my 65 reef, med fish load. I have used the octopus skimmers before on my larger tank, and loved the power and efficiency, but hated the noise level.

[Philnashbass]

That's not the first time I've heard about noise issues with Octopus. My cube is in my living room and noise level is a consideration.
I had a Tunze 9011 a few years back (on my 120 gal.) and was never really happy with it. It was also $ 450
I have a Vertex IN280 in my 220 and I think its great (but very noisy).

[Stussi613]

The bubble Magus are virtually silent, you can barely even hear it running.   And it pulls skim like a beast!