Need advice on best skimmer

[ramblnpony]

Hi folks,

My basement reno took far longer than anticipated when I bought a Red Sea c-skim 1200 deluxe around 4+ years ago on Boxing Day, along with a tank etc. The first time I tried to use it; the POS badly designed impeller broke. Turns out this $35 dollar part is no longer available. I have contacted the company with no response. So my 180 gallon tank with a 70 gal sump has been running for about 3 weeks with 2 clown fish. I'm expecting a very small tank cycle so there is no immediate rush for a skimmer. I know there are some threads on here on favorite skimmers but with ever changing technology I would appreciate any opinions to some current well built reliable skimmers. Parts supply and product support would be a deciding factor. Thanks in advance!

Frank

[Greatwhite]

Bubble Magus is making good, reliable skimmers at a reasonable price...  Ray usually has all models in stock.

[az]

octopus skimmers.

[Achilles]

I second octopus skimmers. the SRO or diablo are really good.

[yellowtang]

Need a good skimmer?.
Try the ATB or bubble king skimmers if $$$ isn't
An issue.
But for most folks.. a bubble magus or skimz skimmer
Would do.  Most of our local vendors have many good
Choices of good mid price skimmers.

[ramblnpony]

Thanks for the suggestions and pms folks!

I have it narrowed down to one of 3 brands       1. Octopus...  still looking at models
                                                                            2. Bubble Magus Curve 9
                                                                            3. Cad Lights TIA 1350 2nd generation

Still need to do some more research on these before I make my decision.

Thanks again for the help!
                                                                             

[jon1985]

I have no personal experience but I have heard octopus skimmers can be tough to clean.  I have had a bubble magus for almost 2 years and love it.  Easy to tear apart to clean, and the price point is great.

[az]

I have no personal experience but I have heard octopus skimmers can be tough to clean.  I have had a bubble magus for almost 2 years and love it.  Easy to tear apart to clean, and the price point is great.

some older models maybe.

if octopus look for one with bubble blaster pump, little more money but very very good.

[ramblnpony]

Based on their reputation, I bought a Reef Octopus SRO-3000INT last Saturday. At first it worked so well I had to raise it an extra 5 inches from the recommended level because it was overflowing like crazy. Things have calmed down the past few days and I now have it at the recommended height. I was surprised at the yellow skimmed water for such a young tank. The tank was getting just a little cloudy but is now crystal clear. So far I am very happy with this skimmer. 

I will post some pics  when the tank is a little more advanced.