What would a good skimmer be for a 300 gallon semi reef?

[The Codfather]

Normally I would say look around and do some research, I went through a number of skimmers in the past as well. All I can say is I waited awhile to get one used, but would never go to anything else now.

[Bblinks]

I would go with a bbk supermarin 250 or 300, 300 would be better. If that is out of the price range than an alpha cone 300 will have the almost equivalent performance as the bbk with a lower price tag. Still expensive for a skimmer but I believe it is a single most important piece of equipment for your tank.

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by The Codfather

Normally I would say look around and do some research, I went through a number of skimmers in the past as well. All I can say is I waited awhile to get one used, but would never go to anything else now.

looks liek my old one hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm i would get a vertex 300 then you would be GTG IMHE and IMHO

[Hustler]

I have 30 inches of room or headspace between the floor of the sump and the bottom of the tank, in sump would be fine, I plan not to have too many fish and 300+lbs live rock and I wont overfeed lol.
I wasnt looking to spend a grand, would it make more sense to run 2 cheaper high quality ones?
Seems the skimmers go from just under $500 to $1000 with nothing inbetween lol
Also Ive seen a few videos where guys have added a fitting to the skimmer cup to dump excess into a jug.... is this possible with all of them?

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Hustler

I wasnt looking to spend a grand, would it make more sense to run 2 cheaper high quality ones? No, bad idea.

Seems the skimmers go from just under $500 to $1000 with nothing inbetween lol Yep, pretty much. The best way to go in between is to buy a used $1200 skimmer for $750.

Also Ive seen a few videos where guys have added a fitting to the skimmer cup to dump excess into a jug.... is this possible with all of them? Imo this is a bad idea. Your skimmer will overflow on occasion. Normally it would just overflow back into the sump, but if it is plumbed out then it can drain your sump and burn out your return pump. If you have an ATO then the ATO will kick in, and flood your tank with freshwater. Both are bad possibilities.

Listen to Asmodeus...he knows his skimmers. Vertex are good skimmers for the price.

I have 2 SWC cone skimmers, and they are great skimmers...skim like no tomorrow. However, they do have a drawback...cheap pumps that are prone to issues and premature death. They also only have a 6 month warranty. When/if my SWC skimmers' pumps die I will replace with a more durable pump. Skimz are basically the same design but with better pumps.

[viperfish]

Originally Posted by Myka

I have 2 SWC cone skimmers, and they are great skimmers...skim like no tomorrow. However, they do have a drawback...cheap pumps that are prone to issues and premature death. They also only have a 6 month warranty. When/if my SWC skimmers' pumps die I will replace with a more durable pump. Skimz are basically the same design but with better pumps.

I don't know which SWC models you have but I have the SWC 230 with the Askoll pump, not a cheap pump at all.

[wickedfrags]

plan on purchasing a skimmer/pump combination in and around the $1200-$1500 price range (new) for a system that size.....as it's the most important piece of hardware you will by ever by, don't skimp

[Myka]

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

I don't know which SWC models you have but I have the SWC 230 with the Askoll pump, not a cheap pump at all.

Hey this is a good point. I forgot the bigger SWC cones come with the Askoll. I was referring to the Sicce and Atman pumps.

The SWC Xtreme 250A Cone would be a great skimmer for a 300 gallon tank and at $750 is between $500 and $1000.

Btw, I don't usually believe the manufacturer recommended tank sizes...or at least go to the bottom of their scale. I consider air intake one of the most important factors when choosing a skimmer size. The SWC Xtreme 230 is $565, but I think it would be pushing size for a newbie on a 300 gallon tank. Although I think the 230 @ $565 is a better buy than the 250A at $750.

[Hustler]

Are the skimz series comparable?

[mseepman]

I have the Reef Octopus xp 5000 cone coming and from what I understand its an excellent Skimmer for the price. I will have a little more water volume than you on my new build but this Skimmer should do the trick.