question on skimmers

[Speakerman]

I'm going to set up a 75g reef with a 40g sump.

What do I need to look for in a protein skimmer? How can I tell (by a picture) if it's high quality or not.

Which brands should I shoot for? I'm not looking for something top of the line, but I need something that is durable and does it's job.

I've been looking @ ebay and found 160G Aquarium Protein Skimmer In sump Wet Dry FREE PUMP - eBay (item 290325091274 end time Jun-27-09 17:25:16 PDT)

Would this work? I've learned that cheaper is rarely better when dealing with reef aquaria so here I am.

 

[CaptainAhab]

Look at the Octopus NW150, I think the newer model is NWB(?)150..

Your ebay one is probably crap

 

[melosu58]

From what I`ve heard Octopus skimmers are the best. I use an excalibur.

 

[Speakerman]

From what I`ve heard Octopus skimmers are the best. I use an excalibur.

made by Coral Vue?

 

[CaptainAhab]

Correct

Coral Vue Home Page

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[ccCapt]

made by Coral Vue?

Actually they are made in China somewhere...lol

There are 2 main distributors for them here. CoralVue and SWC (Salt Water Connection).
A forum sponsor, AquaCave sells the CoralVue version. They also have the new NWB model.
Reef Octopus NWB Needle Wheel Protein Skimmers

You can get the SWC version from Marine Solutions. They still carry the original NW model.
MSO Needlewheel 150 Marine Solutions Online Store