What is the best skimmer for my money?

[110gTj]

Currently I have a coralife super skimmer 125. I know I know they are not very liked here on the forums, but with a few mods I have done it has worked pretty decently. Despite its hard working efforts it is time to upgrade to a better skimmer. I have about $250.00 saved and want to know what the best skimmer for my money is. I have a 110g tank with a 20g sump. Plenty of room down there to put my skimmer. As of a bioload so far I only have 2 clowns, sailfin tang, white cheek tang (I know he is not a good choice), mexican snails, blue leg crabs, and frogspawn coral. Please give me some insight on the best skimmer for $250.00 or less. Thanks guys

 

[melosu58]

IMO the best line of skimmers are the octopus brand. They make some good skimmers.

 

[ccCapt]

An Octopus NWB 150 would work nice and it fits right into your price range.
Reef Octopus NWB 150 Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer - AquaCave

For a few $ more, you can also move up to the next size, the NWB 200.
Reef Octopus NWB 200 Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer* - AquaCave

 

[110gTj]

Thanks guys..I think Im going to try for the NWB200, but we will see how things go. Im going to order it this week sometime

 

[austinsdad]

Curious if any Octopus user can compare them to the Aqua EV series skimmers. I know I always recommend the Aqua C, but I've never used an Octopus.

 

[ccCapt]

The AquaC EV's are good, but the EV 120 is probably about the same as the NWB 150 as far as recommended tank size. The Octo is over $100 cheaper and comes with a pump. You already paid over $100 more for the AquaC, plus you need to also buy a pump for it. So, do I think an AquaC EV is worth the extra $100+? No, so I recommend the Octo.

 

[austinsdad]

Ah hah! $100 bucks. Very good rationale.

 

[JustOneMore20]

Just speaking for the Octopus brand, I have a BH100F hang on back one and its great. I had some issues getting it going to begin with, but otherwise, no problems from it. Its a good skimmer.