What protein skimmer should I use with the Berlin Method?

[CountZero]

Ok,
I am setting up my reef tank this week.
I got the lighting retrofit set up, I have the stand completed and I am ready to go. (I have been sweating doing this and decided to jump right in the ocean so to speak) I found a screaming deal on live rock, $1.60 a pound, so now I can afford to do it.

What I need to know is what should I use for a protein skimmer? I am leaning towards an Aqua C Remora with the surface skimmer (from the AA sponsor) Would that work on a 120? Any other picks? Anyone know what the diff is between the Remora and the Urchin?

I am pretty scared of setting this up, but I know I will get through it with all of your help!

Thanks,
Zero

 

[reefrunner69]

I think even an AquaC remora pro is a tad small for a 120g reef tank, I might use them for a FO tank, but not my reef. On that size tank, I would look at a larger AquaC in sump skimmer or a Euroreef skimmer.

 

[CountZero]

Im trying to find something that is hang on tank, or that can sit under it as I plan on doing the berlin method and wont be using a sump.
Zero

 

[ohio reefer]

countzero, where did you find that deal on live rock. if you don't mind me asking?

mark

 

[steve-s]

I plan on doing the berlin method and wont be using a sump.

If available in your area, you might want to look into a Tunze skimmer then. The Tunze 0230/3 is rated up to 300 gal and can be used as a "hang on" model. Tunze is an excellent product and if you are going to have a reef using the berlin method, a skimmer is something not to skimp on...

Cheers
Steve

 

[captivereefs]

I would stick with an aqua c remora pro. It should handle the 120 ok. You may want to do the mag 3 pump upgrade though! I have a freind who has one on a 110 and it does a good job. I would incorporate a deep sand bed also. The remora hangs on the tank and the urchin is an in sump model.

 

[CountZero]

countzero, where did you find that deal on live rock. if you don't mind me asking?

mark

www.etropicals.com is having a sale thru thursday on fiji live rock! I just ordered 120#'s of it and the total was $334.80 delivered! That is by far the best price I have ever found! I have been searching for a deal on it for weeks. Wish I could of found a deal on sand in the area though.... I am headed into reno now to pick up the sand and get the tank filled and ready for the rock when it shows up on thursday.

I will be using the deep sand bed as well and getting some critters to cruise through it to clean it up. I was hoping to keep the skimmer under 150-200 bucks, as I am rapidly running out of money

 

[loganj]

My thoughts are that the Remora Pro with the Mag 3 would be the absolute least skimmer you'd want on that size tank. I wouldn't even think about it without the surface skimmer either. Red Sea makes a HOB version of the Berlin that would probably do a good job...I'd use a Mag 7 pump on it. I'm using a Berlin on a 180 reef (in the sump) and it's doing a pretty good job so far. I'd probably shy away from the Turbo model though as the pumps seem to give some trouble. JMHO.

 

[reefrunner69]

Turboflotor also makes a HOB skimmer

 

[captivereefs]

The turboflotor hangon is another excellent skimmer. It is a little out of his prefered price range though. I sell them for $239.99.

 

[smokiums]

Which skimmer would you guys recommend for 72 bow, that will ultimately become a reef tank? I have 35 gallon refuge underneath and need the skimmer to seat outside of the refuge.

 

[loganj]

Are you looking for something that will hang on the side of the fuge or will the fuge be drilled for a bulkhead fitting so you can use an external skimmer?
For a HOB type, I don't think you can beat the Aqua C Remora Pro with a Mag 3 for that size tank. For an external, I'd go with either a Red Sea Berlin or an Aqua C EV-120. You can also get an Aqua C Urchin Pro that sits in the sump.

 

[smokiums]

I wanted something to seat externally, using a bulkhead to tap into the fuge. There's a considerable price differential between the Berlin and EV 120, which would you go for?

 

[loganj]

I'd probably go with the Berlin for the money. It will handle a 72g tank nicely. You have to be careful not to overtighten the connections on it though because the skimmer body cracks easily...especially at the venturi inlet. It's not a problem as long as you're careful. A Mag 7 would work well or, if you prefer an air cooled pump, I'd probably go with a Blueline 30HD.