Need Recommendations on Return Pump and Skimmer (1 Viewer)

[bchadley]

Advice needed: somewhat noob. 6 years out of the hobby. Building a marineland 150g XH reef ready.

Starting off FOWLR and then will go inverts then LPS and ultimately maybe some SPS as the tank matures, but focus will not be SPS.

First time building a true sump. Had a HOB system before. Doing a DIY sump from a 40B.

1.) best brand/model skimmer for above system under $400? Looking at Reef Oct or Eshopps X-220 but open to other models. Heard about Simplicity?

2.) best return pump? One corner overflow rated at 700gph. Return height will be 6 feet.

So many reviews good and bad on skimmers and pumps and have no experience. Concerned about noise (living room) and quality.

Thanks

 

[oneasianguy]

I have a reef octopus skimmer, it works great for me. But I only have a 90 gallon tank. As for return pump, I am using Current eFlux 6010. That is working well for me now.

 

[jkl4971]

I ran a curve 9 and a mag 18 on my 150 both worked great. Got out of the hobby both are for sale.

 

[Dr.Krieger]

Look ill be the redheaded stepchild here but honestly i picked up a DC pump by Jebao and it is dead silent like no bs its so quiet i cant hear it running at all and it pushes more water than any other pump iv ever owned. That and with apex controlability its a win win. As far as skimmers go bud good luck. Thats a personal preference area but i have a Super Reef Octopus 3000 with the snapdragon pump and man does that badboy skim. Unfortunately i switched to the Triton method for this new tank and its big fat ********* doesnt fit in the skimmer area of the triton 44 so yea it gets to sit on the sidelines until i either sell it or do something new and crazy.