Skimmer 120g - eshopps 300??

I'm starting up my 120g reef tank in the next few weeks and one of the last things left for me to buy is a skimmer. I am leaning towards getting an eshopps 300. My two local fish stores both run eshopps and recommended them highly.

Does anyone have any opinions on them / experience with them?
I just want a reliable skimmer that works. The fact that Eshopps are less expensive is a perk but I am willing to spend more money if the consensus is that there are much better options.

Any other recommendations?

Side question: how much clearance is needed to take the cup off this unit? My cabinet is 26" tall which is only 1-2" taller than the eshopps unit.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

hi Mozymo

Eshopps: Cone Skimmers

might want to look at the new range of cone skimmers they have
they are only 21 inches tall versus the one your looking at at 23 inches

Eshopps: Protein Skimmers

I have never used one of these models - but in general with skimmers of this type a couple of inches of clearance is adequate IME

They do get very good reviews
they do make quality product such as overflows that also get great reviews


Steve

 

Is there a functional difference between the cone and regular skimmers? I haven't heard much about the cone ones. Are they just as effective as the regular ones?

It would be nice to have the slightly shorter cones but I dont want to sacrifice effectiveness.

Thanks

 

mozymo

cones are regarded by many as more efficient/ better skimmers - they are the latest development with a lot of well known brands also making models in this style now.


Steve

 

I have seen the new Eshopps cone skimmers and they perform. I however had a bad experiance with an Eshopps HOB and the fittings for the water lines on the pump kept snapping off. They were good and gredited my LFS and I got my money back and bought a Aqua C Remora.
I would not let my situation effect you as I do not use sumps and like I said the new cone skimmer from them kick butt!

 

The Eshopps cone S-200 is no longer as cheap as their regular skimmers. Is the Eshopps cone worth paying the money? or at these prices (~600) are there better brands out there?

thoughts?

 

personal choice I would say.....I personally love trying new dtuff

 

Here is a pic I took of the Eshopps' 300 at Reef-A-Palooza a little while back:


I was impressed seeing the 300 up close. The bubble density was really nice. FWIW

 

I am currently running a coralvue reef octopus extreme 160 on my 120 and love it.
heres a link.

Reef Octopus Extreme 160 Protein Skimmer by CoralVue* - AquaCave

 

you mean the S-200 cone, right? On their site they only list the S-150 and S-200 (or was this a sneak peak)