skimmer ... how low can i go

[butcherman]

I am planning to convert my 4ft freshwater tank into a sw.
The DT is 240l and the sump is a 3ft tank about 70l totaling 310l
Here is the problem....
the high in the compartment under the tank where the sump is is 580mm high.

been looking around for skimmers that would fit
so far i come up with the following:
1.) BH-2000 hang on skimmer rated 600l
2.) ORCA-80-INT 255x180x475mm rated 500l
3.) Reef Octopus Extreme Series OCTX-160 230x170x530mm rated 1200l

I was wondering in your opinions and experience which would be the the best and most practical option.

 

[butcherman]

oh and yes i know these are all reef octo skimmers i gather from what i have read they seem to be the most popular.

 

[RiaanP]

Just check how much space you need to be able to lift the full cup off the skimmer.
I had it once where I needed just that extra 1cm, and always had to tilt the skimmer body sideways just to get the cup off without dripping skimmate into the sump.

 

[crispin]

I am planning to convert my 4ft freshwater tank into a sw.
The DT is 240l and the sump is a 3ft tank about 70l totaling 310l
Here is the problem....
the high in the compartment under the tank where the sump is is 580mm high.

been looking around for skimmers that would fit
so far i come up with the following:
1.) BH-2000 hang on skimmer rated 600l ( i would personally skip hang on skimmers unless you have to, in your case with a sump you should look at an insump skimmer. A few things i dont like about the hang ons, but one big factor is the unsightliness of them)
2.) ORCA-80-INT 255x180x475mm rated 500l (a good rating for your tank and if it fits i would go for it. make sure you have enough height. Ive heard good things about this range but havent ever used one myself)
3.) Reef Octopus Extreme Series OCTX-160 230x170x530mm rated 1200l (way overkill for your needs. you cant really stock a 3 ft with largish or that many fish and thus you wont have that much waste produced. save the bucks and use it for lighting, internal flow or an Auto top up unit)

I was wondering in your opinions and experience which would be the the best and most practical option.

seee my thoughts in blue above

 

[mariusmeyer]

The extreme range needs 12mm above the skimmer so that you can light off the collection cup. I have the OCTX200 and its the same for the 160.

 

[butcherman]

thanks for the input guys

id really like the OCTX-160 but will probable end up with the ORCA-80-INT