AEU 265 recir vs. classsid 400

[kodyboy]

Guys,
between these two which one do you think it better?

AE Recirculating 265
[AERPS265] $269.95
Recirculating model designed for tanks up to 265 gallons.
Height: 30.11in.
Diameter: 7.87in.
Footprint: 19.8in. x 12.6in.

AE Classic 400
[AEPS400] $236.95


The Big Daddy! Classic Venturi model designed for tanks up to 400 gallons.
Height: 23.9in.
Diameter: 9.85in.
Footprint: 16.3in. x 14.5in.

 

[carlisimo1969]

Same question I had in mind...thanks kodyboy. Taggin along.

 

[kodyboy]

Doesn't anyone have an opinion on this?

 

[luke33]

I don't think these skimmers have been out long enough to get any real feedback, all will be opinions. Other than the two guys with the 400's i don't know of anyone who is using the recirc. I would have to think the 400 with three meshmods would have an edge on the other. Looks like another test is in order! Which one are you gonna get Kody? lol I would personally go with the 400 is i was going to buy one.

 

[kodyboy]

I am leaning towards the 400 as well, just makingn sure.
How do you think the 400 would compare to a becket such as an aqua-c or pm-2/3?

 

[luke33]

Less power consumption and the same result imo. I would rather have an overpowered NW instead of a becket skimmer. But i think thats just my prefference. The becket's are an eye soar imo.

 

[luke33]

And for the price of the listed above, its an easy decision.

 

[carlisimo1969]

What do you guys think would be an appropriate feed pump for the AE265recirc if I were to plumb it externally?

 

[kodyboy]

so beckets/downdrafts are not any better....I never had one I have only had needlewheels/venturi/airstone skimmers. I know they need more powerful pumps, but no other advantage then. I will go with a nw then

 

[luke33]

I think the beckets and dwondrafts are better for huge tank's like zoo's and public aquariums. For under 500g, i'd still go with a NW, there just more efficient with the power.

 

[Tron87]

I can tell you this. I got my AE Classic 135 not more than thirty minutes ago and I love it. You have to take things I say with a grain of salt because this is my first skimmer and I have not even hooked it up yet but I like it.

Every piece of it feels very solidly built.
Here is a pic to show the thickness of the acrylic

And the whole unit

Not bad at all for $151 after shipping. And I got it in like 4 days.

 

[USC-fan]

i really don't like how they plumped the pumps in these skimmers. Seems it would cut down on the flow a lot with all those 45's.