Berlin Classic upgrade?

[MarkD40]

I have a Berlin Classic Venturi skimmer that has worked well for 7 years on my 110 gallon tank. I was thinking about getting the turbo upgrade kit for $70, hoping I would remove more DOC from my water. Is this a good skimmer? Do you think it is worth the extra money to upgrade or should I just put the money towards a different (better?) skimmer?

 

[Evansbr]

I upgraded two berlin classics to the turbo, didn't seem to make that much difference. I now run ASM and euroreef skimmers.
I'd start saving for a new skimmer. ASM or euroreef will do a better job than the berlin turbo. between the ASM and euroreefs they perform the same, but ASM is alot lighter construction.

 

[MarkD40]

Evansbr

Did you notice a big difference between Berlin and ASM? The Berlin Classic I have produces very fine bubbles and a nice dry dark skimmate. How much of a difference would an upgrade to an ASM make? I don't mind paying more if it is truly better, but all too often more expensive = better. A Honda Civic will get me to work just as efficiently as a Mercedes.

 

[Evansbr]

In my experiience it isn't even close. I have been thru about 6 different skimmers looking for one I was happy with. Euroreef and ASM perform the same, ASM is just lighter material, you don't want to drop the cup. the skimmer body is full of fine bubbles and adjusting it is as easy as raising or lowering a pipe.. You can mod them with a gate valve, but haven't thought it was neccessary. Give an ASM or Euro reef a shot. and worse case scenario you wont have a problem selling it if you don't like it. I have two ES 5-3 euro reefs and an ASM G4X on my 3 tanks.

 

[MarkD40]

Thanks for the input. (Somewhat belatedly!) Mark

 

[Billybeau1]

Mark, I have a Berlin Turbo. Not worth the upgrade in my opinion. The Hydor pump that came with the unit went south on me in about 6 months. Very difficult to keep dialed in. I'd start looking elsewhere.