Best skimmer for 500 gallons...

[ChrisB]

for $750 or less.

I have been researching skimmers for a while now and my search has led me to the Tunze 9020.

I want something rated for 500+ gallons that is as low as possible in power consumption and is "IN SUMP". And even though the Tunze is tiny, size is no matter as it will be in a large sump that is in a hidden fish room.

The Tunze 9020 fits these criteria: efficient low power usage, in sump, and rated for over 500 gallons.... but I keep thinking there might be something better I haven't researched. I don't want anything I will have to constantly be tinkering with either... set and forget.

Any last minute suggestions before its too late?

 

[sjm817]

ATI Bubblemaster 250 a bit over the budget @ $770 is as close as you will get.

 

[McCrary]

sjm is right, for that limited of a budget the ATI BM 250 is the your best bet.

 

[skwirl]

sorry double post

 

[skwirl]

why not a das ex3? i would add an extra $50 and get 2 ex2's. that way when you clean one, the other will still be skimming.

 

[ChrisB]

So your advice is the BM250 is a better option than the 9020?
What kind of wattage does the BM250 use?

I'm not familiar with the DAS skimmers. Anyone got a link?

 

[sjm817]

Not sure the EX3 would handle 500G. The H&S equivalent is the A200 3x F2001 which is rated for 500G. These "ratings" tend to be overly optimistic. The DAS and H&S are 8" body skimmers which are not really that large. Look at the ER RC500 which is "realistically rated" for 500G. 12" body, 3 x Eheim pumps. Big difference. I think 2x EX2 would be a better bet in a DAS setup.

 

[sjm817]

DAS skimmers here

The BM250 uses ~ 80W (40W per pump). The Tunze skimmers are really good, but very few people have used a 9020, so its hard to say. Its basically a pair of 9010s with foam extractors. 500g seems kind of a lot for that setup. I wouldn't use 1/2 of a 9020 on a 250G tank.

 

[mavgi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10033596#post10033596 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
DAS skimmers here

The BM250 uses ~ 80W (40W per pump). The Tunze skimmers are really good, but very few people have used a 9020, so its hard to say. Its basically a pair of 9010s with foam extractors. 500g seems kind of a lot for that setup. I wouldn't use 1/2 of a 9020 on a 250G tank.

i think you wrong the BM250 48watt (24w perp pump)

 

[sjm817]

I am going by the BM250 specs posted at ReefGeek.

My Kill-A-watt stopped working so I never got to measure mine.

 

[Reef Sponger]

I've read several posts on the BM Info Thread that the 2 pumps on the Bubblemaster 250 total around 58watts. Can find the reference at this point. I agree with all the above, the BM250 looks like "the BEST" performing skimmer for around your budget. Supports up to 400g heavy and up to 500-700g normal (also posted on the BM Info Thread). Here's another RC member that was looking for a skimmer for large volume of water:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1113879

 

[USC-fan]

yeah two das ex-2 is what i would get. Feed them off each over flow and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[mavgi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10033672#post10033672 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
I am going by the BM250 specs posted at ReefGeek.

My Kill-A-watt stopped working so I never got to measure mine.

reef geek need to fix it , on the new BM300 with the controller when the pump spin max it's take 35 watt .

copy this from reef geek forum by Mr' Oliver :



"One pump has an air-intake of more than 2000 lph at 35 Watt."

 

[kodyboy]

http://www.protein-skimmer.com/shop...d=33210&merchantid=446996&shop=itemdetail.asp
a little more than you wanted to pay, but Orca makes custom skimmers of any size so you could get one made that would perfectly fit your system. I have heard nothing but good things about them.
http://www.bermudaaquatics.com/8C.htm
I have heard great things about these as well....but not cheap

 

[ChrisB]

kodyboy,

Can the Orca skimmer in the link be used IN SUMP? I didn't see any INSUMP models that were also recirc...

Also, what is the wattage of the H3 pumps? 65watts each?

Which pumps would be best? AquaBees?

 

[klam114]

Recirculating skimmers should be able to install in sump or externally, you have a choice. I also highly recommend the ATi Bubblemaster 250 for the budget that you have as I don't think the others will do as well.

 

[kodyboy]

They should be able to be used in sump or externally. The aquabee is a great pump, as is the eheim 1260nw so either would do well. Talk to the Orca dude, from what I have heard he is really helpful and will steer you in the right direction.