BEST SKIMMERS for BIG systems
- Thread starter yt8181
- Start date
slief
RC Sponsor
I've got around 600G total in my system. I've been using an Alpha 300 with an SCH for the last couple years and absolutely love it. Next to no maintenance either. I clean the collection cup and pumps every 6 months or so. The SCH is probably one of the best things I have ever had on a skimmer. My Apex controls it and turns on the SCH blade for 15 seconds every day keeping the neck clean. I built my own wash down for it which is fed by a solenoid controlled water line off a water spicket that I installed near the tank originally for my RODI which was later moved. If my cup is really dirty, I turn the wash down on via my Apex and flush out the cup.
Prior to that I had a large Barr Aquatics dual beckett skimmer which was a great skimmer too but I much prefer the consistancy and reliability that I have with my Alpha. If I were to ever upgrade, it would be to a SuperMarin 300 with the controllable Red Dragon 3 pumps.
Here is my Alpha 300 when I first got it. You wouldn't believe the crap this thing pulls out!
Prior to that I had a large Barr Aquatics dual beckett skimmer which was a great skimmer too but I much prefer the consistancy and reliability that I have with my Alpha. If I were to ever upgrade, it would be to a SuperMarin 300 with the controllable Red Dragon 3 pumps.
Here is my Alpha 300 when I first got it. You wouldn't believe the crap this thing pulls out!
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SLIEF - thanks for posting here. I mentioned your advice above but its great to hear it directly from you.
YT8181 - unfortunately I'll have to bear the cost single-handed. I'm not looking forward to shelling out the $2k but I feel better about it believing it will be the only one I'll need to purchase...
Anyone know if there are head cleaners, washers, and dump bucket options for the bubble kings? And what are these "speedy pumps"? are they the "red dragon" pumps?
YT8181 - unfortunately I'll have to bear the cost single-handed. I'm not looking forward to shelling out the $2k but I feel better about it believing it will be the only one I'll need to purchase...
Anyone know if there are head cleaners, washers, and dump bucket options for the bubble kings? And what are these "speedy pumps"? are they the "red dragon" pumps?
slief
RC Sponsor
I liked the beckett skimmer a lot and was my favorite skimmer until I got the Alpha. My contentions with the Beckett skimmer were that the becketts need regular maintenance. I found myself cleaning them on average of once a month. After cleaning the becketts, it would take a couple days (or more for the becketts to break back in and for the skimmer to get back to a normal foam head.
My other issue with the beckett skimmer was after feeding, it took a few hours or more like several hours to get back to being close to normal. On the other hand, the Alpha only reacts to feeding for about 30 minutes at most. It doesn't require the constant maintenance that the Beckett skimmer did. It's far more consitant and much easier to adjust. Most importantly, it doesn't require a power hungry pressure pump like the Beckett skimmer did. As much as I loved my beckett skimmer, I love the Alpha far more.
Bello
New member
It seems that speedy pumps may not be available in north america yet.
Check 'em out here,
http://www.sewatec.de/royal-exclusi...xclusiv-supermarin-300-intern-rd3-speedy.html
aquaph8
Love The Fish
I've got around 600G total in my system. I've been using an Alpha 300 with an SCH for the last couple years and absolutely love it. Next to no maintenance either. I clean the collection cup and pumps every 6 months or so. The SCH is probably one of the best things I have ever had on a skimmer. My Apex controls it and turns on the SCH blade for 15 seconds every day keeping the neck clean. I built my own wash down for it which is fed by a solenoid controlled water line off a water spicket that I installed near the tank originally for my RODI which was later moved. If my cup is really dirty, I turn the wash down on via my Apex and flush out the cup.
Prior to that I had a large Barr Aquatics dual beckett skimmer which was a great skimmer too but I much prefer the consistancy and reliability that I have with my Alpha. If I were to ever upgrade, it would be to a SuperMarin 300 with the controllable Red Dragon 3 pumps.
Here is my Alpha 300 when I first got it. You wouldn't believe the crap this thing pulls out!
I've been really happy with my Alpha too but I gotta get me one of those neck cleaners
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
I've got a Bill Wann (Aquarium Engineering) needlewheel skimmer I'll be using on my 1,000 gallon system. Contact time and large reactor chamber are irreplaceable IMO.
jjk_reef00
New member
BK vs ETS
BK vs ETS
I currently have an external BK for my 500 gallon system. When it is working it is great. But I keep getting small limpet shells in the needlewheel which need to be removed frequently. I had an ETSS than never needed maintenance until the bioball chambers got clogged. This took about 2 years! In my experience the ETSS Downdraft cleaned better and needed way less maintenance. The price you pay is running a large pressure rated pump (I used an Iwaki MD100).
BK vs ETS
I currently have an external BK for my 500 gallon system. When it is working it is great. But I keep getting small limpet shells in the needlewheel which need to be removed frequently. I had an ETSS than never needed maintenance until the bioball chambers got clogged. This took about 2 years! In my experience the ETSS Downdraft cleaned better and needed way less maintenance. The price you pay is running a large pressure rated pump (I used an Iwaki MD100).
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