Coral Tank from Canada (1350gal Display Tank)

[mr.wilson]

Oh boy, the great skimmer debate begins!!! I'm a big fan of the H&S skimmers out of Germany. They are right up there with Bubble King and Deltec for quality of construction but are priced just under them. I've personally run 3 different models in my systems being 2 internal and 1 external and I'm pleased with all of them.

Fins Reef is a sponsor on RC as well: http://www.finsreef.com/xcart/home.php?cat=258

I've used a few H&S skimmers over the years. I think they are less popular for the following reasons, however unfair.

- the design hasn't changed much over the years
- low hype factor
- they don't look sexy, or expensive
- they are still expensive
- people don't comprehend the value of a recirculating (feed pump) skimmer
- they don't fit in the sump so a drip tray should be used
- people like putting skimmers in sumps (with good reason)

 

[mr.wilson]

This model is on the short list as well. http://www.theaquariumsolution.com/deltec-tc-1655-external

The problem is it is oversized by a long shot and as I mentioned earlier, bigger isn't always better. Skimmers are designed to deliver stable bubbles to the top of the collection cup before they pop. If the skimmer is oversized it will remove the 20-30% TOC it is capable of, then go "on strike" until organics build up again. It's like the tortoise and the hare, the big skimmer sleeps at the base of the tree while the small (right sized) skimmer keeps chugging away

If we were constantly fragging corals, which is inevitable with a big tank like this, then we need a big skimmer to remove coral slime as they heal from the cutting process.

Deltec has a smaller skimmer that is the old one with a make-over. It's comparable to the H&S line Sara recommended. http://www.theaquariumsolution.com/apf800

 

[wtac]

For the Canadian market, Weddel was the distributor for H&S but a few years ago have discontinued the aquatic segment of their pet product portfolio. Earlier this year I was looking for an external H&S for a 900gal build due to spatial constraints. H&S GmBH never got back to me. In the end, I went with an MRC MR-4 driven with a BL-100HD. Skims like a Mofo and with the high bioload that it will eventually be stocked, I'm glad that I went the latter route.

JM2C

 

[Moser]

Mr Wilson,

Torsten has been experimenting with his Abyzz pumps for skimmers. Have you thought about using that?.

Or just going for a straight Bubbleking?.

Mo

 

[110galreef]

We are seriously considering this one... http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-Super-Reef-XP-2000-External-p/oc9111.htm

It is a direct substitution for the ATB external I had planned.

That skimmer will rock on a 100g heavy stock.

I plan to run the XP 3000 on a 225g med stock! I don't think you can beat these for the quality, performance, effeciency and price!

 

[wtac]

Whoops...should read more closely . For the MARS system, I lean towards NW style skimmers. Can't go wrong w/Deltec or BK that is available to us Canucks as well as customer support. My experience w/SWC and Reef Octopus has been less than favorable, but that was about 3 years ago.

HTH

 

[110galreef]

Can't go wrong w/Deltec or BK that is available to us Canucks as well as customer support. My experience w/SWC and Reef Octopus has been less than favorable, but that was about 3 years ago.

HTH

Reef octopus has made huge leaps in the last few years!

 

[Rybren]

I have a Reef Octopus Recirc skimmer running externally on my 75G system. I love the performance of the skimmer, even though it's not the same model that you would be running.

One issue with the Octopus skimmers is that of crazing on the body. I know that it is an issue with my skimmer (~ 1.5 years old) and a number of local reefers have had similar issues. I have also read a number of posts here on RC and in other forums where folks have complained about crazing on their Octopus units as well.

I don't know whether this issue has been rectified on newer models, but it might be worth investigating.

 

[110galreef]

The New ones (Super Reef Octopus's that is) are made w/ Cast Acrylic. Not sure if this is the best stuff or how it handles the crazing.......

But probably alot better than the older skimmer models of a few yrs back.

 

[kharmaguru]

Cast acrylic is purported to be superior to extruded acrylic. If this is the change they made, then the crazing issue is likely rectified.

 

[SPIN (QC)]

In canada, aqua-digital sell http://http://www.bubble-magus.com/en/product.asp?productSort=295 The skimmer assembly look great but no idea for the performance, i never test one !

SPIN

 

[swissgaurd]

mr wilson
got an aerofoamer,becket skimmer for sale,640 i do believe

all it needs is a pump

vic

 

[swissgaurd]

i got to go service a tank in oakville ill take a picyure of it if you forget what it looks like

vic

 

[Elliott]

you need to check out this LED light fixture, look at the PAR values!

48": average of 275, peak of 380
36": average of 350, peak of 450
24": average of 600, peak of 650

http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/captive_aquatics/2010/09/orphek-pr-156-reef-aquarium-led-light-review.html

 

[John_D]

Using ozone?

 

[nineball]

Using ozone?

We will be shortly.......we have everything to run it off the skimmer.

Peter

 

[ksed]

We are seriously considering this one... http://www.saltysupply.com/Reef-Octopus-Super-Reef-XP-2000-External-p/oc9111.htm

It is a direct substitution for the ATB external I had planned.

Shawn
Just a thought. I have heard some Reef Octopus to be noisey and some to be quiet it is really a hit and miss.I am not a believer on a full cone ,Thanks for your help. Here is a cylinder but still has a nice cone transition
http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protei...00-External-Protein-Skimmer/product_info.html

Here is a new line which will be sold here soon.
This particular model may be a little on the big side, but there are smaller ones.They seem promising.
http://www.skimz.sg/products/protein_skimmers/monzter_subpage/sm302.html

Even with some faults Deltec seem to be a good one on the high end scale.

 

[Hookup]

Skimmer recommendation.

Reeflo Orca pro. http://www.myreefcreations.com/Reeflo-Orca-Pro-I

High quality
Engineered to preform, not just trial and guess or copy/replicate
IMO this is the definition of "set and forget"

I use the big brother on my system. After several octopus skimmers and an MR-4, this is the cats pajamas.

 

[ShipWreck2]

Okay readers, it's time to become contributors. We need some suggestions for an external protein skimmer for the Mars invert system. The sump is too small and too buried to allow for an internal (in sump) skimmer. I was ready to order an external ATB cone, but just found out they are discontinued

The system is around 100 gallons but it will have a high bio-load due to heavy feeding of non-photosynthetic corals, new arrivals, and frags. I don't normally over-size a skimmer as they perform poorly in most cases (premature bubble popping, poor surface tension etc.), but with a heavy bio-load, elevated TOC (total organic carbon) and "bleeding" frags, a bigger unit will be justified in my opinion.

We are looking for a premium model that is durable, reliable, and proven. We don't want anything flimsy or high maintenance... just set it and forget it.

Let the debate begin...:reading:

I would highly recommend checking out lifereef. They use a mazzie injector, built like works of art and work like champs.

 

[Aquarist007]

I've used a few H&S skimmers over the years. I think they are less popular for the following reasons, however unfair.

- the design hasn't changed much over the years
- low hype factor
- they don't look sexy, or expensive
- they are still expensive
- people don't comprehend the value of a recirculating (feed pump) skimmer
- they don't fit in the sump so a drip tray should be used
- people like putting skimmers in sumps (with good reason)

I am one of those people that don't know the valvue of a recirculating feed pump skimmer. If you could tell me then I am positive I could comprehend:lol: