Euro Reef vs ASM ??

[AtlanticBlue]

I currently have a EuroReef CS8-1 on my 180 (because I bought it used and was told it would handle a loaded 180 but found out afterwards that it's rated for a 135).

Now that I'm about to really get this system going, I am thinking about selling the CS8-1 and buying a bigger skimmer for a heavily stocked (coral and fish load) 180 gallon tank.

My question is, I saw a EuroReef RS250 for sale on the board here, but also now a guy locally selling an ASM-G4...the prices are comparable (around $350 each) so which one would be better? Are they both about the same as far as performance or would the ER be better in terms of keeping more of a bioload?

Only reason I ask is because I know a lot of people that bad mouth ASM for some reason.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[JBuffetReefer]

From what I've seen and heard, the Euroreef is better made. I have an ASM and it is ok, but will probably do the mesh mod for better performance.

 

[tkeracer619]

I spend a lot of time with asm skimmers. I am not impressed. They would probably be a lot better with some mods.... Get the Euroreef.

 

[shawnz28]

Definately go with the ER of the two, have sold them both, much stronger skimmer

 

[kdblove_99]

Agree ER over an ASM

 

[tcwayne]

I always wanted an ER but I came across a good deal on a ASM G2 that was recirc modded. I did the mesh mod and the thing works very well. They use the same pumps and other than the body being built kinda weak and the ER having a different shape, I think with the mods they both can work pretty similar. BUT, I could be wrong since I've never had an ER.

 

[JRaquatics]

ER is way better, ASM are not worth the space in a sump.IMO Unless you are getting it for free of course.

 

[GSMguy]

keep the ER.

 

[drtrash]

What is the mesh mod?

 

[AtlanticBlue]

GSMguy - you said "keep the ER." Does anyone here think that the old school EuroReef that I have that their site says is rated for a 135 is enough to skim a HEAVILY fish loaded 180? I'm talking lots of fish load plus wanting sps to thrive...so I thought I should skim the crap out of this thing. (literally)

 

[AtlanticBlue]

Also, for all of you skimmer guru's...would I be gaining THAT much difference between my ER CS8-1 and the ER RS250?

 

[GSMguy]

I have heard that you can upgrade the CS skimmers with the new Eheim 1260 NW pump, you should check into that its worth calling ER about IMO

i read your OP wrong, I would not go with the GenX powered Euro Reef rs250 thats a junk pump, I would go for the MSX 250, much better pumps and a bubble plate.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287102&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12432067#post12432067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AtlanticBlue
Also, for all of you skimmer guru's...would I be gaining THAT much difference between my ER CS8-1 and the ER RS250?

no, the cs8-2 is pretty much the same as the rs250 just a slightly different pump, the CS8-2 is almost the same size.

this is the skimmer that would be an upgrade from what you have now from ER.
http://www.euro-reef.com/rc250specs.shtml

 

[tcwayne]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12431879#post12431879 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drtrash
What is the mesh mod?

It's where you cut the pins out of the impellor and zip tie mesh. Many people use enkamat mesh, I found a coarse scrubbing pad and trimmed it to fit.

 

[CDReefLover]

Definitely not ASM. I would also keep the ER you have now and try switching to the new Eheim skimmer pump that has the new impeller. Unfortunately, it will cost about the same as buying a used skimmer.

 

[turbonut]

let me ask everybody this question what makes the euro better then the asm? i mean comeon just cause one is pvc and one is acrylic does that really make the skimmer perform better i dont think so, now if its in the pumps then maybe but for the longest euro and asm both used the same pumps granted one had unions and one didnt but i dont see how unions will make a skimmer better euros have the same problems asm have and vice versa. I just dont understand why people say one is better

 

[chewie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12432129#post12432129 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
no, the cs8-2 is pretty much the same as the rs250 just a slightly different pump, the CS8-2 is almost the same size.

this is the skimmer that would be an upgrade from what you have now from ER.
http://www.euro-reef.com/rc250specs.shtml

Nope!

The 8-2 (24") is the same as the RS180. Only the 8-2 came with a better pump.

The 8-3 (30") is the same body as the RS 250. Again with the 8-3 having better pumps.

For the 8-1 to work well, you need to do some DIY.

Buy a uniseal, some unions, a PVC elbow, and the correct holesaw. Then you can recirc the original pump. That alone would bump up the rating of the skimmer, but maybe not enough for a heavily stocked 180. It will skim well, but a bigger skimmer would probably be better if you can afford the upgrade.

Or you can do a recirc'd Ehiem 1262 for even more performance, but that's gonna cost you around $250.

For me, I would look for a bigger skimmer. The RS250 is a good choice, but I wouldn't use the stock Gen-x pump.

The G4 is a decent skimmer too, especially when recirc'd but again, more $$$ to get it to that point.

 

[chewie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12433005#post12433005 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by turbonut
let me ask everybody this question what makes the euro better then the asm? i mean comeon just cause one is pvc and one is acrylic does that really make the skimmer perform better i dont think so, now if its in the pumps then maybe but for the longest euro and asm both used the same pumps granted one had unions and one didnt but i dont see how unions will make a skimmer better euros have the same problems asm have and vice versa. I just dont understand why people say one is better

The main reason for me is that ASM uses a "funnel" shaped transition, with a sharp transition to the neck.

The ER uses more of a rounded transition to the neck. The bubbles don't burst prematurely that way. The Acrylic is a little stronger, and the cup disconnect (union) is a breeze.

Some of the ASM's are a PITA to remove the cup.

The ASM's started losing popularity when the prices went up a few years ago. They WERE a great value when they first came out.

 

[goodguy]

ER is the way to go. Takes out alot of junk

 

[olemos]

I have one of each (different capacities so it is difficult to compare performance) from what I see there is no difference in the pumps or needle wheels they are exactly the same.
The ER is made of thicker material, the cup in the ER is like a threaded union, screws on, the ASM is a twist lock, I can’t talk for the new models, but if you go back two years I don’t see any reason to pony up more money for an ER.