Large skimmer - advice please.

[Untamed12]

I'm looking into replacement of my G6 on my 400 gallon system. I probably have nearly 500 gallons of total volume.

The G6 is really pulling out a lot of stuff, but I have cyano issues that aren't going away and I think I need something larger. I could also easily clean that G6 daily, so I'm considering something with a wash-down system.

My tank room was designed for an in-sump skimmer, and I have no height restriction, really. I could deal with an external skimmer, but it would be a challenge.

ER - RC-1000 - love it..but no wash down system. I'm going to go surf the ER group to see if anyone has modded one with a wash down.

Deltec AP902/AP703 - Like the optional wash down, but overall size isn't significantly different than my G6. I can't get my head around why these units would outperform my G6. Sure, the quality of materials and manufacture is miles better, but I don't think the water cares.

RK-25-PE - Massive reaction chamber for the money, washdown included...but is external and I'm unsure about the whole downdraft/bioballs thing.

Wait for Orca to finish their plans for the Dart Needlewheel 12" x 40" skimmer. The existing Reeflo Orca seems like a height compromise to make it marketable...I wish it were taller.

 

[clownnrnd]

Like you, I like the wash down feature of some skimmers but have always had a hard time justifying the price.

If I were in your shoes I would look at the H&S 250 2x1260. I think this is one of the best skimmers on the market when it comes to bang for your buck.

Another that is very well built but a fair amount more expensive is the BK 250 or 300 Int.

Neither of the above skimmers have the wash down feature but I would just set them to run a bit wet. Have the brown sludge collect in about the top 1" or 2" of the riser tube. Then just take the lid off and wipe down the top part of the riser tube.

Chad

 

[Wryknow]

Yeah, cleaning the BM 250 has been pretty easy. The top just lifts off and rinsing it out is pretty easy - no gunk accumulates in the skimmer body so you can just carry the top to the sink, give it a good rinse, and put it back on. I imagine that the 300 would be the same.

 

[Untamed12]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10397373#post10397373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
Like you, I like the wash down feature of some skimmers but have always had a hard time justifying the price.

If I were in your shoes I would look at the H&S 250 2x1260. I think this is one of the best skimmers on the market when it comes to bang for your buck.

Another that is very well built but a fair amount more expensive is the BK 250 or 300 Int.

Neither of the above skimmers have the wash down feature but I would just set them to run a bit wet. Have the brown sludge collect in about the top 1" or 2" of the riser tube. Then just take the lid off and wipe down the top part of the riser tube.

Chad

That's good thought on the adjustment to minimize cleaning. That's a pretty fine line to bubbling right over and draining gallons of tank water, though.

 

[Untamed12]

H&S 250 looks to be 1/2 the size of my existing skimmer, with less recirculating pumps/power.

 

[Fade]

I ran a G6 and replaced it with an H/S 250 and it did wonders for my tank.

 

[tom obrecht]

How about the Spazz Volcano? Should run rings around anything mentioned they are pricey however. I just ordered a ER RC 750 for my 420 gallon. I currently run a Deltec AP902 and feel it is not keeping up. With the ER with 4 Eheim 1262's I think it should take care of the situation at hand. I should have the ER in a couple days and then I can report back.

 

[pwhitby]

Have a look at this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1096170

I have one and I have to say, it is awesome. I had a g6 and it wasnt anywhere near as good as this skimmer.

I did a review for my local club if you want more information and see more pictures...

http://www.mycomas.com/content/view/101/87/

Regards,

Paul.

 

[TandN]

Sorry, we don't allow selling in this forum.....Nanook

 

[Untamed12]

Great link, Paul. Thanks. Yours is still the best comparison to my situation that I've found, so I'll continue to watch for your experience. So far, it sounds very good.

 

[pwhitby]

Ive ran the skimmer for 2 weeks now and just about every day it pulls about a pint of thick nasty skimmate. I am very happy with it.

Paul.