Looking for suggestions for new skimmer.

[SeanT]

I have a new system, about 400 gallons.
My current skimmer is a Deltec AP 702.
It's a great skimmer.

I plan on starting to add quite a few more fish and livestock.

So I feel it would be best to upgrade skimmers.

I haven't shopped for skimmers in awhile and I am looking for suggestions.

Right now I am thinking about another Deltec, maybe the AP 1003.

Or possibly a Bubble King, though I don't know what size.

Anything else out there I should consider?

Thanks,
Sean

 

[JohnnyBassMan]

buddy just purchased one for his 400g tank. here is his link.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1515150

 

[GSMguy]

ATB extra large

BK Sm 300

 

[sammie]

custom Geo.

 

[scooter86]

Look into ETSS by AE Tech. I know that they excel in "well" stocked tanks, and are used by quite a few public aquariums. Down draft skimmers offer highly oxygenated water even without ozone. OK, I'm now ready for the comments on the big pump to drive them! If this doesn't bother you , they are a great choice for a large,highly stocked tank.http://www.superskimmer.com/Public Aquariums.htm This is a list of their public aquarium customers.

 

[SeanT]

I forgot to add that it needs to be external.

Is there a difference beteween the BK 300 Delux and the BK 300 Super Marin?

 

[Treg]

Supermarins would be internal. For external you would have to go with a delux.

Deltec service seems pretty shaky lately. I personally would be nervouse spending the cash for a 1003...
There are a ton of skimmer options now but to be honest, Deltec isnt one for me anymore.

GSM. you think an XL would be needed for 400g?
I would think an ATB large would be plenty big. There is an external model too.

I had a 902, getting a 1050, which is Medium size. On a 240, I expect it to be plenty.
Guess I'll find out, if it ever makes it in...

GEO is making some pretty sweet looking externals right now.
I like internals, if I run an external I would definitely take a look at them.

 

[SeanT]

Thanks for the input.

Are BK's still "worth" it?

Is there a website for geo and ATB?

 

[Treg]

ATB

Geo

Heres a Thread from my local club forum with a few Geo skimmers.

BK, well you know how it is... Worth it is up to you. They are nice, work well, seem to have decent support.
Dont know if it is as good as a couple others mentioned.

 

[SeanT]

Thanks for the info.
The Geo site doesn't actually list any skimmers.

I checked out the thread, are Geo skimmers Beckett driven?

 

[SeanT]

And what about KZ and H&S?

 

[Treg]

I dont think GEO really makes "standard" skimmers anymore. He pretty much custom builds them for what you want.

His acrylic work and attention to detail is as good as anything available, if not better.
Just look at his calcium, kalk and media reactors...

In that thread, one is a beckett, the rest are external only with reeflo pumps.

 

[Heinz]

i run the BK 300 Deluxe external, i love it, and would be big enough for your 400g tank

 

[SeanT]

After researching I am leaning towards either an ATB or a BK.

 

[gcarroll]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14525811#post14525811 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SeanT
After researching I am leaning towards either an ATB or a BK.

You can't go wrong with either!

 

[SeanT]

Which one of these two is the most "set and forget"?

By that I mean, my Deltec is pretty low maintenance.
Other than cleaning the collection cup there isn't much to do.

Years ago when I ran an MRC Beckett, I was always having to mess with the water level and air input.

I am not wanting to go back to those days.

 

[Heinz]

i never owned a ATB, and my BK is one of the first models ever made, i got it in 2006 but think its the 2005 model, and still has the two returns, which are suppose to be more difficult to set, i didnt notice that,

the skimmer is running as is for years , i just clean the neck once a week and check the RD once in a while, thats it

 

[SeanT]

Interesting, I never noticed that the BK had dual outlets.
What is the reason for this?

 

[zenzence]

Check out LIFEREEF.COM Excellent Skimmers in my opinion best skimmer on the market. Jeff is extremely reasonable and does top notch work.

 

[SeanT]

Lifereef does make some nice products, but I am no longer a fan of the Beckett/Mazzei injectors.