I'm planning to invest in a top-of-the-line skimmer. I am starting to research both MRC and ETSS skimmers and don't know if the extra money for the ETSS is warranted. Does the "downdraft" technology on the ETSS make any real difference or have validity? I would appreciate any feedback from users of these two skimmers. Thanks, Mark
MRC vs. ETSS Skimmers
- Thread starter Mark NJ
- Start date
Roland Jacques
Premium Member
dollar for dollar MCR is a better value in performance. both are made top quality
I know etss is not a favorite of this forum.I wonder how much of this is from experience.From my own research it seems the reef devil may have some issues.I own the next models evo 500 and etss 800 and find them amazing.The amount of water scrubbed per hour can not be beat.Unlike other skimmers,all the skimming is done in the downdraft tubes.What is called the reaction chamber on conventional skimmers is called the riser on an etss,all foam with the clean water exiting through the box.Also I feel these etss skimmer are so efficient they (catch up)with the waste load at times.Thus some may see a fluctuation in production.I have no financial gain in this.It just bothers me when I always see the etss passed by when skimmers ar compared or recommended.My two cents.
andycook
Shai Dorsai!
Downdraft is valid. It is one way of several to make bubbles. Beckett is another. Needle wheel is another. There are pros and cons for each.
ETSS does have a bad rap on this board which is not deserved one you get past the toy sized skimmers.
I used an ETSS 600 on my 75 gallon tank with good results.
I also used a PM Bullet 2 on my 75 gallon tank with good results.
I use a MRC2 on my 180g tank with good results. I think the MRC2 will be a bit of overkill for a 75g tank, though it is always good to have spare capacity for future upgrades.
With these skimmers make sure you use a pressure rated pump like a PCX40.
You might consider an ASM G2 for your tank.
ETSS does have a bad rap on this board which is not deserved one you get past the toy sized skimmers.
I used an ETSS 600 on my 75 gallon tank with good results.
I also used a PM Bullet 2 on my 75 gallon tank with good results.
I use a MRC2 on my 180g tank with good results. I think the MRC2 will be a bit of overkill for a 75g tank, though it is always good to have spare capacity for future upgrades.
With these skimmers make sure you use a pressure rated pump like a PCX40.
You might consider an ASM G2 for your tank.
gcarroll
Active member
Both skimmers can be top notch. I have two friends with ETSS skimmers, one was featured in the book Ultimate Aquariums, the other was voted TOTM on another reefkeeping board. I also have one who is the current TOTM on RC and he is using the MRC. I feel that when you have a skimmer capable of skimming a much larger system than the one you have it on, it is going to perform well.
Schumacher
New member
Which one was it I have that book and ETSS skimmers are very popular in it.
conspicman
New member
They are both great skimmers! The Becket skimmer is just more efficent. It requires a much smaller pump. Even with the smaller pump the Becket is more efficent in the process of injecting air into the water collum. You can not go wrong with either skimmer. The MRC is just much less power hungry. And remenber large pumps = major heat transfer.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
I prefer needlewheel skimmers to energy-sucking beckett/venturi/downdraft/injection skimmers. A needlewheel makes more bubbles with 1/4 the wattage.
Roland Jacques
Premium Member
"What better ETS or MCR"?????????????
"thanks guys, im checking out the a ASM":lol:
