Need a new skimmer tomorrow!
- Thread starter petedoc
- Start date
Hahn, I think you are reffering to the rc model. I agree for that much money you could do better going a different route.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=CV-OCT-NW-200&Category_Code=Octopus
This should address your skimming needs. I'm sure you could find it elsewhere cheaper, but the guys at PA are a good group to deal with. Actually, I remember buying something from them and asked if they would price match another site and they did!
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=CV-OCT-NW-200&Category_Code=Octopus
This should address your skimming needs. I'm sure you could find it elsewhere cheaper, but the guys at PA are a good group to deal with. Actually, I remember buying something from them and asked if they would price match another site and they did!
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
Ah, okay, forgot about the single-pass ones... but still... for $200? The DAS EX-1 will keep up with that thing. The large body diameter of the 200 doesnt mean a thing... its all about the air throughput and the contact time (interface, turbulence, whatever other terms you want to throw in... the EX-1 is still better). The EX-1 is a counter-current skimmer, with a better, quieter pump. It pulls the same air, and although I do feel it is cutting it a little close on the capacity rating, its still better than the other picks in this category (less than $300).
As for shipping out today, just call ORCA and ask... Im sure they could work something out.
The EX-1 is a recirculating skimmer, so it needs a seperate feed. On my system, I split off a line from the overflow on the tank, and so the skimmer gets fed directly from the overflow... perhaps the best situation possible, but I know that this is not always possible for everyone, as it requires two overflow pipes in an overflow. So this means with an All-Glass style tank, with one overflow, you would have to use the 3/4" return line as the feed for the skimmer... adjusting the flow on this line with a valve right before the skimmer. Then you still keep the other overflow line to the sump as a backup/bypass. You may have too much flow in your overflow for the skimmer to handle (only needs about 200-250gph), or the valve that is on the skimmer may clog... that is what the backup line is for. But you get the idea... a dual drain system is the best way to feed these skimmers though. If you have two overflows in the tank, and you dont need both return lines, simply using one of these is a great way to go.
Otherwise, there is nothing by ER, ASM, Deltec (which the DAS is based on), Octo, AquaEuro, etc that I feel will perform as well as this skimmer for under $300.
As for shipping out today, just call ORCA and ask... Im sure they could work something out.
The EX-1 is a recirculating skimmer, so it needs a seperate feed. On my system, I split off a line from the overflow on the tank, and so the skimmer gets fed directly from the overflow... perhaps the best situation possible, but I know that this is not always possible for everyone, as it requires two overflow pipes in an overflow. So this means with an All-Glass style tank, with one overflow, you would have to use the 3/4" return line as the feed for the skimmer... adjusting the flow on this line with a valve right before the skimmer. Then you still keep the other overflow line to the sump as a backup/bypass. You may have too much flow in your overflow for the skimmer to handle (only needs about 200-250gph), or the valve that is on the skimmer may clog... that is what the backup line is for. But you get the idea... a dual drain system is the best way to feed these skimmers though. If you have two overflows in the tank, and you dont need both return lines, simply using one of these is a great way to go.
Otherwise, there is nothing by ER, ASM, Deltec (which the DAS is based on), Octo, AquaEuro, etc that I feel will perform as well as this skimmer for under $300.
RichConley
New member
Hahn, I own a NW200, and previously owned an AP600. (The ex-1 is an APF600 clone). I can tell you, unequivocably, you are wrong here.
And that stock. Once you meshmod a NW200, its not even close. Not even remotely close.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
Yes. The older OTP3000 pumps were moddable performers. But they were revised, er, rather, retarded recently, and it seems nobody can get more than 20 scfh out of them. I dont think its just the needlewheel... as with modding, you would change that anyways. I think the pumps have lost some copper or something in the stator end. Either way, Im not wrong on this one Rich... look in the Octopus modding threads... I havent seen anyone having any luck with them since the 'revision'. That, and I have heard of alot of the OTP pumps are dying. No doubt... their power factors indicated they were a very poor design. They also tend to be loud.
So heck, a single, quiet, aquabee 2000/1, pulling about 23 watts (less wattage) can do 18scfh stock, and a couple have modded them into threadwheels for over 600lph, or over 21 scfh per pump.
So heck, a single, quiet, aquabee 2000/1, pulling about 23 watts (less wattage) can do 18scfh stock, and a couple have modded them into threadwheels for over 600lph, or over 21 scfh per pump.
RichConley
New member
Ok, then slap on an OR3500. Still CHEAPER than the DAS, and will destroy it.
As to noise, mine was always quiet, but mine was the older pump.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
Okay, so take a $200 skimmer, replace the pump for $100, and you get a $300 skimmer that does 800lph. That is do-able if you want to spend that much. By the time its all done, you have a $400 skimmer though (time, shipping). I suppose you could mod a 3700 though... and get 1000lph. But still... by the time its all done, they why not just spend the little bit more up front and get the DAS EX-2? 1000lph (or 1200+ modded), quiet, efficient, reliable, and a better skimmer design (recirc/ counter-current).
Another pump I would suggest over the Oceanrunner actually would be the Gen-X 4100. Its cheaper, and it can pull down 1000lph easily, if not more.
Another pump I would suggest over the Oceanrunner actually would be the Gen-X 4100. Its cheaper, and it can pull down 1000lph easily, if not more.
klam114
In Memoriam
Don't stress out about having to get a replacement skimmer immediately or you may make a bad and rash decision. Your tank can go without a skimmer for a few weeks easily, just be dedicated to do weekly water changes while you are skimmerless. Take your time and select your next skimmer carefully, so you don't have to redo again in the future. Don't fall into the "wish I did or I should of done that..."
petedoc
Premium Member
So far Euroreef is winning on the service end of things, they have already contacted me, verified shipping and the pump is on the way, due to arrive on Wednesday. Prompt service. Online Aquatics, the source of the AquaEuroUSA skimmer, emailed back that they won't have any to ship for two weeks. The DAS source hasn't replied yet but they did take my money!
The Aqua Euros are having some very serious issues with pumps on the 400 model. I dont know if the 250 have it as well. If they do, I would be very cautious about getting one. If you are getting the EX-1 from Petorama, they are not known for good service.
My $ says the ER will be running again well before the other skimmers get there. The new SP3 should breath some new life into the old skimmer.
My $ says the ER will be running again well before the other skimmers get there. The new SP3 should breath some new life into the old skimmer.
petedoc
Premium Member
I tried to contact Orca but no phone available, so I faxed them a message. By the time they called back I had ordered from Petorama. The people at Orca were very helpful and said they could have it to me by my deadline, Thursday. I may have to try and contact them again and see what they can do.
