protein skimmer advice

[rays2k]

I don't have much experience with skimmers, so any advice on this would be helpful. I've been offered an asm g4x for basically nothing (trading a sump I got for free). I would be running it on a 180. But I've read some bad reviiews, such as the pump not being right for the skimmer and the skimmer not doing much if its put on a tank smaller than recommmended. Any advice on this skimmer? I wouldn't mind spending the money on a skimmer, but this is rated for 450 gallons and basically free. Also would the skimmer work better if I used a mag 12 that I have laying around since its a stronger pump? Sorry for the long post.

 

[567234ta]

I would use it since its free. :beer:

 

[grigsy]

ASM doesnt make bad skimmers. There are better ones available - but none of the others are "free" like the ASM skimmer. If I were you, I would definitely use that ASM skimmer.

I do like my Reef Octopus skimmer and it would be a good choice if you do decide to purchase something.

 

[Phishguy]

I know that asm has a bad rep. I don't own one, but I can tell you one of the nicest tanks I have seen in person uses an asm g3. The price can not be beat..

 

[wizzbane15]

Free can help overcome bad reviews pretty easily. I second an octopus if you decide to go the non-free route. I have a SRO-2000 Int and swear by it.

As for the Mag 12, give it a try. Keep in mind that it may put too much water through the skimmer and overflow. Can't beat free ASM and a good ole' college try with a spare Mag 12. These are problems I wish I had.......

 

[LatinP]

Can't argue with free and ASM arent bottom of the line skimmers, if you said something like a Coralife or something it would be different but a g series isn't that bad.

 

[reef.saltwater]

my recommendation would be, use the free first and see the results, may be try for a week or so. if you think it's not working correctly, you always have option to buy new.
as far as I know, Skimmer is heart of the aquarium, like you said if cost is not an issue, I would recommend Vertex Alfa 200 or 250. I run 250 on my 220 gal and it's worth every penny.
if you want to go little cheaper I would go SRO 5000, bigger is better and you never know when you have big bio load.
hope this help....

 

[mojo~]

I would use it. if memory serves me correct it uses a sedra 9000 pump. THat pump moves a good amount of water and will skim your tank just fine. Only about 800 lph of air on a stock one but still good enough.

Just sit back and enjoy that it was free. When it breaks down then upgrade to something Like a SRO 3000 or skimz SM201 or atb 1050. What ever your budget will allow of coarse.

 

[aaron62095]

can anyone tell me why my Super Reef Octopus 3000 skimmer overflows as soon as i plug it in? i know theres a breakin time but cant run it at all. it a new tank only set up a few days. i know theres stuff to skim from live rock an sand