Protein skimmers??

[shiveley]

I think HOB skimmers get a bad rap...the AquaC Remora does a very good job at what it was designed to do. It's not an in-sump design, and so comparisons made between the two are somewhat unfair. If you have a smaller tank, and are not using a sump, than a HOB skimmer is often the best choice for your system. I've used four different HOB skimmers to date, and I have to say that I think the Remora did a very nice job, especially the newer variation with the modified internal baffles. It definitely skims, and definitely produces skimmate. Though I will admit, my favorite HOB skimmer is the Bermuda Rogue Wave. It's a little pricey, but it's a beast when it comes to producing dark thick smelly skimmate.

When it comes to in-sump models, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the ASM G series. I just could not get a decent, consistent, level of skimmate out of those things. I think the EuroReef R-Series, which the ASM's seem to be a clone of, are a much more a effective and efficient design, while being relatively inexpensive as well. I also really like the Bermuda Aquatics BPS-3C. It's a really interesting design, the turbulence within the reaction chamber is absolutely insane. Bermuda, in general, seems to focus on coming out with completely original designs rather than merely copying their competitors. I respect that. I just with their pricing was a bit more reasonable. They're very functional and well constructed though. And that's something that cannot be said about all of the skimmers out there ( ahem, cough, tunze, cough cough).

 

[Jim_S]

Well, I don't think its that HOB skimmers get a bad rap.... its just they are not as effective as insump or external counterparts.

In my experience with this hobby, I have found that it is important to do things right, the first time. I have found that building a tank w/out a sump is just not the best way to do things. You can get by w/out one, but you're much better off with one. Yes, you can add a HOB skimmer if you don't have a sump, and it will definetly remove DOC's from your water column. However, nowhere near as effective as an insump or external skimmer will on a system designed with a sump.

The key thing to remember when looking at needle wheel skimmers is the pump and airdraw. The Euroreef "RS" insump series does offer pumps that draw much more air than the ASM's. This is the main reason why you will see the newer ER's greatly out performing the ASM's.

Me, personally, I preffer external or recirculating NW skimmers.

 

[Reefugee]

Jim,

I consider you one of the gurus on skimmer. I am looking at eventually getting a new skimmer to replace my ASM G3. Your comment regarding the Euro-Reef RC180 (or better) was very interesting. Can you tell me what you mean by the "NW" skimmers?

Minh

 

[Unarce]

Originally posted by Reefugee
Can you tell me what you mean by the "NW" skimmers?

It's for New Wave, Minh

 

[Jim_S]

NW stands for needle wheel which is actually a common mistake. ER, Deltecs and H&S use what is called a Pin Wheel. But through the years, people now use the term needle wheel and pin wheel interchageably. A true NW is what comes stock on a Reef-Octopus or AquaMedic skimmer. Similar, but not the same. Sorry for the confusion

Needle wheel

Pin Wheel

 

[Jim_S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11076527#post11076527 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Unarce
It's for New Wave, Minh

:lol:

hilarious Karl!!!!!!

 

[kdblove_99]

What size system do you have Mihn?

I know i'm a broken record but for the money the DAS is excellent. it is a great skimmer anyways.

My father in law has an EX3 on his 210 and This skimmer gets out some nasty skimmate i mean the super dark smells like sewage skimmate.

I have an EX1 on my 60 cube with 55 gallon sump and it does the same nasty skimmate. The only and i mean only thing i dont like about the EX1 is it has a small collection cup. i wanna do a mod and buy have someone build a waste collector like Rafeals.

The EX3 has a nice size cup.

 

[rafael13]

let me know, I'll be happy to make another one

 

[kevin95695]

I don't think this will count as threadjacking:

Turns out I'm probably in the market for a skimmer in the next few months... My experience so far has been with the MARS DIY skimmer I built. It runs external.

I'll probably step up to a big boy skimmer with the 150g and when reading up on this it seems there are so many variables!

If you run it in sump, you have to fiddle with height off bottom, adjust air intake, monitor your sump water level to the 1/8", and on and on... Is there a 'simple' skimmer? With my current getup I had to tweak it the first couple o' weeks, but it's been pretty good ever since. Just have to clean it every couple months. Is that sorta what to expect with commercial skimmers?

Anybody have a problem with the AquaC's? Or should I wait for the right used ER, Deltec (H&S), or ASM (Now Octopus er whatever)?

 

[kdblove_99]

AquaC's use a big pump and i have heard they need lots of tweaking.
ASM from what i have seen are so so and to me they are made cheap. You can chek out John at your reef he runs them and so does aqualife.

ER I had the RS 180 it was ok in my opinion. well made, kinda loud. Decent performer

Deltec i personally would not spend that kinda money on a Deltec. seem to perform great. Just not that greatly built.

Das, I really like alot. Pretty well made and also pretty quiet and they are excellent for the money!!

H&S, Top notch excellent performer and they are built like a tank, you can ask Jimdogg he use to own one

Oh forgot if you got a bigger ER recirc like Jimdoggs, now that is also a great skimmer and very well made and i think it comes with the Eheim.

The Reeflo's look pretty awesome. That is what i would probably get if i ever got a big tank again.

You looking in sump or Recirc?

I have owned both and by far prefer recirc. Some skimmers can be very finicky if your water in the sump fluctuates

 

[kevin95695]

Currently running externally, but options are open at this point for the 150g.

 

[kdblove_99]

This is my opinion and i must say i am some what biased.

A DAS EX3 would handle a heavilly stocked 150 easy and for the money i dont think you will find a skimmer in this same class for even close to that amount

My father in law has one on his 210 and he loves it.

FOr got to ask your budget


A ER RC 180 is $898

DAS EX 3 $699

Reeflo 200 $849

Actually of the 3 i would easilly take the reeflo 1st. Its $849 but free shipping.

I cant say for sure but i think of the 3 i would say the Reeflo would be the best performer

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...oduct_Code=SQ-OCT-PK200&Category_Code=reefflo

 

[kdblove_99]

premium aquatics has alot of great skimmers and there customer service is the best!!

 

[Jim_S]

Yeah, it all really depends on your budget and tank. Personally, I prefer needlewheel/pinwheel skimmers, and found that the aqua-c spray injection skimmers are really temperamental.

If you're on a budget, I'd say look into the DAS line. Its not the most stand up company out there when it comes to product support and customer service, but it is the best bang for your buck in this hobby.

If you've got some money to spend, I like the larger ER RC models 180 and up and the whole H&S "A" or external line. Both are very nice skimmers with excellent customer service, great warranty and product support. But these models also come with a heavy price tag as well.

Good luck!!

Jim

 

[fishsoldseprtly]

H&S!!!!

 

[pbetito]

H&S!!!... BTW Warren, You still have frags?

 

[Sparkss]

Scott is working on a smaller version of his Volcano.. pretty much in answer to the Reeflo skimmers

We love our skimmer.. nothing says love like a skimmer that is taller than the tank

Paul, on a separate note, I finally got a frag of sunrise monti. Once it is big enough I can finally get you that frag that we have owned you forever.

 

[arson420]

I have an Octopus needlewheel insump skimmer. It works great right out of the box. The water level in the sump does not effect the skimmer at all. I have it setup to skim real wet so I do have to clean out the cup every other day or so. I think it works very well. The skimmer does pull out some very dark skimmate. Best 100 bucks I spent the my tank.

 

[shiveley]

Who even sells DAS skimmers?

 

[Jim_S]

Pet-o-rama is the US distributor.

DAS or Dutch Aquatic Systems leased an older design from Deltec.

They are built overseas and shipped here IIRC.

Jim