Is there anyone who has any idea on how we could standardize skimmer capabilities? There are numerous threads on what is better/ what is worse, but for how much of a price difference? Just looking to see if we can get any quantiative measurements on what is good/bad for a skimmer, not the inflated/confused "aquarium size ratings" they give now. It would be interesting to see which brand has the best "bang for the buck".
quantitative skimmer measurements
- Thread starter kodyboy
- Start date
BrokeColoReefer
Hermit
buy the biggest one you can afford 
Biggest bang for the buck is too subjective. I have tried the value route, it cost me nothing but headaches and a $200 lighter wallet. I havent been happy with skimmers untill i got into the $400-$500 range. Thats just me. I demand alot from my equipment.
Biggest bang for the buck is too subjective. I have tried the value route, it cost me nothing but headaches and a $200 lighter wallet. I havent been happy with skimmers untill i got into the $400-$500 range. Thats just me. I demand alot from my equipment.
BrokeColoReefer
Hermit
I had three bills to spend. I would probably buy a beckett. I feel that you get the most skimming performance dollar to dollar out of a beckett or injection skimmer. The becketts use more power, but they also skim better.
This topic has been beat to death as far as beckett vs NW. If i was set on getting a NW, i would look at euro reef in that price range. If not, a MRC-1 would make a excellent choice.
This topic has been beat to death as far as beckett vs NW. If i was set on getting a NW, i would look at euro reef in that price range. If not, a MRC-1 would make a excellent choice.
BrokeColoReefer
Hermit
im not sure they exist, and i will moniter this thread just incase someone has some more info. Its hard to get good data, too many varibles exist in the setup of each individual skimmer and tank conditions. I have had plenty of cheap skimmers that didnt work well for me, expensive ones seem to work, for whatever reason....
But thats not always the case, i had a seaclone 100 that skimmed pretty darn good for $100 skimmer, and its one of the most hated skimmers in the industry.
But thats not always the case, i had a seaclone 100 that skimmed pretty darn good for $100 skimmer, and its one of the most hated skimmers in the industry.
There are definately some objective things to be compared:
Water flow, air flow, chamber diameter and height. Power consumption. Quality of materials used (cell cast vs extruded acrylic, etc.)
Bubble size. This one is a little more subjective as it's generally done by eye, but still more "scientific" than just "skimmer x pulls more out than skimmer y"
This is just a start.
Honestly though, there are so many variables that the side-by-side comparisons are just easier to do than objective analyses.
-Solly
Water flow, air flow, chamber diameter and height. Power consumption. Quality of materials used (cell cast vs extruded acrylic, etc.)
Bubble size. This one is a little more subjective as it's generally done by eye, but still more "scientific" than just "skimmer x pulls more out than skimmer y"
This is just a start.
Honestly though, there are so many variables that the side-by-side comparisons are just easier to do than objective analyses.
-Solly
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
I commend your assertiveness, but this has been kicked around ad nauseum. There are too many skimmers and variables involved to quantify the effectiveness of skimmers.
The only sure way is a head-to-head shootout in a controlled environment. Years ago, someone (forgot his handle) did setup such a shootout. The experiment was going well until he ran into some technical and political difficulties. Some of the old salts here can chime in and provide additional details because I am sure I am forgetting something.
How many people would be willing to send their skimmer to a well respected person to participate in a 4-8 week shootout?
Roland Jacques
Premium Member
the most important factor in a good skimmer is air to water interface.
smallest size bubbles and max air to water ratio is a good starting point in determining a great skimmer. your best skimmers have great numbers in this area.
flow patterns, dwell, are important also but IMO not to the same degree.
head to head on the same tank on the same time and pumbed the same way is the best.
smallest size bubbles and max air to water ratio is a good starting point in determining a great skimmer. your best skimmers have great numbers in this area.
flow patterns, dwell, are important also but IMO not to the same degree.
head to head on the same tank on the same time and pumbed the same way is the best.
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