RE: Best Skimmer
- Thread starter Randy1
- Start date
An octopus nw200 would be better than the er135. I can not see how the H&S 150 is worth $600, considering its reaction chamber is only 6 inches in diameter (octo 8 inches) and the aquabee pump pushes around 500GPH where the octo pump pushes around 750gph. Of course I have never had an H&S so I may be wrong
UCanDoIt
In Memoriam
I've seen a 5" Deltec out perform a 8" EuroReef
I've seen a 5" Deltec out perform a 8" EuroReef
kodyboy - I don't really want to get into any disputes about skimmers and performance... but throw the manufacturer's specs out the door and they don't mean a thing when making comparisons. It's all in the pump and how efficient the needlewheel pump is... then the manufacturer properly engineering the complete skimmer design to balance to the pump to the skimmer... like body diameter size, height, inner riser pipe diameter, exhaust diameter size and location height of a pump. I have seen a 5" Deltec APF600 outperform a 8" EuroReef, so manufacturer's specs don't mean anything if the engineering behind the balance of skimmer to pump isn't there. But of course, you need to start with a good pump, not any of those China pumps that run hot and inefficient. With that said, I would like to bow out as I don't want to get into any skimmer war here.
BTW, recirculating skimmers gives user total control over their skimming and not as sensitive as non-recirculating in sump only skimmers to sump waterlevel changes and chemical changes like putting your hand in the sump, which breaks down the foam head immediately on non-recirculating skimmers and does not affect recirculating models. The optimal rate to pass water through the skimmer for a 90g setup is 150-250gph and recirculating skimmers give the user that control, while non-recirc models don't. The pump rating that you've read on the recirc is just for foam production, not how fast the water is being passed through the skimmer. Just food for thought. I was responding to Randy1's question on which was the best for his 90g setup, not which was the best skimmer for the $.
I've seen a 5" Deltec out perform a 8" EuroReef
kodyboy - I don't really want to get into any disputes about skimmers and performance... but throw the manufacturer's specs out the door and they don't mean a thing when making comparisons. It's all in the pump and how efficient the needlewheel pump is... then the manufacturer properly engineering the complete skimmer design to balance to the pump to the skimmer... like body diameter size, height, inner riser pipe diameter, exhaust diameter size and location height of a pump. I have seen a 5" Deltec APF600 outperform a 8" EuroReef, so manufacturer's specs don't mean anything if the engineering behind the balance of skimmer to pump isn't there. But of course, you need to start with a good pump, not any of those China pumps that run hot and inefficient. With that said, I would like to bow out as I don't want to get into any skimmer war here.
BTW, recirculating skimmers gives user total control over their skimming and not as sensitive as non-recirculating in sump only skimmers to sump waterlevel changes and chemical changes like putting your hand in the sump, which breaks down the foam head immediately on non-recirculating skimmers and does not affect recirculating models. The optimal rate to pass water through the skimmer for a 90g setup is 150-250gph and recirculating skimmers give the user that control, while non-recirc models don't. The pump rating that you've read on the recirc is just for foam production, not how fast the water is being passed through the skimmer. Just food for thought. I was responding to Randy1's question on which was the best for his 90g setup, not which was the best skimmer for the $.
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UCanDoIt
In Memoriam
The top 3 needlewheel recirculating skimmer companies recognized internationally for best performance are all made in Germany. The engineers and hobbyists there are way ahead of the ballgame as compared to Americans. The 3 needlewheel technology companies are Royal Exclusiv BubbleKing, H&S and Deltec.
Randy1-
You kinda asked a loaded question when you asked for the "best" skimmer. How much are you willing to spend? Space constraint? Power consumption? Noise constraint?
Personally if I would prefer the larger external recirculating Octopus skimmer over that H&S A150 for the same price
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...c-Dual-Pump-Needlewheel-250/product_info.html
For the same price, the Octopus above has 2 recirculating pumps versus the H&S one. It also has a much larger body and will result in better overall skimming power.
Those "China" made pumps are made by Hailea, the same company that build the OceanRunner pumps.
You kinda asked a loaded question when you asked for the "best" skimmer. How much are you willing to spend? Space constraint? Power consumption? Noise constraint?
Personally if I would prefer the larger external recirculating Octopus skimmer over that H&S A150 for the same price
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...c-Dual-Pump-Needlewheel-250/product_info.html
For the same price, the Octopus above has 2 recirculating pumps versus the H&S one. It also has a much larger body and will result in better overall skimming power.
Those "China" made pumps are made by Hailea, the same company that build the OceanRunner pumps.
UCanDoIt
In Memoriam
Totally agree! Well, Randy1, I think you'll be in good hands, so I will bow out of this thread. Good luck in your research.
If you really like to go with a non-recirculating in sump skimmer, take a serious look at the new ATi Bubblemaster skimmer that was introduced to the USA late October 2006. Now, that's a real winner too, also made in Germany.
Ucandoit,
I was not trying to start a "skimmer war" (what an odd concept), I just really do not see how the H&S skimmers (and their ilk) are worth the money for what they do. Mixing air and water is not rocket science. I would really like to know WHY they are better. For example what can an H&S 150 do that three octopus nw200 could not for $600?
I was not trying to start a "skimmer war" (what an odd concept), I just really do not see how the H&S skimmers (and their ilk) are worth the money for what they do. Mixing air and water is not rocket science. I would really like to know WHY they are better. For example what can an H&S 150 do that three octopus nw200 could not for $600?
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
You will never understand unless you own one. Looking at pictures of skimmate and reading countless posts on RC will not do it. The proof is in living with a demonstrated top tier skimmer and realizing its benefits.
RichConley
New member
I've owned both, and I still dont understand it. My $200 octopus NW200 whips the $500 AP600 I had. Bigger body, pulls much more air. Skims better. Period.
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
Sorry to hear that your expectations were not met.
DeltecRules
New member
My Deltec AP600
My Deltec AP600
I love my Deltec, I am on my second one. Used a euroreef, ASM, remora pro, CSS, sander air stone skimmer and others and I never regretted my purchase buying a Deltec, has performed flawlessly. Well worth the money. Can't go wrong with Deltec, H&S, Tunze, Bubble king, ATI bubble master. The Germans are way ahead of us. They all performed as advertised. Check out the Tunze, Deltec, H&S forums, they have lots of folks showing off there skimmers and their nog shots. Reefgeek forum also is the home of the ATI bubble master. You might want to check that forum out too. Customer service is also top notch with the following skimmer companies I mentioned. They provide top rate customer service. If they aren't available, many members who belong to the forums will help you out.
Here is my Deltec AP600 in action
My Deltec AP600
I love my Deltec, I am on my second one. Used a euroreef, ASM, remora pro, CSS, sander air stone skimmer and others and I never regretted my purchase buying a Deltec, has performed flawlessly. Well worth the money. Can't go wrong with Deltec, H&S, Tunze, Bubble king, ATI bubble master. The Germans are way ahead of us. They all performed as advertised. Check out the Tunze, Deltec, H&S forums, they have lots of folks showing off there skimmers and their nog shots. Reefgeek forum also is the home of the ATI bubble master. You might want to check that forum out too. Customer service is also top notch with the following skimmer companies I mentioned. They provide top rate customer service. If they aren't available, many members who belong to the forums will help you out.
Here is my Deltec AP600 in action
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
Another skimmer thread gone awry...
3,223,123 of 3,223,121 (99.99%)
3,223,123 of 3,223,121 (99.99%)
My sump is in the basement so no space constraints. I would like to stay at around $300-350 range but might go higher if I really see the better skimmer is worth it. No, I don't believe its a loaded question. I'm just looking for input as to experience in use of particular brands, styles, good and bad points. I realize they're are many skimmers that would work fine. I also realize that the mark-up in this hobby is tremendous in most situations. If I can fine a comparable skimmer for less money then I'll take that one....Its hard to believe that some skimmers are only 2 inches larger with a slightly bigger pump can be rated double than the next size down and 100 bucks more!! 2 inches really do that much?
poppin_fresh
New member
I have an ASM G2 that is recirced and direct fed and I also have a H &S A150 that is direct fed also. I have always liked my G2, but the H & S is a skimming monster! It regularly creates foam that looks like black cool whip that will lift the lid right off the skimmer. It does this on a VERY lightly stocked 180g, so I dont know what will happen as i stock it.
The biggest advice I can give you is that no matter what skimmer you get, run a slow sump turnover and DIRECT FEED IT! Dont give the proteins an escape route around the skimmer.
The biggest advice I can give you is that no matter what skimmer you get, run a slow sump turnover and DIRECT FEED IT! Dont give the proteins an escape route around the skimmer.
