recirc. skimmer overkill for smaller tanks?

[amheck]

Hi gang,

I'm trying to plan a smaller 40-50g system. I have been researching skimmers like the Euroreef RC series and the H&S skimmers, and while I'm sold on the functionality of them, I'm not too sure my pocket book is. I would much rather be able to get one of the smaller Euroreef skimmers for a couple hundred bucks.

Do you think the recirc skimmers give a huge added benefit to a lightly stocked smaller tank? Or can you realisticly get by just find with the smaller, non-recirculating skimmer?

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[Amphiprion]

I think that recirculating skimmers are all the better on lightly stocked tanks. IME, they remove what other skimmers cannot on such systems. So, yes, I do think it would be of some benefit on your tank.

 

[amheck]

Thanks for the response

 

[BLockamon]

I like the recircs too. However, if price is an issue, check out the Pacific Coast recirc models at www.reeftanksupply.com.

They're not in the same league as the ER or H&S, but are a lot cheaper. I have the RPS-3000 and am pretty happy with it. I'm just trying a few mods to kick up the air draw to compete with the big boys (if all else fails, add an air pump). All in all, I'd say they are really good values. These is a long thread on them here in RC.

 

[amheck]

I was originally drawn to the Octopus line. THey look nice and I like the price. The LFS here got one in, however, and said the thing leaks like crazy. I don't know if its a big issue or not since it'd be in a sump.....and I don't know how many are affected like that.

 

[nebraskareef]

My Octopus doesn't leak anywhere. I bet they have a gasket or o-ring problem.

I don't recall anyone else having any leaking problems either, but you should probably check the octopus thread.

Daniel

 

[BLockamon]

I second that, no leaks on my Octopus. They ship with the union o-rings in a bag, along with the gaskets to seal the pump connections. I wonder if they forgot to install one?

 

[nebraskareef]

Block, I think they would have HAD to forget one, because we are chopping up those gaskets to all hell and they STILL aren't leaking.

Daniel

 

[BLockamon]

Yep. The only other place you might get a SMALL weep is one of the PVC joints if you didn't glue it. I just used a dry fit on mine since I'm planning on changing the layout of the filtration system in a few weeks. So, I had a very small weep, but I think it stopped in a few days. I wrapped the joint in a paper towel, and I've never had to change it out.

 

[Paulairduck]

I like recirc

I like recirc

your deffinitely going to be ok with the euro reef or a asm standard needle wheel skimmer. People have successful reef's with less. I third the quality of the octopus recirc skimmers, they are built like a tank and there is no way these things leak. They are deffinitely missing a gasket. But I think you know the basic principles of how a skimmer works. It, now depends on the price that you want to spend and what methodology you like. I personally like the recirc models, but that is just my opinion. You will be ok with the choices you have listed!!!


Someday I will buy a deltec!!!

 

[landragon]

Aaron, we both know the store in question did not install the gasket wrong, or forget it altogether, LOL. I think you would be fine. What size sump are you going with? How tall is the stand?

 

[Yam]

I would go with a recirculation skimmer and pass 100% of your overflow through it. Your sump will not collect much detritus.

 

[gvibes]

Re: recirc. skimmer overkill for smaller tanks?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7392538#post7392538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by amheck
Hi gang,

I'm trying to plan a smaller 40-50g system. I have been researching skimmers like the Euroreef RC series and the H&S skimmers, and while I'm sold on the functionality of them, I'm not too sure my pocket book is. I would much rather be able to get one of the smaller Euroreef skimmers for a couple hundred bucks.

Do you think the recirc skimmers give a huge added benefit to a lightly stocked smaller tank? Or can you realisticly get by just find with the smaller, non-recirculating skimmer?

Thanks!
Aaron

You can get an ASM and modify it to recirculate.

 

[amheck]

Sorry for the late reply. At first I was all over the octopus and asm's, but the reviews seem to be mixed. I think the ASM G2 or G1x with the recirc mod would work well, I just don't know if it's worth it to take a chance. I guess worst case I can always buy on my AmEx and then return it under the return protection program if I'm not happy.

Its just that the H&S and Euroreef are double the price. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has to make this decision......

Sump and stand design are not set yet. I figured I'd get the equipment first, and then build the stand and sump around that. And yes, I was planning on gravity feeding the skimmer from the overflow of the tank.

Aaron

 

[nebraskareef]

Aaron,

If you're considering getting a euro-reef, don't. Get the Octopus or the ASM. I've had ER's in the past and really, it's just not worth the extra cost.

You will be fine with ANY of the skimmers you've mentioned. I know there is plenty of these types of posts here and on other forums. People use all the above. Some of the people are happy, some are not. It's going to boil down to what YOU feel comfortable paying, and what is going to satisfy the "skimmer monkey" on your back.

In all honesty though, for a tank of this size, water changes are much easier than on a larger tank, Hence the tank does not need to rely on a skimmer as much, so going super huge may not be necessary to some.

JMO.

Daniel