Thanks JR, I'd have to put a "T" in my overflow drain then, put a ball valve inline to control the flow into the skimmer, and have the rest of the water flow into the sump bypassing the skimmer. Should work. My only hang-up is the cost...I can get an ASM G6 used for $400, the Reeflo is $1000 used.....is is really worth double the money? Or will an ASM, do a decent job for a medium bioload......
Recommended skimmer for 450+ reef?
- Thread starter Pike614
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JRaquatics
New member
Without a doubt in my mind the Reeflo is worth more than twice the $. Better performance, way better built, newer technology, way better pump + external so less heat introduced into the tank, recirculating design and gives you more sump space and water volume. If you plan on getting one used I would make sure it has a Baldor motor or find out if you can upgrade with sequence for a Baldor. AO smith motors were originally used on the Dart pumps and found to get really hot and noisy.
LOTUS50GOD
Active member
Their site appears to be having coding issues.
Great, looks like I am set on the reeflo orca 250. Thanks for the advice! I'll be able to plumb this above my sump so that in the case it does overflow somehow....I am still safe! At this point I think I'll feed it from an overflow. Anyone know about how many GPH the skimmer should get?
OK, Got the new reeflo 250 today! Wow, this thing is a beast, built rock solid. As I suspected from reading a few posts, the instructions were pretty simple....but my skimmer seems to have another port on it that is not mentioned in the instructions. I have the input port, the output port, and then on the back side, there is another port of some sort that came with a valve.....maybe an aditional overflow of some sort? Anyone know what that port is for?
JRaquatics
New member
It is used to drain the skimmer for maintenance and such.
JRaquatics
New member
CV had the drain valves installed on the 2nd generation of Reeflo 250s. A very nice addition IMO.
Great choice going with the Reeflo 250. If you are worried about overflows still you should look at getting this http://www.reefspecialty.com/reef-specialty-auto-shutoff-large-waste-collector-p-240.html
I had one overflow before I bought this but no problems since. It is a great item for peace of mind. Also it is easy to clean out since your Reeflo will be pulling a ton of skimmate.
I had one overflow before I bought this but no problems since. It is a great item for peace of mind. Also it is easy to clean out since your Reeflo will be pulling a ton of skimmate.
JRaquatics
New member
The auto shutoff mentioned above would in deed keep your skimmer from overflowing. The idea is to shut off the skimmer pump not the feed. What ever you utilize to feed the skimmer is not the cause of the overflow it is the skimmer pump that produces the air that needs to be shut off in case the skimmer goes nuts. This Shutoff unit is what I use on my setup, works great and saves lives.
I have placed the skimmer above my sump in a way that will basically mean if the skimmer overflows, the overflow will just go back into the sump....the sump has an overflow drain...so I think I am covered, although if I do have any issues...I'll get one of those overflow switches!
Also my skimmer did overflow and flood my basement a few days after I hooked it up. Then I bought the colletcion cup with the shut off. I only had one overflow after that and was glad to have the collection cup as I didnt have extra salt water made at the time. I dont think you really have to worry too much about overflowing after it breaks in. at least I haven't had any more trouble with mine. Even after I give it a good cleaning it doesn't go crazy. I have noticed that when I do a water change it wants to overflow but now I leave it off for a hour or two after I do this and there are no problems.
