RS-80... big enough

[stubbsz]

I currently run an old-school reef-devel ETS on my 100 gal. I'm thinking of getting a RS-80..... rating is confusing though:

# Realistic Rating: avg load 80gal; heavy load 50gal
# Comparative Rating: up to 200gal

What is a comparative rating for goodness sake. I can get this at a good price whereas the 100, is a lot pricier. I need to replace my pump anyway so I thought this might be the time to upgrade.
-Adrian

 

[Dyngoe]

I can't speak to the comparative load rating, but I'd say go with the lowest rating it has. So, it's really rated for a 50G tank. However, if you can get it for a "good" price, then you can improve it's performance with a mesh mod and a recirc mod. It all depends on the cost. If the deal isn't all that great perhaps you could look into an Octopus skimmer? They seem a little cheaper for the rated skimming capacity.

 

[Kinetic]

what's the size of your tank stubbsz? If it's a 50g, that would be fine.

 

[klam114]

for a 100g tank, i would recommend that you look at the RS135. this is a better match for your system. the RS80 is too small.

 

[jkreefer]

I would have to dissagree. I have an rs-80 on a 75 gal tank, 200 gallon total system volume with a medium fish load (8 fish) and it works great. It is a very well designed skimmer and very affordable.

 

[stubbsz]

Trouble with the bigger skimmers is fitting them in the sump. My Reef devil runs outside the sump... although supplied by the crappy rio that I want to get shot of, in the sump.

I might end up with the alternative Euro-reef knock-offs though. Do they compare well?
-Adrian