Skimmer for 480

[mta]

The pressurized flow over the bioballs is not conducive to nitrate production.

 

[rnelson]

jimdogg187: the room I'm putting it in has kind of a teepee shape with a squared off ceiling. So, before I go TOO crazy, I guess I'd better do some measuring, huh?

mta: Good point about the high pressure.

 

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9037039#post9037039 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rnelson
..... Skimmer selection is the most confusing part of SW aquariums.....so many options and opinions.

Nobody is chiming in favor of the LifeReef which is one of my front-runners.....anybody have one that doesn't like it or seen one in action that didn't like it?

Amen, brother! Probably too much opinion and very little experience.

I don't think the old venturi technology is design to handle 600g setups... and my aquarium tech concurs when I asked him about it this morning. If you want to go with just one skimmer, my aquarium tech recommends a good beckett type skimmer or a high end needlewheel... many have refer to high end as tier one needlewheel skimmers. He also said that you might consider the ATi BM250 as it is rated 500g heavy, but up to 700g normal bioload and since you are targeting for a medium bioload, it may be a perfect fit. Everyone who's actually used a ATi BM250 will probably agree that once the skimmer is tuned in, you're going to get some great skimming. And if for any reason it is not able to keep up, then do exactly what you PMd me about, do a meshpad mod on your underperforming EuroReef and throw it next to the BM250. He says that for sure, the 2 skimmers can more than handle your bioload and for 57watts of energy consumption on the ATi BM250, your pocket book will love you every month as compared to the becketts. HTH, go for it!

 

[chriscobb]

MRC 4R or 5R would be excellent!!!!!

 

[rnelson]

After talking it over with Andy at My Reef Creations, I'm going with the MR-4R. He also recommended the BL55 or BL70. Not exactly sure if I'll go with the Bluelines or some other pump, but I'm doing more research on that. Since the MR-4R is 32.5" it should fit in the stand nicely, so noise should be reduced compared to sitting it outside the stand.

Thanks for all the opinions and recommendations, appreciate it ! If someone has some good real-world experience with the pumps that would work well for this skimmer, chime in.

 

[UCanDoIt]

Great choice! BL is Blueline I believe. Blueline, Iwaki, PanWorld are all good pumps.

 

[rnelson]

Christine,

You are correct, the BL is Blueline....I believe BlueLine and Panworld are the same company now......could be mistaken but I think so.

Now I'm just trying to find the ever-elusive perfect pump....you know, the one with 35' max head that is completely silent, puts no heat into the tank, and uses 50W