Skimmer for 480

[rnelson]

In less than a month my 480 should be here......trying to figure out what skimmer to get for it. The sump/fuge will be around 125gal, so it will be around 600 gallons total system. LR will be around 300lbs, 3"-4" sand bed. The fish transfer bioload from my current tanks will be medium....5-6 smaller tangs, a couple of dwarf angels, red coris wrasse....none are over 4"....the biggest move will be a 28"-30" Zebra moray....the new tank will be a FOWLR and I'm going to add an Epaulette shark and maybe a small ray, so the bioload will increase greatly with those additions. I'm thinking I need a skimmer rated at least 1000gal, maybe more....I've made a long list of skimmers but I'm narrowing them down due to pump requirements and then initial cost. External or in-sump, either one will work...I'm building the stand but will probably build it around 36" high max.

I'm been doing research on the types of skimmers.....so many different opinions.

Budget is around $1000.....new or used, pump not included. Here are the skimmers I was looking at, all rating at least 1000gal:

MRC MR-6
MRC MR-4R
MRC MR-5R
Precision Marine XL-3
Precision Marine XL-4
LifeReef VS3-72
MTC HSA-3000
Trigger Systems TS-1000
Reef Concepts Aerofoamer 848


I was trying to stay under 200watts for pump sizes....doing so would eliminate #3,#5,#7, and #9......unless some of you are successfully using smaller pumps than what the skimmer is "rated" for.

Any that fit the criteria that I may be leaving out?


Thanks!

 

[Paulairduck]

BM 250

BM 250

You should look at the BM 250, uses way under 200 hundred watts, and on a Fowlr system I think it would do a good job. I planning putting one on my new 400 gallon total system, the new pumps they have pull a large amount of air.

 

[rnelson]

Thanks...but isn't the BM250 rated for somewhere around 500? Seems like that's what I read......just wondering if it will handle this bioload?

 

[viggen]

I went with a RC-500 from ER. Purchased used thus under the $1K mark I beleive new they go for $1500 ish with all the pumps & used under 100w I beleive.

Presently on a 260g but will go on the next tank which will hopefully be in the 700g area. I figure it will skim the larger tank fine.... just need to empty the cup that much more

you must remember that the skimmers tank numbers are estimates by the MFG. Kinda like tires for cars, a 200 treadwear for Pirelli's isn't the same as a 200 treadwear on Michelin, Toyo, etc. It's just a guess..... No clue how to determine size on the beckett skimmers but the NW ones.... stick with a 12 in dia or larger & also 30 or so in tall. 2-3 pumps is good

 

[rnelson]

Thanks....I've used needlewheels in the past but it seems like they get too expensive when you get up to this size water volume

 

[kodyboy]

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1082

What about the new, larger Tunze units? I would assume that they have one for your sized tank or larger.

What about an ASM G6? I am sure that could easily handle your bioload, and you could mesh-mod it for even more skimming. (I am pretty sure all ASMs are in-sump units only though)

You could also go with two smaller skimmers to get your skimming needs handled, with $1000 to spend I am sure something can be done

 

[rnelson]

kodyboy,

I had a Tunze on my 240 FOWLR but sold it....I had some problems adjusting it and it never skimmed enough for me..

I think all the ASM's that would be big enough for my tank would also be too tall to fit under the tank....

I've got a EuroReef CS8-2 on my 240 reef right now, but it's way undersized for it, and I was thinking the best thing for my new tank would be a single BIG skimmer......but you know, maybe 2 skimmers wouldn't be a bad idea

 

[UCanDoIt]

The beckett type skimmers that you listed will do a great job, the trade off is noisy, power hogs, high heat transfer back into the tank water, which might mean a chiller is needed and then more energy consumption. But from what I've heard, they are great performers. You are right about the needlewheel skimmers, you won't find one under $1,000 that can protect your tank adequately. Probably your best bet is 2 ATi Bubblemaster skimmers, but still it will be over $1,000.

 

[kodyboy]

rnelson,
Sorry to hear about your poor experience with the Tunze, I really like mine.
How much room do you have under your tank/footprint area in your sump?
From what I have read/seen two skimmers work fine instead of one big one.

 

[rnelson]

kodyboy,

I am building my own stand, so I don't have an answer for that yet
I will probably build it around 36" high.....

 

[kodyboy]

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...n=PROD&Product_Code=ASM-G4X&Category_Code=ASM

two of the above with the mesh wheel mods would skim your tank well. You could even set one for dry and one for wet skimmate, some people do that and swear it does a better job. They require very little head room to remove the collection cup (I prefer to remove the neck/collection cup together to clean the whole thing).

I am sure ATI/BM/BK/Deltec are better built, and better skimmers, but for the price I would think the ASMs would do a great job and be cheaper as well. It all depends upon how much space you have to put the skimmers in your sump., if you have limited real estate than one skimmer is a must.

 

[Jim_S]

Okay, just to clarify some things.

The ASM G6 is the worst ASM ever made. The height of the skimmer SEVERLY limits the sedra pumps which don't do well at all when working against ANY head. As a result, the air draw is very low, causing low efficency.

Just FYI

Jim

 

[BreadmanMike]

Go with the recirc MRC and either a Sequence Marlin, Panworld 250ps, or Iwaki 100.

If you go with a big NW skimmer you're going to use almost as much energy to run all the NW pumps.

 

[kodyboy]

I don't know from what I have read/seem the mini and G1 are the worst ASMs. I have seen numerous G6s on tanks and they all were working well.

 

[ridetheducati]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9036039#post9036039 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimdogg187
Okay, just to clarify some things.

The ASM G6 is the worst ASM ever made. The height of the skimmer SEVERLY limits the sedra pumps which don't do well at all when working against ANY head. As a result, the air draw is very low, causing low efficency.

Just FYI

Jim

I totally agree. Its not everyday that you find two people agreeing on something skimmer related.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9036668#post9036668 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
I have seen numerous G6s on tanks and they all were working well.

Relative to what?

 

[ridetheducati]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9035952#post9035952 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rnelson
kodyboy,

I am building my own stand, so I don't have an answer for that yet
I will probably build it around 36" high.....

Go with 40"

I built my stand to 40" and it is perfect. Plenty of room underneath and onlookers do not have to bend over to enjoy the show.

 

[kodyboy]

Relative to another skimmer costing the same amount. I know there are better skimmers out there, but how much do they cost?

 

[mta]

What about Etss downdraft.The skimmer used at most public aquariums.The 900 model can be run with an Iwaki 55 about 180 watts.Great skimmers.

 

[rnelson]

ridetheducati: Two people agreeing on skimmers...the end of the world is at hand!!!
40" stand huh? That's pretty tall.....something to think about though....

mta: Not too sold on downdrafts.....but, to be fair, they are the ones I've done the least research on......seems like they would be a nitrate factory with the bio-balls??? The 900 is rated for a 300-400 gallon tank, so I'd be looking at their commercial line.....still close to budget though.....


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?

 

[Jim_S]

Well its not about skimmers, but I agree 100% with ducati on the 40" as well. I built mine that tall. This is my fourth set up. It was by far the best decision I made. Everything is so much easier, and looks so cool too ........

Jim