Skimmer for a 180?

Harry_Fish

Harry_Fish

In Memoriam
I am in the process of building up a new 180 gallon tank.

I have a Deltec MCE600 Hang on skimmer I was going to press
into service temporarily, but I think I may be better off just
replacing it now.


I am looking for a skimmer that works rell but that is not as pricy
as the Deltec line (AKA I'd Like to get away a lot cheaper)


I have heard of Octopus, but not sure if they are good or not.

I also thought about using the pump from the Deltec
and building a skimmer...

Any direction would be appreaciated

Thank you
 
Are you looking to go w/ an in-sump model or an external? Are you limited to a maximum skimmer height?

I'm running an MSX-250 on the school tank and absolutely love it. (Pretty much the same thing as the Octopus.)
 
If your not opposed to spending a little bit I would highly recommend the new MSX Cone series http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...MSX-Cones/c22_71/p242/MSX2S/product_info.html

They are essentially knockoffs of the ATB cone skimmers. They work really, really well. If thats a little too much either one of the MSX250 or the Octo extreme 250 would work nice. I know if I was in the market for a skimmer right now I would get the MSX1A. I don't think anyone else has a Laguna/Askoll powered cone skimmer for anything less than $1k much less $850 like the MSX. With that pump the skimmer is a real beast. The only problem with the MSX cones is that they have had a hard time keeping them instock over their.

As for DIY, unless you are already setup to do acrylic work I wouldn't bother. It won't save you anything money wise. As for the pumps their are much better solutions than the Deltec Aquabees or Eheim 1260s. I would much rather us a Sicce PK2500 or a modified Laguna 1500. Both of those pumps will give you much better performance for less wattage than the Deltecs. The only reason to go with one of the Deltec modified Ehiem 1260s is that they run pretty quiet. The Sicce is a little easier to incorporate into a skimmer as it requires little modification. The Laguna 1500 requires a custom volute with a tangential output. (If you are interested in that pump solution pm me fr more info.)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14165069#post14165069 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Conesus_Kid
I can't speak to how accurate their ratings are, but the price is right and they do the job. The MSX pulls black stinky gunk, adjusts easily, always restarts after shutting down, and is easy to clean.

You can check it out here:
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/p133/MSX250/product_info.html
Click to expand...

Are the ratings in Gallons or liters?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14165279#post14165279 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bosborn1
....... All skimmer companies over estimate.
Click to expand...


Yes, I see that alot.


That is why I like the Deltec line, the ratings are more realistic.
 
Re: food for thought

Re: food for thought

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14165389#post14165389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
hot off the press by some folks whose research I respect:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/aafeature2

pay special attention to their conclusion!
Click to expand...

Funny how they didn't include one "modern" skimmer in the test. Most of those use designs that have been trumped by todays skimmers. Why only use mid-grade skimmers? Why not throw in a R.E. Bubbleking or an ATB? Even perhaps a high end Beckett?

Also I noticed that their was no citing of P.R. Escobal. I always refer to Escobal's work when evaluating skimmer design. His book on skimmers is considered the bible on skimmer physics by most industry professionals.

FWIW While ASM's have been very popular the design is dated. If you could get a good price on a used unit then it would be great. My primary reason for saying this is the build quality. The poly bodies of the ASM can be beat for the same price by companies such as Octopus which builds their skimmers from all cell-cast acrylic with welded seams and joints. Euro-Reef does it like this as well as many others. Seeing how you currently use a Deltec I think you will notice a downgrade in material quality in a ASM. Not to mention the flow and air intake of the Sen pump they use can be beat with several other pumps. All that for less wattage.

If you intend on keeping corals that don't require such pristine water conditions then you could take a step down in size. When looking for a skimmer I would urge you to find one that has an overall throughput of roughly 1.5x your total system volume. Find the skimmer that has that number and the highest possible air intake. Then consider wattage. If its drawing more than 100 watts then your better off getting something more efficient.
 
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