skimmer-off!!

fighton03

fighton03

New member
I am trying to narrow down my choices for my new 150 total volume setup. I can get justify a PM Bullet 1 AquaC EV180 and the ASM EX-2 (http://stores.petorama.net/Detail.bok?no=74) finacially. Would both of these perform well on my setup? Which one would be better? Please chime in with your opinions, and even alternate options.
 
Flip a coin. Since we dont know what kind of bio-load you have it really does not matter which skimmer you get. You could get a Red Sea ($75) and be fine. Skimmers need load. Low bio smaller skimmer, high bio better skimmer required.
 
medium load...now ya know:) Mixed reef with tangs, clowns, wrasse. The three skimmers listed in the original post represent the type of skimmers I am interested in. Over the past 10 years I have graduated from no skimmer to the sea clone, to the CSS, and now I'd like help deciding on the next step. I can give even more detail if that would help, but hopefully that will be enough.
 
why would you say that it does not matter? Are they all comparable, or is there some other reason? Just currious regarding your insistance that in this situation it is a coin toss.
 
They are comparable, I would put them in the same tier. The only sure way to determine which one will work BEST in your setup is to purchase all three and see which one you like the most. Obviously, your not going to do that, so just pick one and be happy with it. What your looking at is not high-end and definitely not rock bottom.

Personally, I would not use either one because I like high-end equipment. BUY ONCE SYNDROME.

The H&S A150 could close the deal for you. Excellent performance, quality build, top-notch customer service, and proven track record.
 
External or In-sump?

External or In-sump?

Do you want an external recirculating skimmer or an in-sump skimmer?

The external recirculating skimmer is plumbed directly to the overflow and would not need a feed pump.
 
I'm in the process of lineing everything out. I can do either one right now. I only have a 10x11 inch space in the sump for a skimmer, but plenty of space outside. I like the idea of directly plumbed to the overflow, but the DAS is the skimmer with the least amount of feedback of the bunch. From what I have read, it seems to have a pretty good reputation, but the volume of data is definitely lacking.
 
I would take the bullet over the AquaC, but would also upgrade to the bullet 2 on a 125 gal tank. I don't have much to say about the DAS, other than they've been around forever and it's the only needle wheel in your choices, so it's a different beast. Personally, I am happy with my MRC-2, which is comparable and cheaper than the bullet 2. Just be sure to factor in a pressure rated pump for the becketts. The PM and MRC's are also able to run externally. Don't know for sure about the others.
 
I was reading the MRC threads and they definitely are impressive. I am a bit nervous about the becketts and prefer to have a skimmer that I don't have to fiddle with a ton. Is that an unfounded hesitation?
 
I've never heard of DAS, but it seems from my (limited) experience and what I've read, if you don't want to fiddle with it, go with the needle wheel. I have an AquaC EV-240 on my 240 gal tank and I do like it, but I find myself doing some fiddling. I have a smaller ER on my QT tank, and I never have to do anything but dump and clean. I wouldn't say it pulls out any more or any better, but its less hassle. However, I'm height limited, and the AquaC fit better.

jds
 
fairy tale

fairy tale

I'm 6'3" so height isn't my issue...just kidding. I have my new lighting, my new flow is where I want it, just finished making my sump/fuge....love it!!! It sure would be nice if it were easy to pick and pay for one of these freakin skimmers.....and live happily ever after.
 
If you set a beckett skimmer up properly, you don't have to fiddle too much, but they do take more maintenance than needlewheels. They tend to collect more crud in the neck that needs to be cleaned about once a week, but it's easy. The positive side is that they are very adjustable to how you want to skim. You can skim really wet to really dry and the air intake is unparalleled, in fact there's too much air sometimes. I like mine, but if you want a "set and forget" skimmer, don't get a beckett.
 
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