Skimmer Options

R

rdonchann

New member
I am running a 75 tank with a 20 long sump. I have been using a Remora hang on skimmer with a mj 1200. I had this skimmer from when I didn't have a sump and ran a smaller tank. The remora has good days and bad days. I am thinking of upgrading. I can run an in sump if it is not just huge. What is your recommendation?
 
I absolutely love ASMs. They are quite cheap, decend sized, perform like a champ, and easily modified for excellent skimming beyond the great stock abilities.
 
I've been looking at the ASMj's for my upgrade, I have one question though, would a 250gallon rated ASM skimmer work well on a 250g tank, or is this one of those products that I would have to go larger on? I will probably go a size larger anyhow, but just wanted to see how well they perform for what their rated to perform.
 
Interesting. It's been a while since I've been to ASMSkimmer.com It looks like they are not going to carry the ASM Skimmer line, but instead sell a very closely resembled Octopus Skimmer. They look like the same thing to me. An ASM-G3 equivelant is a Octopus Needlewheel 200. It's said to be rated at a 200g tank. FWIW, we have the ASM-G3 on the 300g Kyoto tank and it works wonders.
 
Most of what I have found says they are all over rated by the manufacturer. I am thinking you may have to cut a hole in your roof to fit the height factor. You KNOW bigger is always better. :)
 
rdonchann

Since you have the Remora already what about just adding a larger pump to the skimmer. I called the AquaC people and asked if anyone had used a pump like a Mag 5 on the regular Remora and he said it works great!

The Mag 5 pump is that I am goung to be doing when I get my larger tank setup.

Russ
 
That might be an option. I am sure there is a limited amount that can be put through the spray nozzle in a given time. This is why I posted this thread, so I can get ideas.
 
ASM prices have gone up and the smaller Euro Reefs are just as comparable, price wise. In fact, Marine Depot has the RS 80 with extruded acrylic for like $180 and it's big enough for a 75. Both are good skimmers. The Octopus skimmers have recieved good reviews as well and their prices have been going up. Pacific Coast Imports has the same skimmer as the Octopus and you can find the PCI 1000 recirculating skimmer for around $185. If you want to be on the cutting edge of needlewheel skimmers, look into the ATI's Bubble Master series that have just been recently released in the US. Reefgeek.com is selling them but I think you have to contact them directly as they only have the coming soon notice on their webpage. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the aforementioned skimmers and the bubble master is pretty new and more than $100 more than the others I've mentioned.

That's my .02

Dave
 
I don't know if it's a good price or not, but the recent catalog that "thatpetplace.com" sent me has the G-3 ASM skimmers for $289 I believe. granted I'll pay more to buy from somebody else, since I don't like them =o)
They still carrry all the ASM G series according to the catalog, i didn't see any octopus skimmers in there though.
 
Here's what I got back from Remora. I just copy and pasted the relevant part.

"Thanks for the message, I can help you out. We don't normally recommend upgrading pumps with the Remora, as larger pumps tend to overpower the skimmer, resulting in a very wet foam and increased bubble return to the tank. Upgrading pumps also involves switching intake barb fittings with one intended for the Remora Pro - this modification technically voids the warranty. However, if you'd like to try it, I can send you the appropriate fitting. Remember to be extremely careful when removing and replacing the barb fittings, as stress on the arm can crack the plastic. We've had quite a few customers try such an upgrade, with mixed results."

So from this answer it looks like I need to buy a bigger one of some sort.
 
FWIW, if you do decide to upgrade to a Mag 5, if the air enters the pump before the impeller, then you can drill tiny holes in the Mag 5 impeller to effectively make it a needlewheel pump for increased skimmate production. If the air comes in after the pump, that mod would be useless.
 
No air comes into the pump or skimmer on a Remora. The nozzle that the pump pumps through causes the foam.

The Octopus skimmer looks like a good price and it looks like the ASM.
 
Hey Don I have a used ER CS6-1 with an almost brand new pump I would sell you. I tapped a hole in the side of the cup for a drain, but other than that in decent shape. I would take $160 for it. LMK
 
Where did you find it for that price, mskohl?
I'm about 90% sure that's the unit I'll be going for, well, one of the ASM skimmers anyways.
 
Search for Reef Tank Supply. The G3 is like $243. But I would also look at the Coral Vue Octopus 200, it's like $205 and a bigger skimmer with just as good if not better reviews than the ASM.

Dave
 
About the reply from the Remora people. I get the opposite understanding of what they said. I think they are leaving themselves a way out as far as warranty goes but they sent the correct barb fitting right away in the mail for free! They made me think it was a pretty good idea but without me being able to hold them to it. Besides a Mag5 is like $60. Or borrow one for a while and see how it works out. I have one but it is in use at the moment on my rock tub.

Another thing to remember is that there is a LOT of adjustment left on the cup height compared to the MJ 1200 pump.
 
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