In looking for a good skimmer for my new 90 G I have seen all different types. The two main types that have appealed to me have been needlewheel (i.e. ASM, Euro-reef etc.) and downdraft (i.e. E.T.S.S., BAR ect.). IYO which is best and why? (Am I opening a can of worms here?)
Skimmers?
- Thread starter rnhrtfan
- Start date
carb850
New member
I have read nothing but good things on teh Euro-Reef needlewheel. I know nothing about the downdrafts. My skimmer research had me looking at the following.
I don't know much about the 2 you listed, but my research pointed me toward the following if your interested in other models.
D.A.S. Ex. 1
External Recirculting Skimmer. Almost identical to my H&S and older Deltec's but much lower priced. ~ $290
SWC MSX160
New to the market Bubblemaster knock-off. Many threads going on about these in the filtration and lighting forum but I quit reading up on them once I got my skimmer. Last I read was very positive. ~ $300
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c.../index.html?osCsid=h31motmub00va31fmsec2lfse4
I don't know much about the 2 you listed, but my research pointed me toward the following if your interested in other models.
D.A.S. Ex. 1
External Recirculting Skimmer. Almost identical to my H&S and older Deltec's but much lower priced. ~ $290
SWC MSX160
New to the market Bubblemaster knock-off. Many threads going on about these in the filtration and lighting forum but I quit reading up on them once I got my skimmer. Last I read was very positive. ~ $300
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c.../index.html?osCsid=h31motmub00va31fmsec2lfse4
stevebeaver
New member
are you putting it in a sump?
stevebeaver
New member
can't go wrong with an ASM for an in sump skimmer
My experience has been that the ER's output more bubbles into the sump. Nothing to much from the ER's that any sort of baffle can't stop. My son has one on his 90 and was easy to tweak and stop the bubbles. It is not one of the recirculating models.
I have a LifeReef and it releases zero bubbles. This may be what you are calling a downdraft skimmer. The downdrafts normally work by a gate valve on the exit side. It's a little friendlier than that lift tube on the ER's.
This is the only two types of skimmers that I have any knowledge.
I have a LifeReef and it releases zero bubbles. This may be what you are calling a downdraft skimmer. The downdrafts normally work by a gate valve on the exit side. It's a little friendlier than that lift tube on the ER's.
This is the only two types of skimmers that I have any knowledge.
MattG
Premium Member
I like recirculating needle wheels over everything. They are energy efficient, easy to use and adjust, relatively quiet and pull alot of DOC's.
Tons of good brands out there. Its hard to suggest a specific brand as price, size restraints, etc come into play. Some good brands ASM, euroreef, octopus and H&S (expensive though). Tons more out there
If you want to keep the price reasonable i would look at an euroreef rs100. I used a cs6-1 (older model of it) on a 90 gallon and it was a work horse. If you want to spend the cash the H&S a150 would be my choice.
Tons of good brands out there. Its hard to suggest a specific brand as price, size restraints, etc come into play. Some good brands ASM, euroreef, octopus and H&S (expensive though). Tons more out there
If you want to keep the price reasonable i would look at an euroreef rs100. I used a cs6-1 (older model of it) on a 90 gallon and it was a work horse. If you want to spend the cash the H&S a150 would be my choice.
phljess
New member
The Octopus, Euroreefs, and ASM's are all very similar. If I were to buy one I would probably go with the octopus. I am sure any of these would meet your needs as long as they are sized correctly to the tank. I also second a recirculating skimmer. Of course you can buy better skimmers but they are quite a bit more expensive and would probably not make that much of a difference on a small tank. If I were going to spend a lot of money on a skimmer I would buy a deltec, bubble master, or a reeflo skimmer. But I doubt you want to put that much cash into a skimmer.
radone
New member
You didn't mention a price range?
That would help a lot, personaly I've seen the ASM's and I was going to get one but they are made very cheap IMO.
I'm with Matt I would look into a recirc needwheel.
I DIY mine and I would have to say it would do a 180 just fine.
If it was me, I would look into the H&S or the DAS if you have a budget. Maybe even throw in the AFP600 Deltec
I think you will get varied opions (sp) on any skimmer out there
But I will say this I have seen the H&S line and it's very strong, re-sale is up there if you decide to get out and you can pick up used reasonable
Just my $.02
That would help a lot, personaly I've seen the ASM's and I was going to get one but they are made very cheap IMO.
I'm with Matt I would look into a recirc needwheel.
I DIY mine and I would have to say it would do a 180 just fine.
If it was me, I would look into the H&S or the DAS if you have a budget. Maybe even throw in the AFP600 Deltec
I think you will get varied opions (sp) on any skimmer out there
But I will say this I have seen the H&S line and it's very strong, re-sale is up there if you decide to get out and you can pick up used reasonable
Just my $.02
Check out my Lifereef.
I got this used here on RC. This is a great skimmer. 48"
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=238481&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500
I got this used here on RC. This is a great skimmer. 48"
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=238481&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500
