Upgrade skimmer or not

[RAJOD]

I have a 300 gallon FOWLR tank that is moderately stocked.

My current skimmer is a TOP Fathom 200 which is venturi style. Its rated to 200 gallons, the next model up was too tall for placement.

It runs off one of my Little giant pumps using a ball valve to change flow. I probably have the valve opened 1/2 way and leave the venturi opened all the way.

Its very finicky, it does not take much of a change in the valve or air to put it out of sync. Its drained my sump when its adjusted just a little to much. (I have the exit hose going to a floor drain)

I heard Deltecs are plug and play, meaning you don't have to mess with them all the time.

Thinking about getting a Deltec APF 600. Not sure how they are hooked up. My Top Fathom is plumbed in via PCVs and does not need an extra pump like the Deltec.

I'm not sure how much I need a new skimmer as my water always seems clear as a bell. How does one know if they are underskimming? I do 30 gallon water changes 1x week.

I would like a skimmer that I can trust not to drain my sump. Would the deltec fit the bill?

Thanks!

 

[tinnghe]

If it is not break, then ...
However I love to upgrade

 

[dvmkv]

I got this today reef octopus dnw-150-6530B Recirculating with the bubble diffuser. I hooked my up and its external. rated at 185 but it will do but i cost, around 400 buck. But I was told its one of the best on the market, and I have it coming off my return pump with a valve on it for the flow.

 

[RAJOD]

This one?
http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/octopusdnw-150needlewheelrecirculatingskimmerwpump.aspx

It looks like my current one except it uses a secondary little pump instead of a venturi. I wonder why it needs a feed pump if it has its own?

Also I wonder why the feed pumps diameter is so large while its return feed appears 1/2 its diameter, one would think it would build up pressure from this.

Why does the inlet have TWO and not one connection? Is one capped off?

I wish my current one was clear, its only clear at the top. Can't see the foam action.