Upgrading skimmer

[Rays]

I currently have a CPR BakPak hangon on my 55 acro, it's done a good job over the years, but I now have a heavy bioload. I am thinking of getting a Coralife needle rated for 220. Any comments on this skimmer, and is included pump good enough? Also Berlin
Turbo skimmer, any comments?

 

[fragaholic]

Stay away from the Berlin. I had one on my 55 and it was the biggest headache ever, did not pull out anything. never had the Coralife skimmer but I have read a lot of good things about em.

 

[Covey]

Some one is going to tell you you need to put a Bubble King on your tank but yes the Coralife is a good skimmer I owned one of the 125s. I would go with the 220 like you where thinking. A mod worth doing is the PVC output mod. Basically replaceing the stock output tube with $3 worth of PVC. There is not much else that can compete with these skimmers in this price range except for the Pacfic Coast Import skimmers.

 

[PL-Reef]

i've also heard good things about the coralife 220. my friend has one and loves it. i have a ASM g2. deffiently worth the money.IMO

 

[GTR]

Re: Upgrading skimmer

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7470261#post7470261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rays
Also Berlin Turbo skimmer, any comments?

I've run one on and off for over ten years. The only way I can make it work full time is running it with an external pressure rated pump with a tee and valve built-in to bleed off some pressure. The last time I used it I used a GRI 500 GPH or so pump and it worked great. That said, I wouldn't go out and buy one (at least new anyway). The pump alone is more than the skimmer.

SteveU

 

[JAANDGC]

I never had a problem with my berlin, it was the classic though. It always pulled out a fair amount of gunk. I do beleive they have it over rated at 250 gallons. I would use one again if I had a smaller tank. Just like every thing else opinions abound.
Jerry

 

[RokleM]

I had marginal luck with a AquaC and switched to a GEO. The only other skimmer I would ever buy now would be a bigger GEO

 

[Adrian]

I had great results with my Berlin, but as above it was a classic. It really came down to the pump I used, it performed best with a mag7 on a 55 gallon. I have an ASM now and have never been happier!

 

[steve the plumb]

I have the pacific coast its a good skimmer for the money.I did buy a deltec wich works better.I don't have to fiddle with it.My pc skimmer always goes nuts when I shut it off and restart but for a low price it performs well.Buy the larger models.