What skimmer are you using?

[Dmorty217]

Going to be upgrading from my 220g to a 750-1000g tank here in the next couple months and wanted to hear what skimmers you that have these tanks already are using? I have been looking at MRC-4848 (commercial version), lifereef, and SRO 8000 ext. I want quality but don't want to spend 3-4k on this skimmer. I was looking at Bubble Magus too, but then we start to get into the 6-10k range. Tell me what you are using and if you could do it all over again would you buy the same skimmer or something else?

 

[Curt2199]

I'm in the same position. Have you bought your bigger tank yet? I'd considered going multiple smaller skimmers.

 

[Dmorty217]

No not yet, I thought about multiple skimmers but that just adds to the list of stuff to do everyday, and more room for pumps to fail. One thing I know without a doubt is I'm going to set this next build up to be as automated and hands off as possible

 

[webslinger]

SCA-301 great inxpensive

 

[ca1ore]

OK, so not currently running anything that large (just a teeny 265 :lol but if I was I'd likely go with the big 6 mazzei injector recirculator from MTC. No idea on pricing, though the 2 injector model, that I'm getting for my tank, is around $1,000.

 

[prickles]

I'm in the same boat right now, trying to think of a skimmer for ~2k gallons total. On DMorty's points, if you drop the skimmate into a skimmate locker then your total chores are no more with multiple skimmers? Also on the more pumps to fail point, don't most of these big skimmers have multiple pumps on them? It might be more of a failsafe to have several smaller skimmers, so if one went out, the other(s) might keep working? If one pump goes out on a several pump mega-skimmer, will it stop working or just have lower efficiency?

 

[prickles]

SCA-301 great inxpensive

I looked that one up and see a skimmer rated for 65g? Is that the one you're talking about or am I missing something?

 

[gofor100]

I actually just switched over to a AquaMaxx Cone Skimmer for my 200 gallon system... their largest skimmer is rated for 1,000 gallons and runs about $1,400. Uses the Sicce pump (which is quiet and energy efficient) and the skimmer body is solidly constructed. Might be an option to have on your radar.

Good luck!

Chad

 

[S2minute]

I use an ETSS 1500XR powered by an Iwaki 100 RLT for my system.

 

[ca1ore]

I'm in the same boat right now, trying to think of a skimmer for ~2k gallons total. On DMorty's points, if you drop the skimmate into a skimmate locker then your total chores are no more with multiple skimmers? Also on the more pumps to fail point, don't most of these big skimmers have multiple pumps on them? It might be more of a failsafe to have several smaller skimmers, so if one went out, the other(s) might keep working? If one pump goes out on a several pump mega-skimmer, will it stop working or just have lower efficiency?

Well, you still have to clean and adjust multiple units, so even with a common skimate collector, maintenance is more time consuming. Plus space can be a problem. Some larger skimmers use multiple pumps, but most do not. Frankly, the speed with which replacements can hit your front porch, skimmer pump failure seems manageable.

 

[Dmorty217]

OK, so not currently running anything that large (just a teeny 265 :lol but if I was I'd likely go with the big 6 mazzei injector recirculator from MTC. No idea on pricing, though the 2 injector model, that I'm getting for my tank, is around $1,000.

The MRC 4848 commercial version (i am leaving out a letter or two in the model I believe) has 4 of the mazzei injectors that can be individually turned off or on to run between one of all 4 at a time. It is rated for 3000g (because let's face it the tank will only continue to get larger) and is suggested to be fed by a reeflo hammerhead ( already have one of these running my CL on my nano 220g ) the MRC runs 2K without pump. I plan on getting the Reeflo commercial 3hp pump that blast out 12,500gph with a max head of 88f to run the return,CL, and skimmer feed. What I'm really trying to avoid is a skimmer that has 3-4 pumps mounted to it for recirculating plus the feed pump, especially since the impellers for most of those pumps are 100-150$ each. (I'm prone to breaking things that are fragile) ha

 

[Nanook]

For my money, I would contact GEO and ask him to build you a dual beckett skimmer, or something custom that he thinks will work good. He is very competitive price-wise and his stuff is built to perfection. I have a large GEO skimmer for my 1100g system.

 

[biecacka]

+1 on a GEO beckett. I run one on my 240 and it's a beast and can handle a much larger tank w a pump switch out on my part

Corey

 

[prickles]

The MRC 4848 commercial version (i am leaving out a letter or two in the model I believe) has 4 of the mazzei injectors that can be individually turned off or on to run between one of all 4 at a time. It is rated for 3000g (because let's face it the tank will only continue to get larger) and is suggested to be fed by a reeflo hammerhead ( already have one of these running my CL on my nano 220g ) the MRC runs 2K without pump. I plan on getting the Reeflo commercial 3hp pump that blast out 12,500gph with a max head of 88f to run the return,CL, and skimmer feed. What I'm really trying to avoid is a skimmer that has 3-4 pumps mounted to it for recirculating plus the feed pump, especially since the impellers for most of those pumps are 100-150$ each. (I'm prone to breaking things that are fragile) ha

Why would you want to turn on and off the various becketts?

I've never had a beckett skimmer only the needlewheel variety and can say I like the simplicity of the needlewheels.

Other feedback on needlewheel vs beckett?

 

[ca1ore]

Other feedback on needlewheel vs beckett?

I have used both a needle wheel Venturi skimmer and a Beckett injector skimmer. Each has its pros and cons. For any tank below 180 or so I'd be inclined to go with a needlwheel. More energy efficient, easier to maintain and works well. No coincidence that they are the dominant approach for skimmers. Above 180 or so I'd be inclined to at least consider something bigger, like a Beckett or mazzai injector unit. On my 265 I am running an older ASM G4+, which works OK, but I am going to replace it with a dual mazzei MTC external unit.

 

[Dmorty217]

Why would you want to turn on and off the various becketts?

I've never had a beckett skimmer only the needlewheel variety and can say I like the simplicity of the needlewheels.

Other feedback on needlewheel vs beckett?

This is why I'm asking for feedback, I'm unfamiliar with skimmers over 1000g. 750g is the smallest I will be getting so 1500g+ is what I'm looking for. Needle wheel is what I've always used in the past, but less moving parts is always a plus. (One pump for everything vs the 4-6 pumps I would have on the skimmer alone.

 

[prickles]

So I just spent some time doing searches on needlewheel vs beckett. All the results I saw were old, but the gist was that becketts work very well, need constant adjustment, draw 4x the wattage to run.

Am I correct in my summary? Has this changed in the last few years or is it still the case?

 

[tom obrecht]

When I set up a new system I take a look at tanks I envy around the same size to model off of. There are a few truley astounding displays here and one of my favorites is Chingchai's. He is/has been a Bubble King user for as long as I have followed him. Even his old 300 had a BK. The large units are big bucks but I have used their equiptment and it is top notch. I currently run an Atb and it is also pricey but runs and is built just as good. It is the Austria's version of BK and is what I currently run. I know they make some big system units as well. I have not personally run down drafts or becketts but have seen them run. Some are loud and run large pumps. Personally I like needle wheels. You are getting into an area where many of us have not been before so there is an "elite" super large system group to pull from. Good luck!

 

[prickles]

I looked at a few of the big builds that show up regularly at the top of the large tank forum and this is what I saw.

beckett x2
needlewheel x5
venturi x2

This took quite a bit longer than I thought it would. I ended up reading again about a third of several people's build threads. This took quite a while on nineball's thread. Maybe I don't know how to use the search function well enough. I ran out of time after nine of them.
In terms of brand, they were all over the place.
The becketts were "custom" and MRC
The needlewheels were 2x deltec, 1x octo, 1x bbk, 1x PM
the venturi were both RK2's

So what I am gathering from my limited data sample is that needlewheel is most popular but no one really seems to talk about whether they like their skimmer once they have bought it. I would assume this means it makes bubbles and no one wants to spend a couple thousand to buy a second unit to compare which one is better.

Anyone who has changed skimmer types (not brands) in the large tank arena please chime in!

 

[ca1ore]

I think what that tells you is that they can all be made to work and are proven designs. Beyond that it largely becomes the realm of personal preference. I used a MTC beckett skimmer on my last big tank, am using a large needle wheel on my current tank, but planning on replacing it shortly with a mazzei venturi unit. All work, but have their pros and cons. FWIW, all (most?) needle wheel skimmers are also venturi skimmers; but not all venturi skimmers also use needle wheel impellers.