Which Skimmer? Deltec? H&S?
- Thread starter 1SickReefer
- Start date
deltec has better design pump placement, IMO. Also the deltec use custom NW pumps. Seems like the mods to the pumps are "hand made." But does this really improve performance that much, who knows. Deltec claims these improvements will give you up 50% performance boost over stock pumps that the H&S/DAS use.
Those custom pumps are the reason the deltec cost more. Also that is why a replacement AB2001 pumps from deltec is $300+.
Jim_S
Timo Boll
The pump placement makes no difference at all. H&S has been making skimmers for years. If it was a flaw, they would have fixed it by now.
Some will even argue that H&S's placement is better due to micro bubble issues with the deltecs.
As far as the special mods that deltec does...... they use a dremmel to boar out the inside of the pump.
And replacement pumps are $300-$500 so DIY'ers don't put them out of business. Not becuase of the "mods" they do.
Both are great skimmers.
One is just made better, cheaper, has a better warranty, and doesn't overcharge the customer with replacement parts.
Jim
Some will even argue that H&S's placement is better due to micro bubble issues with the deltecs.
As far as the special mods that deltec does...... they use a dremmel to boar out the inside of the pump.
And replacement pumps are $300-$500 so DIY'ers don't put them out of business. Not becuase of the "mods" they do.
Both are great skimmers.
One is just made better, cheaper, has a better warranty, and doesn't overcharge the customer with replacement parts.
Jim
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1SickReefer
New member
This is some great info guys, very civilized discussion! Thank you! I think you have all sold me on the H&S. I really wanted the Deltec, but I agree with the build quality of the H&S, I like the "bands" around the skimmer where each pump connects. It just looks more solid to me.
Someone said that the pump placement is not as good on the H&S, when my deltec is running normal (meaning its not trying to pull out some gel binders in foods or something else.) runs normally with a about 4-6" of clear water below the foam line in the skimmer body.
I found the A250 on Aquarium Specialty, it's 1700 and rated for a 700g tank I think that is a bit much for me. Although a great suggestion!
So in the 1400 range I have boiled it down to the A200 3xF001. 1400-500 for the AP600 sale puts me at 900, if someone knows of a better skimmer for 1500 let me know, that whould put me at my max 1500-500=$1000 spent
Someone said that the pump placement is not as good on the H&S, when my deltec is running normal (meaning its not trying to pull out some gel binders in foods or something else.) runs normally with a about 4-6" of clear water below the foam line in the skimmer body.
I found the A250 on Aquarium Specialty, it's 1700 and rated for a 700g tank I think that is a bit much for me. Although a great suggestion!
So in the 1400 range I have boiled it down to the A200 3xF001. 1400-500 for the AP600 sale puts me at 900, if someone knows of a better skimmer for 1500 let me know, that whould put me at my max 1500-500=$1000 spent
What micro bubble issue with the pump placed lower? I have no problem with my DAS ex2. It just seems that it would cut down on the contact time with the pump higher. I'm sure there is no way to say this does have a big impact on performance or not.
Also there is more than a difference with the pumps. Deltec use special needle wheel impeller that are custom made. If you saw a picture of them next to each other you could easy tell the difference.
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1SickReefer
New member
Ok man this blows lol.... Now I cant stop looking at the A250 2x1260
But the ATI BM 250 really as caught my eye b/c of the price tag
[edit] nvm I just remembered one of you saying to was internal only. This new skimmer will sit beside my sump
But the ATI BM 250 really as caught my eye b/c of the price tag
[edit] nvm I just remembered one of you saying to was internal only. This new skimmer will sit beside my sump
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Jim_S
Timo Boll
Like I said before, if there was flaw in the design, H&S would have fixed it by know.
I know they use different pin wheels. They are different companies. However, the results and numbers are almost identicle.
People in the states always seem to forget that the H&S skimmers are prefferd over the deltecs in Europe.
But because Deltec USA jacks the prices up a little bit, everyone assumes its a "better" skimmer.
I was looking at buying a deltec. But not because of the added performance of the "golden" pumps. But because I had already owned and H&S and ER. I wanted to try something different.
They are great skimmers. But not the better of the two.
sickreefer,
I would be looking into the A250 too (if you weren't looking at the ER500 instead). Great looking skimmers IMO.
Jim
I know they use different pin wheels. They are different companies. However, the results and numbers are almost identicle.
People in the states always seem to forget that the H&S skimmers are prefferd over the deltecs in Europe.
But because Deltec USA jacks the prices up a little bit, everyone assumes its a "better" skimmer.
I was looking at buying a deltec. But not because of the added performance of the "golden" pumps. But because I had already owned and H&S and ER. I wanted to try something different.
They are great skimmers. But not the better of the two.
sickreefer,
I would be looking into the A250 too (if you weren't looking at the ER500 instead). Great looking skimmers IMO.
Jim
BreadmanMike
New member
I don't think you need the A250. The A200 3xF2001 is more then enough. My display is 240 and my sump is holding roughly 60 gallons. I think you'll be right around the same volume with a sump???
So far this skimmer is rocking for me.
So far this skimmer is rocking for me.
h&s A200 3xF2001 will be an awesome skimmer for your size tank. I have an h&s 200 1260 on my 120 and the thing is built like a tank and skims incredibly well. The a250 X2 would be great too. If I were you I would get which ever one is rated for a larger tank. Get the biggest skimmer you can fit and afford and you won't regret it.
I'm driving myself crazy w/ the same choices in skimmmers for my tank.
Originally posted by 1SickReefer
I looked finsreef and AO and I dont see the A250 anywhere, someone have a link to another verdor?
Thanks for all the help guys.
i dont know what the deal is with that. Even the H&S German site doesn't list it. If you call the vendor, they can get it for you.
The above mentioned aquarium speciaty and reeftank supply have them shown on their sites.
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=34_184
http://www.<b>removed for violation...8_179&osCsid=43cff3db9a4effdda586e15da2d49870
Originally posted by 1SickReefer
I looked finsreef and AO and I dont see the A250 anywhere, someone have a link to another verdor?
Thanks for all the help guys.
i dont know what the deal is with that. Even the H&S German site doesn't list it. If you call the vendor, they can get it for you.
The above mentioned aquarium speciaty and reeftank supply have them shown on their sites.
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=34_184
http://www.<b>removed for violation...8_179&osCsid=43cff3db9a4effdda586e15da2d49870
rxinc, I have an A250, and the picture on www.aquariumspecialty labeled as an A250 is not one. It looks like a smaller picture of the A300. The A250 looks more like the A200 except with a 10 inch body instead of an 8 inch diameter,
Mike
Mike
1SickReefer
New member
Thats the goal, the A200 3xF001 is rated to 550gallons. I will never have a system that big. going to 210 now, but 10 years down the road I MAY go to a 300..
SOoo, for this tank 7x2x2 210g with a 60g sump the A200 3xF2001 will do more than it's job correct, no matter how many fish I put in there?
How much water do I need to feed this skimmer?
1SickReefer
New member
I assume gravity feeding the skimmer like my AP is the best best correct?
If you can afford it, and fit it, I would recommend the A250. If not, then the a200 x 3f001 will definitely do the job for you. However.......the advantages of the a250: 2 quieter pumps (less to maintain), and much more skimming capability. If (or when) something goes bad in your tank, the advice will be to increase your skimming (and it will be good advice).
On my 200 gal tank I progressed from a Lifereef 28" skimmer (a good and steady skimmer) to a CS12-2 ER skimmer ( a much more powerfull, yet still steady skimmer, to an A250. My tank had been showing signs of what many people would call "old tank syndrome". It is about 8 years old. With the A250 on the tank for a couple of weeks, the tank is cleaning up - I haven't cleaned the glass since installing the skimmer, and it is getting cleaner rather than worse!
Bottom line, is I agree with people that say buy as much skimmer capability as you can afford, as you will eventually appreciate it. I would have saved a -lot- of money if I had bought the A250 to begin with,
Mike
On my 200 gal tank I progressed from a Lifereef 28" skimmer (a good and steady skimmer) to a CS12-2 ER skimmer ( a much more powerfull, yet still steady skimmer, to an A250. My tank had been showing signs of what many people would call "old tank syndrome". It is about 8 years old. With the A250 on the tank for a couple of weeks, the tank is cleaning up - I haven't cleaned the glass since installing the skimmer, and it is getting cleaner rather than worse!
Bottom line, is I agree with people that say buy as much skimmer capability as you can afford, as you will eventually appreciate it. I would have saved a -lot- of money if I had bought the A250 to begin with,
Mike
anydarnthing
New member
I have a A200 3xF2001 and I love it I feed it about 250-300gph don't know the exact amount but I empty my cup every 3 days on a 220gal tank with high bio-load. I'm getting rid of the BM250 I have and I have on order with Finsreef a A250 2x1260 hopefully in about 2 weeks. I have my skimmer in the basement so I don't hear it but its not that loud my MH fans are louder.
anydarnthing
New member
I just seemed to have gotten the runt of the litter, it showed up to me with a leak in the collection cup and I have had it running for over 4 months and it overflows every now and then with no change in feeding or when I add additives just random times. I don't like that I have to watch it everyday to get the best performance from it. My H&S is set and just empty when full no fuss no muss. The two pumps on it are very quiet they are finicky though these pumps need cleaning more often then my Aquabees or even the Sedra on my old ASM G2. The skimmer just irritates me with its weird random behavior and needing constant attention so H&S got another sale. So hopefully in 2 weeks I will have a BM250 for sale.
Thanks! I'm thinking about replacing my G-3 and the BM 250 was looking good. I wonder if some of the problems are due to the mesh wheel impellers. I would think if any algae or food was to get stuck in them, they would pull more water than air, causing your problems.
If you really want a skimmer with the 3x ab 2001, You should look at the DAS ex-3. Das brought these skimmer designs from deltec so there are almost the same skimmer. They use the same pump, pin wheel, and set up. It cost less than half of the H&S at $629.99.
http://stores.petorama.net/Detail.bok?no=75
I have been the ex-2 for 3 weeks and i'm loving it. Haven't had one problem with it. :bum:
1SickReefer
New member
those are true aquabees? just like the deltec?
