Who uses ASM?

[jfloydr]

I asked this about euroreef, now I'll ask the same about ASM. Do you like them? Any problems?

 

[CaptainDave]

I love my G3. I've got it recirculated and have the gate valve mod. It's way oversized for my tank, in my opinion.

As far as problems, some of the seals aren't perfect and you get a little leakage and salt creep, but I think everyone runs them in-sump so not so much of a big deal.

 

[jfloydr]

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking at the g4x. Anyone else?

 

[jfloydr]

Did you do the mods yourself? How much did they cost?

 

[CaptainDave]

I ordered mine from www.asmskimmer.com , and had them drill it for the recirc mod. I figured it would be better to let them take a chance and do it, and they've had lots of practice on where to put the hole.

i did the gate valve mod myself; you can do it much cheaper (almost half) by assembling it yourself.

 

[viggen]

I have a G3 & ar ER 12-2/RC500

the ER is built MUCH better & in my eyes the bubbles in the ER are a LOT smaller & MUCH more consistant in size. However I am comparing 2 completely different skimmers in size/etc

You cannot go wrong with a G4x however if you have the extra funds get a ER or a ER blem.... it's a much better skimmer

 

[CaptainDave]

I don't see how the bubbles could be any different in the EuroReef, as they use the exact same pump as the ASM.

 

[Chemguy85]

the difference i think is the size of the skimmer and the different pumps being used. IE the Euro is bigger.

 

[OldmillXxX]

I am really torn between the EuroReef and the ASM. I am planning to buy this weekend and would love someone to chime in with facts or experiences between the two.

Can either be run external? G3 and comparable ER?

 

[CaptainDave]

ASMs can definitely NOT be run externally. I believe the EuroReefs are all advertised as in-sump only, but I don't know and haven't heard one way or the other.

As far as pumps in the larger EuroReefs, I have no idea. But, I do know that if you're shopping for a skimmer for your 55 (or anything under 200 gallons, for that matter), the ASM and the EuroReef use the exact same needlewheels. The ASM uses a cheaper, and not quite as pretty, acrylic, and the EuroReef is probably a little bit better-made, but otherwise they are the same skimmer. Again, I don't know about the much larger models.

 

[OldmillXxX]

Is there something that compares that could be run external? Yes it is for my 55.

 

[manderx]

ER makes a recirc model that can be run external. but if you're already spending that much i'd go with an H&S over ER. it uses a better pump.

 

[viggen]

yea... the smaller ER's use the same sendra pumps I beleive which is what my g3 uses. My ER uses I beleive genx pumps, bubbles are definantly smaller & the pumps are a LOT!!!!!!!! quieter to!!!!

FWIW I have heard good things about the new coralife skimmers. I personally told myself that I will never own anything from that company because everything seems to be junk that I have tried but there are good reviews with those skimmers!

 

[OldmillXxX]

So, are you happy with your G3? I am leaning more that way just because of the cost issue. I realize these things are very good, but it seems the price of some is a bit higher than what I think is fair. I guess if people are willing to pay...

 

[CaptainDave]

I think, especially for the smaller models, the ASM is a much better buy. It's the exact same skimmer, made out of a cheaper, but functionally identical, material, and it's a good bit less expensive than a comparable EuroReef.

I agree with you Tim that the prices on these things are outrageous, especially if you start looking at materials and manufacturing costs.

If I had to do it over again, I would definitely buy another G3.

 

[OldmillXxX]

Thanks Cap! Without sounding too cheap, I just wanted to express that eventhough reefers will continue to buy whatever is the buzzword of the month, it is nice to see that companies do care about cost and the effects they have on the hobby. I think it is safe to say that Many people that do a "look at my aquarium" thread and almost come out and say "look at how much money I spent" are really just doing it for ther same reason that a guy/gal drives a Ferrari...because they can.

I really appreciate the people on here and companies that are truely in it for the hobby and husbandry that it provides all of us. It is nice to have an outstanding looking tank, but it doesn't need to cost a fortune to look beautiful.

Sorry, I'm stepping down from the soap box now...

 

[jfloydr]

Hey Dave, how are you feeding the skimmer? With a pump or overflow drain?

 

[CaptainDave]

I'm feeding it with a MaxiJet 1200 right now. I got it drilled for a 1 inch uniseal just in case i want to feed it from the overflow. i've been thinking of trying it, but just too lazy to plumb it in right now.

 

[jfloydr]

any pics?

 

[CaptainDave]

here ya go:

the feed pump hole is drilled at the "8" position from asmskimmer.com