Ok so I am starting a marine tank FOWLR at first and then transition to Reef. I am going to get a skimmer for sure. But would like some clarification on product differences. For example: I have heard nothing but bad things about the Seaclone Skimmers and a lot of good things about the Reef Octopus Skimmers and some others. For the equivelent volume ratings you are looking at 69.00 for the seaclone (new) and 159.00-200.00 Depending on model for a Reef octopus (new). Now that is about three to four times as much. So my question is this. What features make this so much better than the Seaclone. What is the design difference etc. I may not end up getting either of these particular models but need to know what to look for in order to get a good skimmer. Preferabally around 150 bucks or less. I have a 100 gallon tank with a 55 gallon sump. So I can use an in sump design or a hob design both in the sump based on how it is set up. I do not want to over skim my water and only want what is rated for my tank, a few gallons extra maybe. What would your brand recomendations be based on this criteria and why?
Good Skimmer Vs Bad Skimmer
- Thread starter johnson5585
- Start date
me and you in the same boat, ive been tryin to compare the two for the past couple days. From what im hearing the seaclones pump goes out....er wait...might be wrong brand....ive looked at so many reviews they all run together. I think im gonna go ahead and foot the bill with one of the octopus'. Lemme me know what you decide and where u get the best deal. aquacave has nice selection of octopus'.
johnson5585;3072065; said:
Well with seaclone you pay for what you get a pain in the butt work's great for a couple month's then constantly overflowing adjusting the water level just a pain. Reef Octopus is a nice product personally haven't owned one but worked with them in friend's tank's they did a great job easy to clean setup not to many problem's if your looking for a nice pump go for an ASM G Series you'll thank me everytime you work with the tank they are great small footprint decent price great skimming and pretty much problem free. Best of luck.
Mr.Reef24
i second the asm g series skimmers. look for a used one,i picked up a used asm g3 with brand new pump on it for $185,, thing was like brand new and will skim like no tommorow fawlessly. brand new its a $300 skimmer.
So I did a little video searching on skimmers. I found the Eshopps psk 100 and 150 in sump skimmers. They seem like they do a good job. These seem to be in the price range of 100 to 150. Any experience with these models? And yes I have heard lots about the ASM but hard to find one for less than 250 rated for my size tank.
I don't know how many large models they make that are air driven, but I have a CPR bak pak 2 which is NOT and holy snap that thing is loud! Something to think about if you don't want constant noise, the air powered ones are much quieter than the venturi style with the air/water pump.
johnson5585;3073054; said:
If you look on ebay or other site's you may find a ASM for cheaper I am not too familiar with the Eshopps psk 100 are the air driven, venturi, recirculating?
Below is a link to the skimmer on Dr. Foster. I am probably going to get the 150. I am very unfamiliar with skimmer designs all together. These are a couple of notes from the site:
"Features a needle-wheel impeller similar to high end protein skimmers"
"Operation:
This skimmer is a high precision equipment, with quality materials used in its construction. It is designed to provide high performance under the appropriate operating environment. The water level can be adjusted by using the water level controller. Note: If the water level is too high, it will cause the skimmer to overflow. The Eshopps In-Sump Protein Skimmer uses needle wheel technology and a quality pump to achieve excellent performance."
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+20033&pcatid=20033
"Features a needle-wheel impeller similar to high end protein skimmers"
"Operation:
This skimmer is a high precision equipment, with quality materials used in its construction. It is designed to provide high performance under the appropriate operating environment. The water level can be adjusted by using the water level controller. Note: If the water level is too high, it will cause the skimmer to overflow. The Eshopps In-Sump Protein Skimmer uses needle wheel technology and a quality pump to achieve excellent performance."
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+20033&pcatid=20033
johnson5585;3073325; said:
I just went to it I think your better investing in a known product but you never know you might get lucky the only thing in the video I saw was there was a small amount of clear water in the collection cup it look's like a lot of water is slowly being pushed in but it come's down to what you feel will work for you.
mr.reef24
So I am picking up a skimmer today. Could not pass it up for the price!!!! It is a Berlin Classic rated for 250 gallons. Just needs a pump.