Don't Believe the HYPE! (skimmer discussion)

[DEEPWATER]

reefman I had to quote that :thrash:

Thats coming from a guy using a NW :lol2: :fishhit:

 

[tacocat]

I think that you also have to factor in customer service into the equation. that is why many aquarists chose Deltec over H&M even though they are basically the same skimmer

I'd choose Deltec over a clothing store too. :p

One thing Deltec does that H&S doesn't is offer more size configurations. Most H&S recircs are too tall for standard aquarium stands. Deltec offers a solution for that.

I think Fritz mentioned ripping out too much nog earlier. I think that may be a concern (I'll get to that in a sec). I think the current trend of running your skimmer at redline is tricky. Since the mesh mod has become popular, it seems that folks are trying to fill their skimmer cups in 24 hours.

Ripping too much nog out too quickly can have some minor negative effects like actually decreasing your biological filtration. I remember the last skimmer revolution (NW and becketts), many folks report spawning events a few weeks after upgrading their skimmers. Perhaps it was the corals' response to decreased food availability.

Running your skimmer at redline will spell trouble if you have a spwaning event or if something else makes your skimmer " go nuts". I have seen at least one report where a mesh moded ASM dumped 30g into a basement and the autotopoff replaced it all with RO/DI.

 

[loismustdie]

One thing Deltec does that H&S doesn't is offer more size configurations. Most H&S recircs are too tall for standard aquarium stands. Deltec offers a solution for that.

Yes, and the AP701 would be the direct proof that size configurations don't always work. If the AP 701 was 6 inches taller, it would be a good skimmer. But if it were taller, it would be the AP851. The AP 701 is not a suitable garbage can.
Customer service is best when you don't have to use it.
Again, this isn't about if they are good skimmers or not. Deltec are good skimmers, but they sure as hell aren't worth the price. I don't care if Doug himself comes over and fixes it when it isn't working up.
Protein skimmers are great tools. I would never consider running a tank without one. But too many hobbyists who really don't know anything make very wild claims when it comes to certain skimmers. A guy who went from a Sea-clone to a Deltec is obviously going to thing Deltec is the greatest thing ever. But to be honest, I ran a Euro-Reef non-recirc model which did a much better job than a Deltec. A Euro Reef is built better too with cast acrylic and PVC parts which are all PVC welded. In the 2 years the Euro Reef was on my tank, I never had to use their customer service. This Euro Reef was $500. The Deltec was $1089.
The worst part of it all is like I mentioned earlier, People with Deltec/bk act like their sh!t don't stink. Problem is, their tank usually does.
Skimmers are tools. Everyone with a crap tank thinks a bigger skimmer is the answer. Problem is, they get the big skimmer, but their husbandry still sucks. And that is what deltec/bk users tend to push. All you need is Deltec/bk and all problems go away. That's hype.

 

[Wes]

I'd choose Deltec over a clothing store too. :p

One thing Deltec does that H&S doesn't is offer more size configurations. Most H&S recircs are too tall for standard aquarium stands. Deltec offers a solution for that.

I heard H&S will make a custom make a skimmer to your spec for a fee. Which Deltec does not do.