Recirc vs. non-recirc skimmers

[Anonymous]

Ok I'm (still) looking to upgrade/replace my fairly old ER skimmer that I have not been happy with for a while. I'm bouncing between the Octopus and the DAS skimmers. Octopus has both a recirc and a standard needlewheel. What is the advantage of going recirc if I plan to NOT move my skimmer out of the sump? Does it outperform a standard needlewheel? Are there any other skimmers you guys would recommend that go for under $500 for a 92gal reef?

 

[Len]

A recirc will outperform a standard needlewheel. There's a few common-sense advantages. One is that recirc's pumps are purely allocated to the production of air generation/mixing. In a standard needlewheel, the pump has to do this plus pump water into the chamber. Also, having a separate pump lets you fine tune the skimmer. You can adjust the incoming flow, the ratio of air to water, etc.

Go recirc

 

[SnowManSnow]

<-- has a recirc 150 by Octopus and am happy with it.

b

 

[Anonymous]

<-- has a recirc 150 by Octopus and am happy with it.

b

That is the one I'm looking at.

 

[Anonymous]

A recirc will outperform a standard needlewheel. There's a few common-sense advantages. One is that recirc's pumps are purely allocated to the production of air generation/mixing. In a standard needlewheel, the pump has to do this plus pump water into the chamber. Also, having a separate pump lets you fine tune the skimmer. You can adjust the incoming flow, the ratio of air to water, etc.

Go recirc

Thanks Len, just wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting my money on something that did not improve things. Now I just need to pick a model.

 

[Unarce]

Chris - Look into the ATI's new Bubble Master 160 Threadwheel skimmer.

BM160 Internal: $459
Dimensions: 7.9"l x 7.1"w x 20.5"h
Energy Consumption: 21 watts
Air Draw: 900lph
Suggested Capacity: up to 100g heavy, 150g normal

Comparable to the Bubble King Mini 160, with the main difference being the material quality. Would be perfect for a 92g.

 

[Anonymous]

Chris - Look into the ATI's new Bubble Master 160 Threadwheel skimmer.

BM160 Internal: $459
Dimensions: 7.9"l x 7.1"w x 20.5"h
Energy Consumption: 21 watts
Air Draw: 900lph
Suggested Capacity: up to 100g heavy, 150g normal

Comparable to the Bubble King Mini 160, with the main difference being the material quality. Would be perfect for a 92g.

I was looking at that one as well. Just trying to figure out the best use of my money. I hate these big ticket item decisions .

 

[Unarce]

I down-sized recently to the BM160. Mainly because I felt my Grotech was beyond overkill (rated for up to 660g), generating more heat than necessary. I plumbed this sucker in at the fraction of the size and power consumption, and found that it actually skims better.

My only gripe so far is the build quality. The plastic feels very cheap and isn't cut smoothly like the other high-end models. It certainly does make up for it in performance and efficiency, though.

 

[Anonymous]

Low power is nice. If it does in fact skim that well out of the box, I may have to go for it. I take it you feel it is worth the extra $200 over the Octo recirc model?

 

[Unarce]

I lucked out and got mine in a trade. I think it's a great value. Bubble Kings are considered one of the best made skimmers out there, but at $849 for the Mini 160, the BM is a nice alternative.

 

[Anonymous]

Ugh ok, I'm down to the ATI 160 or POSSIBLY the DAS EX-2 run externally (!?!?). Both about the same price. However, I'm not sure how dangerous it is to run a skimmer externally.

 

[Unarce]

Just be careful when working in the stand, so you don't crack the skimmer or anything. Don't skimp on PVC cement, and make sure you have a failsafe for major overflows.

 

[stubbsz]

BM160 has another huge advantage; at least for me. Having an internal pump made it so much smaller and easier to fit in my sump.

Disadvantage of Octopus is that it apparently generates a lot of heat from the Chinese pump. In CA this was the huge turn off for me. Maybe less of a deal in Detroit though

 

[das75]

reuse, recycle

Not sure what model you have but can you modify your existing skimmer to a recir?


http://www.asmskimmer.com/mod2.htm
http://jerseyshorereef.com/SkimmerMod/

 

[Anonymous]

Picked up the DAS EX-1. Great skimmer so far!!! Pulling out a cup of tea every couple days. Much better then my previous one. Recirc was definitely the way to go; set it and forget it!

I may try doing something with my old one. Or I may just try to sell it. Anyone know how to clean a skimmer easily?!?