skimmer upgrade

[ari5736]

I have about 150 gallons total, and a AquaC 180 hooked up to a Mag 9. Putting aside the issue of the Mag's electrical consumption, is there a skimmer I can get for under $500.00 and under 22 inches tall that will totally outperform the AquaC?
I am thinking MSX, Ati, Octopus Extreme . . .
I would especially like the opinions of people who have worked with AquaC before. Thanks.

 

[grundig5]

I used an AquaC180 for about 2 months before I go so frustrated I practically gave it away. That 22" height restriction could be a problem: The MSX 200 is 22.75" tall, octopro250 is 22", or new line of warner marine skimmers are nice but they are 24". I think a bubblemaster 200 is just under 20" though...I just dont think BM's are designed that well. What about an external skimmer?

 

[ari5736]

No room whatsoever for external, unless I somehow mount the skimmer above my open tank.

 

[ari5736]

No room for external. Height is actual 21.5". At first I did not like the AquaC, but once I hooked up a gate valve and bought the collection cup, it is great. But then again I don't have experience with other skimmers out there, so not much basis for comparison.

 

[fernandokng]

I used an AquaC Remora Pro - worked okay...

It's totally different technologies - spray vs needlewheel.

In my opinion, needlewheels are way more efficient, with less energy consumption.

With that being said, AquaC has a top notch customer service.

 

[grundig5]

If you can live with the aquaC's "finicky" behavior then by all means you should keep it. I couldnt take it. Also the mag 9.5 uses 93 watts. You could definately smoke that with a needlewheel or meshwheel, but the height restriction is a problem. The ATI 200 is short enough but in my experience meshwheels are nearly as finicky as the aquaC so I would be looking for a needlewheel skimmer. You could go for the insump H&S 150:
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/ca...d=457&osCsid=08153f44d434434cce6d13d73d6e3db1
or you could get an ATB small cone ($950 unless you find one used):
http://www.atbskimmers.com/product.php?id=55

 

[jackson6745]

I was never impressed enough with the Aqua C EV series to actually buy one. For the money you could get a used Bubble master 250 that will blow away the Aqua C. Not sure what they cost new these days but the BM 160 should also be in that price range.

 

[grundig5]

The 160 is actually 0.5" taller than the 200 according to reefgeek.com which might put you too close to get the collection cup off. The 160 is $500 and the 200 is $600 new but as stated above you could get one used.

 

[rgun2515]

Why has no one mentioned a Bermuda Skimmer? I think the BPS-3C is under 22"

 

[grundig5]

Overall Height 23"

http://www.bermudaaquatics.com/3C.htm

 

[rgun2515]

Think there would be an issue cutting an inch off the body? I know a wile ago someone on reefcentral did it with a skimmer... I don't remember how it turned out though.

 

[masterswimmer]

Think there would be an issue cutting an inch off the body? I know a wile ago someone on reefcentral did it with a skimmer... I don't remember how it turned out though.

Rudy, I wouldn't recommend it. However, if someone were to do it, I would suggest cutting the 1" off the skimmer cup and using the external collection drain to draw the skimmate from the skimmer.

Remember, doing this would shorten the collection cup AND the riser tube, thereby decreasing the contact time between water and air bubbles. Overall efficiency would be diminished IMO.

JMO

Russ

 

[phk36]

I have used an aqua c ev 180 on my 180 fowlr with a mag 9.5. I than switched to an hsa 250 with the same mag 9.5 and got about double the amount with the hsa. I now have an asm g4x due to the tank size and bio load. I have the hsa for sale but I think its to tall for you Pete

 

[rgun2515]

Rudy, I wouldn't recommend it. However, if someone were to do it, I would suggest cutting the 1" off the skimmer cup and using the external collection drain to draw the skimmate from the skimmer.

Remember, doing this would shorten the collection cup AND the riser tube, thereby decreasing the contact time between water and air bubbles. Overall efficiency would be diminished IMO.

JMO

Russ

Wish I could find the the post on reefcentral that I saw...

I am sure you are correct.

 

[masterswimmer]

Wish I could find the the post on reefcentral that I saw...

I am sure you are correct.

If you find the thread, I'd like to read it (assuming it's not one of those RC 58 page threads :banghead: )

Thanks for the vote of confidence but it wouldn't be the first nor would it be the last time I'm incorrect though

swimmer