Buying new skimmer:The finalists

[JLAudio]

Ok so I have a 54 corner w/ 10 gallon sump. I currently have a EUROREEF RS 80 on there and its doing a good job, its just I would like one that isnt so exactly rated for it, so if my bioload gets a little high (currently a few corals and 4 1-2" fish but want some decent stock), it will be there. My sump is a 10 gallon (20"X10") but might consider a hardy rubbermaid to get a few more inches from the cabinet

After much research and a budget maxing out at $300, the finalist are:

ASM G1-X
http://www.oceansaquariums.com/product_info.php?products_id=116

AQUAEURO USA:
AEPS 250 OR 135, Id like the get the AEPS 250, but at 10" thick I might have to go with 135
http://www.tropicalfishstore.com/supplies-proteinskimmers.htm

Octopus PS 200:
http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-ps-200-needlebr-wheel-protein-skimmer-1993.html

MSX 160: OUT OF STOCK EVERYWHERE!
WWW.MARINESOLUTIONSINC.COM

Any thoughts suggestions, would be greatly appreciated

I basically want to get the most powerful skimmer I can so with weekly water changes and phos reactor I dont have to worry about a cpl extra fish or 2nd feeding.

 

[NYreefNoob]

I Think The Rs 80 Will Do It, Just Have To Empty Cup A Little More Often, For The Money The Octopus Seems The Best

 

[Davidl919]

I like the asm G1X just always owned asm and though not comparable with the Bm's and the deltecs they stand their ground for the price point and the sedra pump is very reliable.

 

[wayne]

if you go onto the skimmer thread you will see where you will have to do a mesh mod on the octopus for it to give you the best results i know it's a hundred and fifty something page but it's wise to browse thru you might even answer your original question...................................................................

 

[alistair]

I know its not on your list, but I recently switched from a Euro-reef to a Bermuda Skimmer and I couldn't be happier. I have never pulled as much masty, smelly stuff out of my tank.

 

[autoponicz]

look into a DAS ex-1 also...
i have read the aquaeuro has pump problems..
the octopus need some pump mods too...
dont know when they will have new stock for the MSX skimmers..
dont know how the newly designed asm's perform

 

[JLAudio]

Thanks for feedback.
Auto-I used to have a das ex 2 and loved it, its just there skimmers are real high and not sure if I could fit but will check

And of the Asm, octo's and Aquaeuro's, it seems people are speaking the best about the aquaeuro's. All of their pumps are critisized to some extent.

NYREEFNOOB- the current EURO is for 50 heavily stocked and most of the succesful tanks I have seen grossly overskim and I think this is the direction I am going to go

Allistar-Funny I forgot to mention it but the bermuda is that often talked about but everyone who does seems to like it

Im leaning toward the aquaeuro, it looks like a beast and supposedly pulls more air, than the ASM and OCTO but not sure how it compares to bermuda and das

 

[JLAudio]

I ended up purchasing the Octopus PS 200 with a rating of 250 gallons (link in first thread.

After all my review for the money and quality I chose this one. I am aware of its downfalls but I believe all of the other skimmers in this price range are with equal critisicms or not enough power. I wanted the MSX but out of stock, I had a DAS EX and wanted to try something new, Bermuda doesnt come with a pump and would put it over price range, Aquaeuro is too unknown and dont want to lose a gamble, all the rest of the top quality brands I would have to get one that merely covers the tank at a medium load.

So It should be in next week and I will post my reviews

 

[Killerdrgn]

going to mesh and gate mod it?

 

[JLAudio]

It seems everyone is suggesting to do so. I will definityly research the mods and if they dont entail too much and benefit the skimmer that much I will do it. Do you think its essential to do so?

I have the euroreef rs 80 and there wasnt a gate mod on it and its a little annoying but I can usually tune it in

 

[Killerdrgn]

doing the mesh mod made the skimmer much better, and the gate valve mod make it easier to control the height of the water.

 

[JLAudio]

I did some searches but cant seem to find a good thread explaining how to do the two mods. I did find one about adding some kind of "O" ring to the pump to tighten the seal adding to its ability to pull water

 

[autoponicz]

i think the new octo's have the wedge pipe for water adjustment....instead of raising it or lowering it.....you just turn the pipe...
if you do a mesh mod...then you'll need to mod the volute for more air...but set it up and let it break in first....is this skimmer is rated for 250g...and you have a 54g....it might not see too much skimmate after a while......

 

[albfelix]

Be careful with the mesh mod! You will destroy the impeller in 1 month, the pump will run warmer and louder with mesh moded impeller and if you continue to use it you might even burn the pump. Speaking from experience.

 

[JLAudio]

Thanks Killer, Auto and Albfelix you guys are always very helpful

I think its powerful enough that running it normally should be more than enough. I know its not a deltec but after all the critiques of all the par skimmers were in with the budget of $300 it stood the tallest. As for buying used I find myself constantly finding flaws on used so I wanted new, and as for the pump maybe in the future I will replace it with a better one if its a problem and the gate valve only if I have trouble with regulating water level

 

[Killerdrgn]

Be careful with the mesh mod! You will destroy the impeller in 1 month, the pump will run warmer and louder with mesh moded impeller and if you continue to use it you might even burn the pump. Speaking from experience.

You must have done the mod wrong then, as i've had mine mesh modded for at least 2 - 3 months now. And I know people that have had theirs mesh modded for nearly a year. Though I have seen people that didn't tie the fishing line tight and the pump basically spun the enkamat off and severly scratched the pump. And the mesh mod works even if you don't do the other mods, it's just less efficient than with the other mods together. But overall a net effect better than the regular needlewheel.
I also have some spare enkamat sitting around probably enough for 2-3 more mods.

 

[JLAudio]

Is there anyway you could use another pumps impeller that has been built in a way that you dont need to mod it that you can use in its place?

 

[Killerdrgn]

not sure.

 

[autoponicz]

the octopus pumps are knockoffs of the oceanrunners...maybe the impellers might be compatible...

but you can even interwine some fishingline through the needlewheel to help chop up the air

 

[JLAudio]

Thanks auto im gonna look into this