$1000 to spend.Which skimmer?

[46bfinGA]

Ok if you had a 500 gallon display tank with total water volume around 800 gallons and 1k to spend on a skimmer which one would you choose? Two things Im looking for are efficiency and quality. Im thinking Dart NW or something with multiple efficient pumps.I allready have a Dart to use so I would be spending my money on a body only,if I went in that direction.
Just trying to get some other opinions before I drop the $$$.

[Detritivore]

if you can pull off an extra $200 or so, i would get this: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=reefflo

either that, or a large beckett type skimmer (around MR3/Bullet3 size) so you can use your dart to drive it.

[RONCGIZMO]

For something that big I would say #$%@ it and make the one out of 3 pumps and a 5 gallon water bottle (maybe 2) if you prefer tall maybe use 6 inch PVC...


I can't help it! I love to DIY and save the grand...But if you don't have the time...well then> I would start thinking about using 2 or 3 skimmers not just one big one.

[hahnmeister]

www.protein-skimmer.com ?

[46bfinGA]

Detrivore,
Ive heard mixed reviews on the Reeflo,so If I was going to do a Dart NW. I would just get one built by someone else so I could make some changes.Also I just sold my large four Beckett skimmer to buy something more efficient.Im looking more into NW or Meshwheel skimmers.

RonCGizmo,
I hear ya man,but thats a little too Ghetto for me.I want something that looks nice as well as perform well.

Hahnmeister,
I have sent him emails and waiting on a response.I think a skimmer with a few Sicce or Aquabees would be nice.I would buy his Dart before I would buy the Reeflo.Im not sure what the price would be though.I want something that is American made and not Mass produced for profit if I can.


Basically Im looking for Ideas on which pumps/heights,etc..... would be the best skimmer for the money. Im currently running an ASM G3 on my 125 and it is an ok skimmer but inconsistant at times.I really want a solid performer this time without the hassle of fiddling with it all the time.If I have to pay a bit more I will but I would rather not.

[kdblove_99]

Reeflo

[BBoley24]

wow... that is a nutso skimmer... one quick question without a hijack... What if you put that reeflo on a 210? Is there such thing as overskimming?

[46bfinGA]

Please post up if you actually own the skimmer or have owned the skimmer and have some first hand experience with them.

[CruzinKim]

For < $1,000 and if you don't mind installing in sump only, I don't think you can beat a ATi Bubblemaster 250. Not sure on the pricing, maybe still the old pricing $769. I don't think you can beat 57 watts energy efficiency and yielding 1,800lph at this price.

ATI BM250 Internal ~ $839 (s/b new price as of 11/1/2007)
Clearance Needed: 14"L x 10"W x 21.75"H
Dimensions: 13.4"L x 9.5"W x 21.2"H
Energy Consumption: 57 watts
Air Draw: 1,800lph
Suggested Capacity: up to 400g heavy, 500g-700g normal
Minimum Suggested Tank Size: 200g

ATB is coming out with a meshwheel based on the Laguna pump that will be around $2,000 that can easily support your system, but then it's twice your budget.

[gandolf8]

I would go with LifeReef there the best

[46bfinGA]

Lifereef doesnt make NW do they? They make Beckett skimmers right?

[reef / aholic]

Reeflo - TOTM for September 07 and October 07. I see the mixed review now. The modifications for the Reeflo have all been while documented on here.

[ranran]

I own the reeflo and run it on a 330 gal sps with a 80 gallon sump and it rocks. Easy to set up and to clean.
Gets my vote for best big @$$ skimmer for the $

[hahnmeister]

Originally posted by 46bfinGA

Hahnmeister,
I have sent him emails and waiting on a response.I think a skimmer with a few Sicce or Aquabees would be nice.I would buy his Dart before I would buy the Reeflo.Im not sure what the price would be though.I want something that is American made and not Mass produced for profit if I can.

Shan will have a 'high-end' pump soon as well, better than the Dart. The Aquabees were a PITA for him to get, and the Sicces, well... thats not the favorite pump either. I will let Shan tell the rest, but I agree... I would rather see something high-end coming out of the US. As the Euro rockets up, its a good option to have or else we are really going to end up paying through our noses for quality.

[speedstar]

Another reeflo lover i own the 250. 500g system and i feed 14 plus cubes of food aday. BB and nitrates at <1

[zachluhrs]

American Made Beast MTC HSA3000, can handle up to a 3000g tank. Old School dual beckett injection design. Can be plumbed in or out of sump. Available for $950 at www.aquatictech.com.

[speedstar]

Originally posted by zachluhrs
American Made Beast MTC HSA3000, can handle up to a 3000g tank. Old School dual beckett injection design. Can be plumbed in or out of sump. Available for $950 at www.aquatictech.com.

how many watts do the pumps draw on that?

[zachluhrs]

That's the only drawback to the "Old School" designs, they use a large pump to push them. Ideally you'd want an Iwaki 100rlt to run this skimmer or another comparable pump. As far as watts, roughly 300-500w depending on the pump and head.

[dphins]

The reeflo uses 120.

[zachluhrs]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of recirculating NW skimmers for smaller tanks. I just think that if you've got a heavily stocked 800g system that you'd want a good turnover rate. HSA3000 can handle 2500gph+.

[angelopasto]

For that size I would spend a little more and go for a BubbleKing or EuroReef. I have both and love them!

[46bfinGA]

Heres the skimmer I just sold........I just dont want a power hog.I guess The Dart is my only option in this price range?

[46bfinGA]

Originally posted by RoBolton
Reeflo - TOTM for September 07 and October 07. I see the mixed review now. The modifications for the Reeflo have all been while documented on here.

Do you own one?