Skimmer Decision Time PLEASE HELP!!!!

[chkra_hp]

alright here is my spec

90g reef + 30g sump
Skimmer choice ASM G4X (rate up to 450g) or ASM G3 (rate up to 250g)

Im currently have the ASM G4X but it a bit too high to fit under my stand. If I get the ASM G3 then I can fit it under the stand nicely. I have limit space but if I do want to go with the GX4 I can but it be a lot of trouble. What u guys think? thanx much in advance

[kodyboy]

I would get an octopus nw200, 24 inches (same height at G3) better built and much cheaper ($180 at http://www.octopusskimmer.com/) an equivalent performer to the asmG4 or G4x.

[rishma]

DAS Ex-1 or Ex-2.

I just prefer AB pumps over the octo pumps

[chkra_hp]

anyone have the link to the octopus skimmer thread? i dont have the search function

[chkra_hp]

can the DAS EX skimmer run in sump? i want an in sump skimmer for my system.

[kodyboy]

yep it can run in the sump
the search function eludes many of us

[chkra_hp]

im starting to like the octopus skimmer. is the pump noisy?

[Reef Sponger]

not too noisy, but the octopus pumps run hot.

[chkra_hp]

Im not planning to buy a chiller. If it run hot will it become a problem? I have AC running in the room 24/7. If it still too much then should i buy a different pump? or get a different skimmer?

[USC-fan]

Originally posted by chkra_hp
can the DAS EX skimmer run in sump? i want an in sump skimmer for my system.

you can run it however you like. i run my ex-2 in my sump. You could just use a ex-1 for a 90gal if you don't want to spend $400 for the ex-2.

[chkra_hp]

if i run my ex-2 in sump then i dont need the feed pump? is it just plug and play?

ex-1 VS octopus nw200 VS asm g3 ???

Please note im planning to go medium to heavy stock on sps

[USC-fan]

You don't need a feed pump if you plumb it to your overflow.

Unless you plan to mod the nw200 i would just go with the EX-1.

[AMIFL]

I hear great results from the EX1

[JRaquatics]

I would get the EX1, octo skimmers aren't bad once modded butI would forget about the ASM. They cost too much for what they are.

[tboneman]

You don't mention price in your post so my choices would be the ATI Bubblemaster 200 ( around 550 I think) or the tunze 9010 (around 325). Ive used both on my 90 and they are both excellent skimmers that use very little energy. If I had to pick one I would give the edge to the ATI which skims a bit more aggressively. By the way they both fit under the stand in my sump easily.

[Shannonsreef]

I just got my new DAS EX-1 and I'm very impressed to say the least, good build quality, and the bubble production is unreal and this is coming from a former euro owner.(highly recomend).

[treny]

I love my EX-3 shipping is a nightmare but it's worth the wait

[hankzilla]

I've been running a Ex-1 on my 115 Das for almost 6 months now and I am giving it a B- to C+. Why
Several times my power has gone out for a few seconds or minutes at least every other month and my collection cup over flows like mad when the power kicks back on. Thank goodness I was at home to stop it every time except the first time when I walked in and discovered water on the tile coming from the tank. I've been planning with the water level in the skimmer with air off leveled to the bottom of the cup now down to the lower neck below the cup. If it's to low skimmate is very dry and slow to produce. If I get near the cup skimmate is wet producing about a inch a day, and is likely to over flow at times.

Secondly I've seen pictures of other skimmate cups with ugly dudu dark skimmate mine is a medium green probably due to an over abundance of cheto in the fuge. I've never produced very dark skimmate, so I think I'm maxed on the EX-1 and may move to a EX-2 cause I don't have room in my sump for a in sump skimmer.

The only point I'm giving is my EX-1 on a 115gl is not producing very dark skimmate, and over flows if the level is to high for wet skimming for when the power goes out.

[chkra_hp]

Alright If I raise my budget to 400$.

what is the best skimmer I can get?

Please note this is a medium stock sps tank with medium stock fish for now.

So far a few people recommend
tunze 9010 330$
DAS EX-2 400$
Octopus DNW-200 Recirculating 400$ (this one is recommend for aquarium up to 400g)
Euro-Reef RS135 330$

How are these compare to
Octopus Nw200

I did some research and found out that the tunze are super silent when run. Im gonna settle for a 30g long sump. If I go with an insump nw200 i probably wont have enough room.

How an octopus nw200 vs tunze9010 (setting the price aside)

For external skimmer any cheaper option than these 2?
DAS EX-2 400$ VS Octopus DNW-200 Recirculating 400$
which one better?