What is the best skimmer possible?

[reef rico]

I need a skimmer that isn't worth a fortune but works like a beast?

[CruzinKim]

That is definitely a loaded question and you will get a lot of opinions. Do a search on "protein skimmer" and see all the open threads currently on the same subject.

[GSMguy]

what size tank whats your budget?

[Steve973]

It might be a good idea to contact various skimmer manufacturers with your specs/needs and see if they have any "blemish" or "test" models that they can sell to you for a substantial discount. These might have minor cosmetic deficiencies, for example, or they might have been run for a short while at their facility for testing. If they are 100% operational and if they sit in your sump, it's really not a big deal and you can probably save about 40%.

[Ewan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10968727#post10968727 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
what size tank whats your budget?

Let's start here. Answering these two items will generate some discussion.

-e.

[kodyboy]

lots of opinons on this (as stated)
and as stated what size tank and what do you want to, and of course budget:)

[ReefRockerLive]

Without knowing the budget we can't tell you much.

[Reef Sponger]

:lol: what's a fortune? for some, $300 is a fortune, while for others, $2,000 isn't.

[pjf]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10968350#post10968350 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reef rico
I need a skimmer that isn't worth a fortune but works like a beast?
I believe there is consensus that your "beast" of a skimmer should be fed from an overflow or sump to better reach and remove surface proteins and particulate matter. One such skimmer that should be on your short list is the DAS EX1 skimmer which has the following features:

- Overflow fed
- Counter current flow
- Recirculating design
- Relatively low price

I'm glad that you are not looking for a skimmer that is "worth a fortune." A skimmer is only the 1st stage in a filtration system. Additional filtration is still needed to remove yellowing compounds and DOC's that skimmers cannot remove. Putting all of your money in a skimmer will only produce marginal returns.

[kydsexy]

silly rabbit! first things first, do some research. search here. use a few search engines, then you'll have opinions to begin with, before you here from the professionals on RC! woowoo!

[Hypertek99]

Well the title says what is the best skimmer possible. You will probably not be able to afford it if you have a budget. And what size is your tank???

[pjf]

There are larger professional skimmers that employ features that one does not see in hobbyist skimmers. While these skimmers may skim larger volumes, I do not know if they are cost-beneficial to you. Here are a few:

• The Deltec AP702 can be fitted with an optional self-cleaning head (http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/selfcleaning.php).
• The Schuran Aquaflotor AQ250 can be fitted with the “AquaKat” wetneck (http://www.schuran.com/seawater/profi_abschaeumer_e.html).
• The Turboflotor 5000 has a tall counter-current design (http://www.aqua-medic.com/turboflotor_5000.shtml).

The Deltec and Schuran self-cleaning heads help move foam into the cup. You will not need to wash the neck as often. The Turboflotor 5000’s tall counter-current design provides increased dwell time to allow proteins to attach to a bubble.

It will be great to find a protein skimmer that can do the job of ozone or carbon filtration. Until we find one, current skimmers will simply be a first stage to a carbon reactor that will capture more dissolved organic proteins at a lower cost. The purpose of a skimmer is to keep particulate matter and surface proteins from quickly exhausting subsequent filtration stages.

[reef / aholic]

This might work!!!!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/139055BK_230cm.jpg

[Hypertek99]

LOL WOW that's overkill unless you have a swimming pool.

[macawmagic]

hey robolton...if thats a tank on the left that things awesome. I'd love to get a pic of that.

[hahnmeister]

Look in the Royal-Exclusiv.de forums and you can see pics of this project.