which to get: ETSS800 v EuroReef CS8-2

[Auberon]

I'm having a really hard time deciding which to get. Anyone have had experience with either of these skimmers? Your thoughts please?


I want an external skimmer and they both come with that option. I'm sure both are good, but I just need to know if one is better than the other.


TIA

[stevescg]

Euroreef is easier to use / maintain and uses less power than than the etss. It might be more efficient also

[stang8s]

checkout myreef creations too

[dvups1]

I owned the ETSS 750 gemini wich is almost identical to the 800. IMO it was just to darn hard to tune in and reacted drastically to anything I did to the tank. I didn't know that Eiroreef made an external skimmer. What is it called and where do you get it? All the Euroreefs I have worked with are in-sump models. IMO I would pick the Euroreef hands down over the ETSS model. Euroreef skimmers are simple to set up and made to last. Their performance will match or exceed any other skimmer on the market today. The only draw back I have with them is the price. I run a Precision Marine Bullet II with a Sedra 12000 pump and am very pleased with its perfomance. However, it is a becket skimmer and takes more time to clean.

[aquaman_68]

Lam.................You kill me!!!!!

[Heavydc2]

Euroreef all the way

[Buzzard]

I went with the Euroreef 8-2 and am very pleased with its operation and performance. There was a somewhat independent comparison done last year that I found useful in making my decision. The comparison can be found here: http://www.thereefweb.com/skimmer_comparison.htm

[aquaman_68]

That test compares apples to oranges not apples to apples. Compare the etss 800 to those models & it will be the winner in all areas. I want to know of all the people who own euro reefs out there one question????????????????? How long have you had your unit????? Please feel free to respond as I'm doing my own test on this subject.
TIA

[Armando]

I have my ES5-3 for 3-4 months. I have no complaints at all, truly plug-and-play. The only time it needs adjustment is when i change water. I lower the pipe a bit for one day and that's it. For a new setup I might get the CS6-2 or the same ES5-3 again, not sure but definitely will stick with Euroreef.

[GROSSR]

How is a Lifereef compare to EuroReef? I have a V2-24 skimmer and I can't imagine using a skimmer any easier.

I am not suggest you get a LifeReef, I don't have the ETS or Euro, but how difficult can it be to adust these skimmers?

[ScavDog]

I have an ES-5 and CS 8-3

The CS is truly rock solid. I'll be hard-pressed to go with another make/model.

<img src="http://scavdog.com/reef/images/640x480/cs-8-3.jpg"</img>

[Auberon]

Stevescg,
How long have you had your EuroReef? (not sure if you own one)

Bulldogger,
Here's where I found it. External CS8-2 Skimmer (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=EURO-CS8-2-EXT&Category_Code=EURO)

Stang8s,
Don't confuse me with yet another skimmer....I'm confused as it is enough :) :rolleyes:

Brian,
I know your views on this matter. I'm just curious what others thought.

Heavy,
How long have you had yours?

Buzzard, I read that article too and that's how I got to my current indecisiveness. According to that article, Aerofoamer and EuroReef are the way to go. But I've also heard from 2 friends with years of experience with ETSS and swear by it. I'm hesitant to believe all these studies sometimes. Last time I did was with that Crystal Sea salt. Nothing but problems with that salt! :mad2:

Aquaman brought up an interesting point about that study. I was using that study as a reference when I really shouldn't be. The study is using an older version of the ETSS model. It doesn't compare what happens 6 months down the road.

Joe,
I was hoping you'd respond. I seem to recall you having experience with BOTH. Can you give me a little more detail about your experiences. Nothing is too little :)


Thanks guys

[Heavydc2]

Mine has been running since January, and I have not had a single problem with it. But yes thats only 5 months.

[aquaman_68]

don't mean to hyjack the thread but.........................Joe, why have you not replied to my pm? Is your solomon frag still ok? My solomon tanked on the system switchover.

[aquaman_68]

I think joe has had his set up for around 4 months. Euro reef that is.

[cman]

I've had my CS8-3 for 18 months now. Best thing I have ever done for my reef.

[ScavDog]

just checked my PM. Sorry I have not responded.

I am much better with email (scavdog@comcast.com--formally scavdog@attbi.com)....

[Bono]

I have had several skimmers in the last few years, including Berlin, My Reef, Precision Marine and now a Euroreef 12-2 which I have had for about 6 months. The ER is by far the best one I have used. The skimmate is like paste and it takes about 2 min to clean.

I almost ordered a MR, as the ER's are pretty expensive, but had heard that they sell blemished models for a bit cheaper. I talked to Jeff at ER and picked one up for about 30% less than retail. It comes with the same warranty and I really can't even tell why it's a blem.

[RGibson]

Can anyone tell me how much heat the Euroreef-pump has added to there reef tank water. RGibson

[Greg Hiller]

I don't have a lot of experience with the Euroreef (I purchased one for a tank I set up and it seems to be 'okay') but I've owned a ETS 700 for 5 years and I must say the thing IMO/IME STILL stands up to just about any skimmer. I cleaned it this morning and the entire neck, about 10 inches long by 6 inch diameter was coated with an 1/8 inch thick of black mud. It was last cleaned about 10 days prior. If you have the space I think the ETS skimmers are still VERY good. You can frequently pick them up used when someone is out to pick up the next 'hot' new skimmer. FWIW, if I didn't get rid of them as fast as I could I'd have a large pile of the 'hot' new skimmers in my closet!

:D

[Scott Merrill]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2332989419&category=20758

[Auberon]

Thank you all for your inputs. I finally made my decision.

[RobboT]

OK fine .. . leave us in suspense , , ,

[Auberon]

LOL


ETSS 800

[MickyB]

So It's been awhile soo how is the ETSS 800 skimmer working out.?

[Scott Merrill]

i think howman has an etss 1000 for 4 billls..........

[Groove]

Sorry to jump in on this thread. I wonder if JoeFitz ever sold his EuroReef. I know he was upgrading to a larger one.

[lactrain]

I too read the skimmer comparison and went and bought the evolution 500 the exact skimmer in the test. http://www.thereefweb.com/skimmer_comparison.htm

I am using a recomended mag 950 pump. I cant get this thing to do anything ... luckily for condensation otherwise I would have nothing in the cup.

I have 2 55 gallon tanks hooked up to one 30 gallon sump with about 100 lbs of live rock, sand some caulerpra and one chromis testing the waters ... snails and crabs and has been running for about a month.

Could it be, not enough bioload ... im also thinking that the pump might need cleaning i seen a drop in performance after i brought my calcium up to speed. What effect do the bioballs play should i have less or more. Im ready to pull a portuguese nutty on this friggin thing.

http://www.thereefweb.com/skimmer_comparison.htm

[Groove]

Originally posted by lactrain
I too read the skimmer comparison and went and bought the evolution 500 the exact skimmer in the test. http://www.thereefweb.com/skimmer_comparison.htm


I read this and ended up with a EuroReef ES8-2. I bought it for $300 new with pump. I have not used others comparable but think it is very esy to use. It was cheap compared to the others. It does a good job and I think it is very energy efficient.

[Auberon]

I've never used the EuroReef, so I can't make a comparision. I've had the ETSS800 running since Nov 1 and am not getting the thick gunk I keep seeing people report. My skimmate is more of a tea color/consistency. I've heard and read it takes a while before I get the gunk. More recently, I've heard it's 'good' to have tea appearance.

So if tea is good...then the skimmer is working well. If coffee appearance is good, then maybe the skimmer needs a longer break in time. This is a new system I have to keep in mind. The skimmer is pretty easy to use/maintain.

HTH

[nanonano]

Hey Groove
Where did you buy the ES8-2 for 3hundred bucks\. I'm looking for the same skimmer.

[Pen Man]

Call h20tropicals.com. They are not usully current on stock on the blems on the web site. This is "factory outlet store" for Euro-reef. We will have to take some picture of what ours is pulling out of the 125. It is more like sludge.

[karl wagner]

I wished I weighed in earlier.

I swear by my Euroreef ES 6-2.

I swear at my ETSS EVO 500.

I'll sell it cheap (so I can get another Euroreef.)

[jwm2k3]

Ive seen this debate come up again and again. I think its like which tastes better chocolate or vanilla? The ETSS is for the guy/gal who like to tinker with it. The Euroreef is for the person who wants to forget about it and have it just work.


I cant pick, chocolate or vanilla. This is why Im still using the old Berlin....

John :(

[Groove]

Originally posted by Pen Man
Call h20tropicals.com. They are not usully current on stock on the blems on the web site. This is "factory outlet store" for Euro-reef.

This is where I got it. It was blem but I couldn't find a single scratch on it. I didn't care anyways... it is going in the sump.

I tried the web site and it appears to be gone? I called Euro directly when I got it. Just ask if they have any blems left. I had to wait 3 weeks I think to get it. They had damaged material in stock but only use it when requested.

Good luck.

[nanonano]

Thanks Pen Man and Groove I'll give them a call.

[lactrain]

Auberon .. Well my ETSS Evo500 is doing the same thing as yours on a new system also with a very little bioload. Its been running for a month with not much production alot of thick muck stuck to the sides of the cup but the liquid is green tea.

I have confidence in these units that they will meet their standards. I just want to make sure I am doing things correctly. You just confirmed it.

I am getting tea colored liquid also, IMO i think if anything, its over skimming based on the little bioload. Time will tell, when things grow and the bioload increases. I have a local pet store who runs nothing but ETSS and they produce mud but they are on well established tanks.

If theyre is anything wrong with my ETSS its me. Set it and let it run is what i have to keep telling myself. I beleive all the skimmers in that linup are exceptional and more a matter of opinion. Like Chevy and Ford ... I love my ford and will never buy another Chevy should I start a new thread on that!!!!

And as far as that skimmer comparison ... the ETSS EVO did exceptionally well better then Aqua C and just as good as the Euro-reef. Im not sure how many of you all read the footnote at the bottom. But here is what it reads.

"While this skimmer is advertised as suitable for up to 180 gallon applications we contacted the manufacturer directly with the intention of using the Evolution 750 for the test. Gary Loehrer AE Tech felt that the Evolution 500 was a better fit for the test and that it will handle a 200-250 gallon system competitively."

I wonder what the results have been if they would have run the ETSS 750 or 800.

This tells me the EVO 500 was out classed and actually did quite well in comparison beating the AquaC 240 at most aspects and the Euroreef in some including price with a Iwaki pump.

Len

[Auberon]

Len, I read that as well. THAT and testimony from others is why I went with the ETSS 800. I would definately love to know the results of the comparision if it had been made with the 800 which I heard is superior by far to the EVO 500.

BTW, I have no cyano since the setup...good skimming? possibly...

[joefitz]

As an FYI, I haven't sold my old Euro-reef 8-2 yet. I've got a 12-2 now...haven't made a final decision just yet on whether I'm going to sell the 8-2 or not. It would make an ok backup especially since it has the same pump...so if one of the pumps on 12-2 goes at least I could keep it in service.

I bought mine blemished and would recommend that to anyone else as well (from h2o tropicals).

If I decide to sell it I'll post a separate thread.

Joe

[karl wagner]

www.h2otropicals.com


works