ASM vs Paclfic Coast...?

[Terence Trent]

I am looking to purchase an in-sump skimmer for around a 200g tank. Either a ASM or Pacific Coast imports. I know that ASMs do a fairy decent job for the $. What about Pacific Coast imports...has anybody compared this two to each other?

Thanks

[jjmatti]

Search for the Octopus skimmer thread it is the same as the Pacific coast import skimmer... I was reading it this morning and in my opinion it looks like the jury is still out on if these Octopus/PCI skimmers are worth it or not..
I have to say though they look just as good if not better constructed,, Just not convinced the pump is as good though.

[RichConley]

jjmatti, the issue isnt the pump. The OTP 3000 is in every way superior to the Sedra9000/whatever else ASm uses. Its the plumbing between the pump and the skimmer thats the issue. Its just way too small...easy fix though.


As to build quality/construction, its night and day between the two.

[clkwrk]

Those mods are not that easy thats why there is not alot of people doing the mods you did.

As for bild I will say octopus is built better alothough the cup removal could have been better than the union .

[clkwrk]

Also a stock otp 3000 pulls the same scfh as a sedra 5000.

[Ursus]

I have a PCI and I can vouch for their construction. It is rock solid. Still working on setting up my tank that it will be running on, but just from setting it in new saltwater it started foaming like crazy.

[mg426]

I have an ASM g3 it does a wonderfull job. I cant really comment on the RO skimmers only to say that I have read lots of good things about them.

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8113098#post8113098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clkwrk
Those mods are not that easy thats why there is not alot of people doing the mods you did.

As for bild I will say octopus is built better alothough the cup removal could have been better than the union .

I didnt mean all the stuff I've done to mine, I just meant taking a dremel and porting out the elbow. YOu can double air draw doing that, and it takes 10 minutes. I think the Union is better than ASM's method: It actually holds water.

[clkwrk]

Nope not at all. I can run my stock otp pump with no plumbing on the output and it will not pull more than it was with the nipple and 90. Which by running the pump with no output plumbing should be just like running a ported out 90 because their is no pressure cuased because there is no restriction.

I have done that lil non effecient mod

[IsaaX]

I can't comment on the RO but I do own a ASM G3 which I am extremely happy with. I did purchase it before the price hike though @ $242. Also, ASM is local to me so that's a plus. As of now, the new trend for "best bang for the buck" are the RO skimmers and from what I have read, they are great, and whatever things that needs to be done to them arent hard to do.

[sjm817]

You should also look at the Euro-Reef RS series. They are very close in price to the "new" ASM pricing, are built much better and have better pumps. The RS250 would be good for that size tank.

[ChemE]

The Octopus NW-200 is huge (8" diameter!) and extremely well built for a mere $189. Bang for your buck there is no question the NW-200 is the best deal going right now.

I only did this mod to mine which took 5 minutes and cost nothing. It pulls about half a cup of espresso a day out of my 55 with 3 small fish. So far (30 days) I'm very pleased.

Stock venturi before modification
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f26/cdl1051/Before.jpg

Barb chopped off and hole reamed out to accept 1/4" PE tubing
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f26/cdl1051/During.jpg

1/4" PE tubing fitted into hole
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f26/cdl1051/after.jpg

First cleaning - 7 days after installing
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f26/cdl1051/NW_200/first_cleaning.jpg

[Roland Jacques]

FWIW, It looks like PCI version iof the Octopus skimmer is going to the Gen-x pumps (not sure).

[ariel47]

I have the pci 3000, it does a great job. Big skimmer 29 inches tall, this is a recirculating skimmer, Iit sits in my sump.