[USC-fan]

Originally posted by DiazE
I know I may be starting a war of words here between Deltec and D.A.S. clubs, but how good are these skimmers (D.A.S.) in comparison to a Deltec?

I've read good things about them; by the way I own my first Deltec since March 2007 and I am very satisfied with it's performance!

You might want to check out this thread.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...&highlight=DAS

This is the best post in that thread, IMO..

Originally posted by hahnmeister
This is a loaded question because depending on what you value most, the response will vary...

1. Price/Value: The DAS is cheaper... alot cheaper. Is what the deltec offers worth hundreds more? Thats for the user to decide.

2. Design & Pefrormance: Same design. Same pump. Functionally the same skimmer. Sure, deltec has claimed to developed the pump since they liscenced out that design to DAS, but it sure doesnt seem to do much... both skimmers pull 500lph of air. If there is an advantage to the deltec, it might be that it makes the same air with less water turbulence. A comparison via kill-a-watt meters would confirm this.

3. Build Quality & Craftsmanship: The Deltec may be slightly better with their craftsmanship... but the materials are the same. Both use extruded acrylic, ABS, welds, etc. Neither is built as well as say... a H&S, ATB, or a Bubbleking though.

4. Reliability: Same Aquabee 2000/1 pump at the core. Love it or hate it. Its not like the rest of the skimmer can break-down or anything.

5. Warranty, Customer Service, etc: I hear nightmares about DAS... sure. Then again, even though Deltec is a sponsor here, I hear nightmares about Deltec as well (wont provide a replacement pump under warranty, backordered, etc). So honestly, I dont think its a huge difference. FWIW, DAS is actually located in the US, so in theory, they should be easier to get parts from. I hear that some of the earlier nightmares are being dealt with and DAS is doing a better job. I think its a wash in the end because what is the likelyhood of you actually needing to use this, as well as the likelyhood that your experience will be that bad?

IMO, if you dont see the value in the DAS, then for those exact same reasons you shouldnt be looking at a Deltec either. Try looking at an H&S, Tunze, BK, ATB, fauna marin, orca, heck, even ATI. If you do see the value in the DAS... then its a great skimmer to end up with.