Need some feedback...thinking of buying the ASM G6 for my X-mas present

[sjm817]

Originally posted by sunfish11
Everything looks great in my tank. No algea, fat fish, and very healthy corals. I do have at least 20+ ppm nitrates. That is because I feed a lot. I have anthias and other large fish that require a lot of food. I was hoping a bigger skimmer could help that issue and allow me to feed as much as I do and lower the organics so that I can keep more varieties of SPS. I also need to set up another sump (and I wanted an in-sump skimmer) because the way my sump is plumbed is frankly, stupid. I was just going to turn my current sump into more of a refugium and direct my overflows directly into the new sump with the new skimmer.

Lisa

I looked at your gallery. Yes, nice looking tank (I love inwalls!). It doesn't look like you have a lot for display turnover. Just a couple of small powerheads? Have you considered increasing tank turnover? 20 ppm is not....terrible...but you wouldn't want it any higher.

What is the whole setup like? How is the sump, fuge skimmer set up now?

[tmz]

When it comes to skimmers there's no shortage of opinions. I have used a G4x on a 400g system for two years. I have a high bioload including 35 well fed fish and many corals. I am very happy with the skimmer's performance and ease of maintenance.

[sunfish11]

Actually I have a closed loop system with a 4300 gph Baldor industrial pump running it. I also have two 1200 gph powerheads and my blueline return pump. I have nearly 40 X turnover in the tank right now.

The sump is directly underneath (centered almost) below the tank. On the right side the MRC has it's outlet. That is the same side that the overflow goes. On the opposite side of the sump the return pump and the skimmer pump draw water. It makes it so that not all of the water is having a chance to get skimmed.

Here is a more current picture of the tank.


Here are some of the back so you can see better.



I am going to go take a pic of the sump right now.

Lisa

[Flint&Eric]

with you LR, SSB and flow i dont feel you'll be able to strip it out before it dissolves. a RDSB may be your best bet. it will take care of the trates.

[sunfish11]

What do you mean Flint&Eric? There is at least a 4 inch sandbed all around, 320lbs of live rock, and a lot of flow. Why wouldn't I be able to strip it?


Lisa

[davocean]

Is that crushed coral bottom?
Nice tank BTW

[BLANKENSHIP76]

Ok, I had an ASM G-3 on my tank up until last week, before this at my last house I had a MRC-2, and I just got my ATi Bubblemaster 200 last week.

I gotta tell you , this is one bad skimmer it is pulling so much out its unbelievable. I am always wt skimmed, but I am a believer now that I have it hooked up.

As far as the new Extremes go, I have no experience with them but here is my analysis.

MRC-2-----------I hated it
ASM G-3--------Thought it was doing a job (thought)
BM200----------Made me realize how much crap I wasn't getting out

Just my 2 cents.

[sunfish11]

Is that crushed coral bottom?

Gosh no! It is aragonite sand.

Nice tank BTW

Thanks! I am trying to find a way to make it nicer...

gotta tell you , this is one bad skimmer it is pulling so much out its unbelievable. I am always wt skimmed, but I am a believer now that I have it hooked up.

Very interesting comparison. I am leaning that way...

Lisa

[sunfish11]

Here is the closed loop pump, the return pump, and the Gen-X pump on the floor that feeds the skimmer which is on the other side by the overflow.




The skimmer outlet is right by the over flows...



I wanted to put a separate container for a new sump and reroute both of my overflows directly into the new sump then let that overflow back into my original sump which could then be used as more of a refuge at that point. I would remove the current skimmer and skimmer pump at that point.

Lisa

[Creetin]

BM 250 as well, Its a very good working skimmer. IMO

[Flint&Eric]

i'd suggest cleaning out your becket injector

re:skimming particulate matter before it decomposes...if this is really your goal you should look at BB.

[sunfish11]

i'd suggest cleaning out your becket injector

I clean the injector once every week, otherwise it clogs and doesn't perform to it's maximum. I really don't like the bare bottom look either.

Lisa

[Flint&Eric]

looks clogged in the picture. just trying to help.

happy reefing.

[sunfish11]

The water level is very high because I am trying to skim wet. Why does it look clogged? Just wondering?

[sunfish11]

It is entirely possible that I don't know how to run it right...

[sunfish11]

And I am not going to find out! I am getting an H&S! Hubby says yes! I am soooooo happy!