Protein Skimmers: ASM vs EV

cardiffgiant · #1 11/18/2007, 12:51 PM

I have a total volume of about 70 gallons, and I'm not thrilled with the AquaC Urchin that I'm using.

I have room for an ASM G2 or an EV-120. Which of these is the better skimmer?

Capt_Cully · #2 11/18/2007, 01:06 PM

I'd go ASM. I am biased because I've had both. The EV is tough to get tuned it and a major PITA to clean. ASM has a simple design. With a gate valve mod ($20) it's super easy to tune, quiet, and easy to access, empty, and clean.

It's no comparisson to me.

kimmer147 · #3 11/20/2007, 10:46 PM

I just upgraded to an ASM G2. It's hasn't been in a week and is already producing gunk. My only complaint is the skimmer is producing an insane amount of microbubbles which are going into the main tank. It's driving me nuts. I have moved the prefilter up and even have another prefilter between the skimmer and the main circulator pump. Will these bubbles go away as the skimmer breaks in or is their something the guys at the LFS didn't tell me? Love the skimmer, hate the bubbles.

Capt_Cully · #4 11/21/2007, 08:22 AM

Mine does produce a ton of microbubbles, but my bubble trap baffles in the sump stop most of them from making it to the display.

cardiffgiant · #5 11/21/2007, 09:56 AM

I'm using a 10g sump. I know that I could physically cram a G2 into it, but wasn't sure if the exhaust (and micro bubbles) would be too much for a sump that small.

I'm also thinking about the G1 and G1X.

ElDiabloPollo · #6 11/21/2007, 10:35 AM

Save yourself some money and get an octopus nw-150 or nw-200. They have a very similar design to the ASM's but are cheaper.

cardiffgiant · #7 11/21/2007, 11:23 AM

This is the first time that I've looked into the octopus. I'll have to do some reading. I found some prices for the ASM that are very close to the Octopus, so I'll have to figure out which will be better for me. The Octopus is a bit taller, and space is kind of a challenge under the 55.

Both the ASM and Octopus seem to cost much less than the EV.

Capt_Cully · #8 11/21/2007, 11:38 AM

agree! octopus' design is based on ASM. fairly simple design, but effective. I'd go with what's less expensive. I'm biased against EV. It was a good skimmer, but no comparison when looking at cost and ease of use and adjustability.

ElDiabloPollo · #9 11/21/2007, 01:21 PM

If you go with the octopus, premium aquatics has a really good price on the nw-150.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Octopus

cardiffgiant · #10 12/09/2007, 03:01 AM

I won an auction for a 6 mo old octopus nw 150 tonight. $120 w/ shipping. I can't wait to set this bad boy up, but space will be super tight.

Capt_Cully · #11 12/09/2007, 09:07 AM

I think you're gonna be very pleased. It should start making crud right away!

Conesus_Kid · #12 12/09/2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cardiffgiant
I won an auction for a 6 mo old octopus nw 150 tonight. $120 w/ shipping. I can't wait to set this bad boy up, but space will be super tight.

It's a great skimmer. I use mine stock w/ no mods at all and it is a workhorse.

magdelan · #13 12/10/2007, 12:09 AM

what is the difference between the G series and the octopus?

tmz · #14 12/10/2007, 01:02 AM

I don't know alot abut the octopus or ev. I use an amm4x and it works very well with ease of maintenance .

magdelan · #15 12/10/2007, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tmz
I don't know alot abut the octopus or ev. I use an amm4x and it works very well with ease of maintenance .

ASM4x is what I am going to purchase for my 180.

tank build coming soon

cardiffgiant · #16 12/14/2007, 10:41 AM

So the Octo 150 is all set up and has been running since last night. Wow, it totally rocks! It was a very tight fit into an 8 gallon food grade vessel, and I still need to make a few adjustments to minimize micro bubbles, but this thing started producing a great foam almost immediately.

Thanks for the recommendation!!

Capt_Cully · #17 12/14/2007, 11:56 AM

Congrats!!!

I get so pumped everytime I clean mine. It's so easy to tune and clean. Man the crud that thing makes. Awesome. Glad you're happy with it!

cardiffgiant · #18 12/14/2007, 12:40 PM

Yeah, I was battling a small algae outbreak that occurred after I had someone feeding my fish while I was out of town for a week. I had it under control, but the water had a slight tint from the free floating algae.

After running this beast overnight... it's completely gone. Literally gone, and I have a pile of thick foamy green goop sitting in the collection cup.

Ellery · #19 12/14/2007, 02:16 PM

I have an AquaC EV180 for my 125 Reef and it works pretty well and I've never had any problems adjusting it the only complaint I have is that the salt build up tends to clog the air holes over time. But if you do periodic cleanings it's not a problem at all.

I like it because it has a small form factor and dowsn't take up too much space in my sump and easily to run.