another skimmer poll, which one?

[prow]

hey everyone. i am still thinking about what skimmer to use on my new system. it will be a 240ish gal system (180gal with 60gal sump). i did not incluced on the list Eruo-reef, H&S, BK's or Deltec because the bang for my buck is not there, too much $$$ for what you get. AquaC just na, they are great skimmers but i like all the above just a bit more. it will be fairly well stocked.

i will be running my ASM G3 until i need to upgrade. i hope i can get away with the G3 and not upgrade, we will see about that. but i need to plan and build my sump for a upgrade just incase. it will be a insump skimmer whatever it is. that is the only decision i have made so far. one thing on the ASM g4's the G4 and G4+ are the same just different pumps.

[Scouter Steve]

Not sure on the ASM 4/4+. There specs do seem the same cept pump. The 4X is taller with the sedra 900. (Thats what I have) It is tall, check your height restriction. Mines inb the basement so no prob here.

[prow]

thanks for the heads up. these will all fit no worries. what system are running with it?

[goldenmean]

I am running a Tunze 9005 on my system (55gtank/15g sump)
and I have been very pleased with it. It is very productive.
I have no experience with the others so I cannot compare.

[swissgaurd]

i think your ASM G3 should be able to handle your tank
i find the ASM skimmers to work amazingly.
if not look for a skimmer that the maint. is of ease like the ASM models.
i like the idea of cleaning the skimmer body with ease.

vic

[michael_cb_125]

I just got the Lifereef Skimmer for my 240. I have not got it setup yet, but it built very well, and I have only heard great things about them.

[lcstorc]

I love my ASM skimmers.

[DrHank]

If you are looking at ASM, look at the Octopus as well. AquaCave sells both so you can compare features side by side. You may also want to look at PM and MRC. Both are Becketts and run well but take a lot of pump. I'm using a Mag 18 on my MRC on my 200gallon and will be using a PM driven by a GenX 4 on my 155 Bow.

[DrHank]

Lynn, what a surprise! I didn't know that you liked ASM. I like Octopus too.

[prow]

Originally Posted by goldenmean

I am running a Tunze 9005 on my system (55gtank/15g sump)
and I have been very pleased with it. It is very productive.
I have no experience with the others so I cannot compare.

i have never seen them in action but only hear good things. really i have not heard much else about them other than they are good. as i would expect coming from tunze. is there any little qurks about it. like collection cup leaking or too small or its noisy or whatever??

Originally Posted by swissgaurd

i think your ASM G3 should be able to handle your tank
i find the ASM skimmers to work amazingly.
if not look for a skimmer that the maint. is of ease like the ASM models.
i like the idea of cleaning the skimmer body with ease.

vic

i hope thats how it goes. i know it will get me by for a while at any rate. i have been very happy with my G3 on my current 150gal system and all i have is the gate mod. i will be doing the recir mod in hopes it handles the 240gal system.

Originally Posted by michael_cb_125

I just got the Lifereef Skimmer for my 240. I have not got it setup yet, but it built very well, and I have only heard great things about them.

sweet, you can be my ginnie pig your going to have let me know how it does after it gets broke in. i too have heard great things about them. i only listed the VS3-30 because planning on a 32" stand, did not list the VS3-36 rated for 400gal because it was 36" tall, which model did you get?

[prow]

wow quick posts. thanks for stopping by and saying hi everyone. way cool

DR. Hank- i looked at the MRC they look more for external use, the pumps they rec are external pressure pumps, like you said lot of pump. i do have pan world 100XP and a iwaki MD40RLTthough. i also looked at the octopus skimmers and the largest one they make is comparable to my G3, but then again i never used them.

i looked around pretty good already and am set on one of these. now which one. believe me it was hard to narrow it down to these guys. i think at one point i even had a seaclone on my list, lol.

o one thing i am thinking about is the G4/G4+. i have either sedra pump the 500 or the 900 even have a 700 around, would have to buy the needle wheel but got the pumps. kinda like idea of that.

[lcstorc]

Originally Posted by DrHank

Lynn, what a surprise! I didn't know that you liked ASM. I like Octopus too.

LOL! We are both so predictable.
Is Octopus paying you?
I think ASM should start paying me. Or at least give me a free skimmer. Not sure what I would do with another one though. I guess I would have to get another tank.

[michael_cb_125]

I got the VS3-30. I have a Cabinet that is only 34 inches tall on the inside. Also, I would cal Jeff @ lifereef. He can answer any questions about the skimmers, as he builds them himself. I have him make a custom skimmer cup for me. I needed to have a cup that can be removed without lifting up on it too much. He did just that.

[michael_cb_125]

When I asked Jeff about the ratings on his skimmers he said that he does not really like to market skimmers in that fashion. He said that most Mgf. WAY over rate their skimmers. He said that his skimmers have been tested on several tanks with normal bio-loads. And he has found that the rting he puts on them are true. His Skimmer rated to 350 gallons will handle a 350 gallon tank.

[prow]

now thats good to know. even better that is the same model that will fit. after you get it going good make sure you post a thread and give it a review. i can wait to hear about it.