A200 2x1260 Skimmer -> A250?

[plankton]

All,

I've had my A200 with 2 eheim 1260s for more than a year now and very happy with it. However, I can only run 1 of the 2 1260s as when they are both on (and air dialed way back) the skimate is far too wet.

If I run ONE of the 1260s with full air flow and slighly dialed back water flow, then the skimate is perfect.

Here's my question. Can you upgrade an existing A200 to the A250 with larger diameter chamber and would that solve the problem that prevents me from running both eheims?

TIA!

Scott

[ridetheducati]

You can upgrade, but I am sure you realize you will be purchasing a new A250. I think that is why they made the A50 because the 1260's were a little too much for a 8" body.

I have my A250 running full bore and the skimmate is lovely. I can dry it out or really wet.

[plankton]

I'm hoping H&S/US has an upgrade program to the 10" chamber. The price delta between A200 and A250 is about $100...

Scott

[ridetheducati]

I doubt it, but good luck.

I cant think of any skimmer vendor that honors a upgrade/trade-up program.

[plankton]

I could be wrong, but I think only the body needs to be upgraded. All the other components (collection cup, expensive pumps, etc) are the same. So, just body/base. But hey, let's see what happens!

Scott

[DC321]

That would be a great thing......

[UCanDoIt]

Just a guesstimate... if the 2 pumps costs $300 each and assuming the collection cup is about $400, I would guess a new skimmer body is going to run you around $700. This is just a guess... check back with the dealer that you purchase your skimmer from or Fins Reef.

I've never seen one in action, but did see some postings earlier that the A200-2x1260 performs great, but only skims on the wet side. Skimming wet isn't bad as what I've seen is that it strips the water of phosphates, which translate to reduce algae blooms or hair algae.

[AcroSteve]

Is the neck on the A250 larger than the A200? Neck size is related to the amount of air that a skimmer uses.

Not a bad question, but you might be better off selling your A200 and buying a new A250.

[FinsReef]

The A250 does have a larger neck diameter.
The only parts that are similar are the pumps. An upgrade would need the skimmer body and collection cup. It takes more than just a body upgrade.

Plankton,
Please send over some pictures of how you have the drain plumbed. That has alot to do on how much air the skimmer can handle. Also what size tank, and how much water are you feeding the skimmer with?

[plankton]

Brian,

Running black 2.5" abs drain at downward angle from elivated skimmer down to sump, so I imagine not much back pressure if any.

Started measuring nitrates again, so I'm feeding less and have turned on second pump to skim more now (wet).

I think the A250 with it's larger diameter mixing chamber is prudent for dual eheims given the amount of air both pumps can pull in.

Scott