best protein skimmer to buy?

[vickreyreef]

I have a skimmer now on my 90G bow front corner unit that is not working effectively at all and now seems to have sprung a leak. I would like to upgrade my equipment and to be honest I don't even know what kind is on there now as the LFS set it up and that was almost 2 years ago and I have since moved and don't know where the paperwork is for it and can't see any brand or anything on it.

I would like to know what the difference is between all the skimmers (i.e. injection, needle wheel etc)

I currently have a reef tank with fish as well.

thanks for any assistance!!!

[USC-fan]

The best bang for the $ is by far the DAS ex-1.

It is a recirculating needle-wheel skimmer.

[mg426]

That is one of the better values.

[vickreyreef]

how is that one compared to the Euro Reef?

[USC-fan]

which ER?

The only ER skimmer i like are the ones with the Eheim pumps.

[vickreyreef]

Euro-Reef RS135 Protein
Skimmer w/pump*
PS-ER-RS135

[CruzinKim]

vickeyreef, are you looking for value or do you have the budget for something that is quality with great performance? I am in the middle of researching for a new skimmer myself and for quality and performance, the high end more expensive skimmers are:
1. mini Bubbleking 160 $850
2. H&S A150 $650
3. Deltec APF600 $890
Listed in order of quality construction.

for a more moderate, but good performer:
1. ATi Bubblemaster 160 $460
2. EuroReef RS135 $330
3. DAS EX1 $290
Listed in order of performance.

This is what I've concluded so far, by the many threads I've read and the owners experience with these units. I am leaning more towards the ATi BM160, but I really like the H&S A150, just a little pricey.

[vickreyreef]

i'm having a hard time finding the das ex1 to purchase online....any suggestions where to look?

[vickreyreef]

i'm looking for good performance that won't break the bank....so your moderate list seems more palatable
so the das in your opinion is last on your short list...anyone else agree/disagree?

[CruzinKim]

I haven't owned any of these, just based on what others have posted. We have a lot of local reefers who I've solicited opinions. I really can go for the H&S A150, it looks like one of the best skimmers made for a 90g setup, but the price is what holds me back on that one. Lots of excellent reviews and skimmer performance photos on that skimmer. Don't know of anyone with anything negative to say about that skimmer and the company that imports them.

On the DAS skimmer, you can buy them here:
Orca (http://www.protein-skimmer.com/shopping.asp?id=446996&itemid=6663&ct=1&shopperid=61418&merchantid=446996&shop=itemdetail.asp)

[muzz]

I have an octopus ddnw200 recirc skimmer, and I really like it. My system is around 175 gallons total, and it works well, and it only ran me 320 bucks. It has an 8 inch wide body and I think 26 inches tall or somehting like that. Only had to get a feed pump for it, and that is cheap to do.

[vickreyreef]

additionally, i currently have a submerged skimmer...to do external is it overly complicated to install? Does the das ex1 come complete or do i need to purchase anything seperately?

[CruzinKim]

From my research on Octopus skimmers, the pumps run hot, so will add degrees to your tank water. I don't use a chiller and certainly, don't want to because of a hot skimmer pump. Also, it seems that most Octopus owners mod them to get better performance and I want the best performance from a skimmer right out of the box. So, the list above are all skimmers that do not need modding, I should have stated that, otherwise, there's quite a few more needlewheel skimmers that can be added to the list.

[CruzinKim]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10868374#post10868374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vickreyreef
additionally, i currently have a submerged skimmer...to do external is it overly complicated to install? Does the das ex1 come complete or do i need to purchase anything seperately? You can replumb your overflow or you can just use a small powerhead to feed an recirculating skimmer. The powerhead would be situated in the section where the tank's overflow water empties into and feeds it to the skimmer. The exhaust of the skimmer needs to empty out to the return pump section of the sump, so the filtered water returns back to the tank.

Forgot to mention, the only concerned that hobbyists have on the DAS is it seems there's no customer service support for this product. The company that imports them is just out to assembling and selling them to make a buck. I could be misreading the posts, but it seems DAS doesn't really have any support.

[USC-fan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10868285#post10868285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vickreyreef
i'm looking for good performance that won't break the bank....so your moderate list seems more palatable
so the das in your opinion is last on your short list...anyone else agree/disagree? I can't say i agree. Like i said before you won't find a skimmer that will perform better than the das ex-1 in that price range.

Deltec APF600 and the das ex-1 are the exact same skimmer design. The only thing different is that deltec mods the pumps.

[CruzinKim]

It looks like everyone is looking at air draw and ability to foam well as better performance. This is what others have tested or specs stated.
1. ATi Bubblemaster 160 $460 900lph
2. EuroReef RS135 $330 700lph
3. mini Bubbleking 160 $850 600lph
4. H&S A150 $650 600lph
5. Deltec APF600 $890 500lph
6. DAS EX1 $290 500lph

[USC-fan]

where are you getting these numbers from? The das, h&s and deltec all use the same pump. How can the H&S pump 100 lph more than the others?

You should also drop the ER from your list or at least add the better perfoming RC135.

[CruzinKim]

I could be wrong on the H&S air draw. But from the website specs, the H&S and Deltec uses the same 2001 or 2000/1 pump and DAS uses the 2000 pump?

Well, the air draw and foaming well is why I'm looking more into the ATi BM160 skimmer right now until I find something else that removes it from first place off my list.

[USC-fan]

No they all use the same AB 2001.

[CruzinKim]

Interesting, wondering why the Orca website is comparing the EX1 to the H&S A110 or Deltec AP600, which both uses the AB 2000 pump? That must be wrong as well, guess you can't trust stated specs.

[pjf]

Building on the research that CruzinKim has done, I've added web links to the air flow information on these skimmers:

1. ATi Bubblemaster 160 $460 800lph (211gph)
(http://www.reefgeek.com/filtration/Protein_Skimmers/ATI_Bubble_Master/Bubble_Master_160_Protein_Skimmer_by_ATI)
1a. EuroReef RC135 $668 780lph (206gph)
(http://www.saltycritter.com/skimmers-euroreef.htm)
2. EuroReef RS135 $330 720lph (190gph)
(http://www.saltycritter.com/skimmers-euroreef.htm)
3. Bubbleking Mini 160 $850 600lph (159gph)
(http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1807&osCsid=575cc87052d8c818f75105665e924055)
4. H&S A150 $650 (found no listing of air intake flow) - Aquabee 2001/38w
(http://www.hsaquaristik.de/start_eng.php)
5. Deltec APF600 $890 500 ph (132gph) - Aquabee 2000/1
(http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/apf600.php)
6. DAS EX1 $290 500lph (132gph) – Aquabee 2000/38w
(http://www.protein-skimmer.com/shopping.asp?id=446996&itemid=6663&ct=1&shopperid=61446&merchantid=446996&shop=itemdetail.asp)

I wasn't able to find air flow information on the H&S skimmer.

[USC-fan]

Why are you guys listing LPM like that is all that matters....please don't fall for the marketing from these skimmer companies.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10868649#post10868649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CruzinKim
Interesting, wondering why the Orca website is comparing the EX1 to the H&S A110 or Deltec AP600, which both uses the AB 2000 pump? That must be wrong as well, guess you can't trust stated specs. I don't know why they do that or why they label the skimmer DA instead of DAS skimmer. Its a fact that the DAS ex line of skimmers only used the AB 2001 pumps.

[kodyboy]

get the DAS ex-1 (protein-skimmer.com or petorama.net) for ~290 and you will be happy. If you can not get the DAS either an octopus nw150 for ~130 at octopuskimmer.com or get a tunze 9010 all over the place for about $330. Any of them would work, but I would get the DAS myself.

[Playa-1]

Euro Reef get my vote
rs series seems to be a good value

[J-Burns]

Does anyone use a Reef Devil? They used to be good.

[vickreyreef]

ok just ordered the DAS EX1...will let you know how it goes....cross your fingers that I can hook this thing up lol

[millepora]

I like Euro Reef and H&S for the money.

[DarG]

Vickreyreef, you will be very happy with the DAS and just hollar here if you need any help getting it up and running. I just put an EX-2 on a 90 gallon 4 days ago. It has been very easy to set-up and not very finicky at all. Has not overskimmed once and I dont think they will overskim for any reason other than user set-up error ... too high a water level / too much air for water level.

Follow the set-up rpocedures and tips in the DAS thread or on the Deltec website and you wont have any problems.

BTW, where did you order from?

[vickreyreef]

great news!!! Thanks for the heloing hand...may just need it (who am I kidding, I WILL need it lol)
I ordered from petorama so I am assuming from what I have read here that I should expect delivery by christmas lol
I ordered it 2 day though since it was only $14 more and thought it may help every a tiny bit

[DarG]

I got mine in 3 days. I also ordered 2 day but they didnt ship on Monday and all I did was ask them a question on getting a treacking number on Tuesday and next thing I know, I get an email later that day with tracking number and them telling me that it was shipped by next day ... and at no additional charge.

They were in stock as of last week so you should have it very soon.

[vickreyreef]

fantastic!!!! my tank definitely needs it...will be like a breath of fresh air for everyone in there!!