What is your all time favorite skimmer?

[roktsintst]

I really like skimmers and i think that they are the heart of a tank. I have my own opinions of course but i would like to hear what you have to say. Let's say we are going to skim on a 400 gallon heavly stocked sps tank. i would like to hear your choices. you have a $3000 budget for a skimmer so money isn't too big of a deal. That is pretty much the only given info. Also please say why you like the skimmer, if it is internal/external adn why you like either, if you like the power draw or upgrade options, ect.

For me i would get the Medium size Spazz Volcano. I like it because of the lower power draw for that size skimmer. i also like the fact that you can take it apart all the way down. i would like a wet neck option and a carbon lid. i like the diameter of the skimmers as well, it just seems that there is more area for contact with proteins!

Let hear your choice!

[moondoggy4]

Volcano mini it is a large skimmer and for a good price compared to some of the Germans models that cost alot more.

[The Saltman]

I've always had great results with ASM's.

[dgill]

Deltec - pricey and middle of the road these days in terms of performance (compared to BK, meshwheel skimmers, etc.) but they are built like tanks and very consistent. I do wish they would incorporate bubble plates.

[roktsintst]

I have a reeflo orca 200 now that uses the bubble plate. i really like it. it has a pretty even distribution pattern also. Another skimmer i would like to try is the bubble king 300. my neighbor is getting one for his 540 and i am pretty excited to see it up and running!

[Paulairduck]

Just purchases the BK internal 250 for a 400 gallon system. This is the most adjustable, quietest skimmer I have ever had. I am very impressed with the build, the air draw, and the skimmate production. It started skimming immedaitely for me.

with the 3000 dollar skimmer budget, add the self cleaning head and you have a Rockstar:smokin:

and the pump only draws a little over 40 watts and it pegged my 50 scfh meter, got to get a bigger one.:D

[roktsintst]

sweet. post some pics of it running if you got it

[pdelcast]

I know I'm gonna get flamed but....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/pdelcast/IMG_7645.jpg



My ETSS 900 rocks...

[reef / aholic]

This one....

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/139055BK_230cm.jpg

[roktsintst]

Holy hell. Which one is that!!!

[Paulairduck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13034430#post13034430 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reef / aholic
This one....

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/139055BK_230cm.jpg

Knowing BK that is more than my car, pics and a thread are coming after a vacation.

[DeltecRules]

I have owned Deltec & H&S and a load of other skimmers and this BK 250 external so far is my favorite.

Skimmer
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1509_IMG.JPG

Red Dragon
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1511_IMG.JPG

Flow rate going through skimmer
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1512_IMG.JPG

Bubble plate
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1514_IMG.JPG

In action
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1520_IMG.JPG

Foam climbing up the collection cup
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1523_IMG.JPG

3 days of nog which totally stunk up the basement
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/104218mini-115-1530_IMG.JPG

[moondoggy4]

Nice thread good information

[roktsintst]

so deltec rules,, are you gonna change your name???
In all seriousness, can you explain why and what you liked better about the bubble king rather than deltec/ h&s?

[mhltcob]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13034422#post13034422 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pdelcast
I know I'm gonna get flamed but....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/pdelcast/IMG_7645.jpg



My ETSS 900 rocks...

Why would you get flamed? I have used most skimmers on the market and the ETSS models perform about as good as any. IME they perform as good if not better than deltecs, and are built better and require little maintenance (not to sound like deltecs are maintenance heavy and cheap quality).

[DeltecRules]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13034945#post13034945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roktsintst
so deltec rules,, are you gonna change your name???
In all seriousness, can you explain why and what you liked better about the bubble king rather than deltec/ h&s?

Build quality is better than any skimmer I had. The collection cup of the BK weighs more than the body of the Deltec AP-600 skimmer I use to have. The built of this skimmer is nothing short but awesome. I haven't weighed this skimmer but I can tell you it's heavy as hell!! The craftsman ship that has gone into this skimmer is well thought out. The design of the bubble plate to reduce turbulence is another key feature. The bubbles look like they are suspended animation rising slowly in the body of the skimmer. The body is literally milked out with bubbles. The heart of the skimmer the red dragon runs on low power and is dead silent. The pump is dead silent I can't hear the thing unless I put my ear right next to the pump. It sounds like a jet of air comming from the silencer. Its hard to describe. You can't hear the pump at all running. You don't even know the thing is on until you look at it. All I really basically hear is bubbles popping in the collection cup when i am standing close by. Is it worth $2099? Nothing comes cheap in this hobby, especially all of my high end livestock I have in my tank. It's not going to get any cheaper when I pony up some bills and buy the new adjustable DC pump and collection cup cleaner.

Scott :D

[GSMguy]

go with an ATB or bubble king the powerdraw is pretty darn high on those volcanos

airstar or red dragon pumps all the way.

[lockecole]

Why hasn't anyone suggested the Skilter yet? That was some quality equipment. lol.

[SPSpirate]

DELTEC APF600....im buying another for my new reef, the other is on my frag tank hehehehe..had my first for 4yrs now and NEVER had a problem..happy corals..see ya!

[wizsmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13032928#post13032928 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by moondoggy4
Volcano mini it is a large skimmer and for a good price compared to some of the Germans models that cost alot more.

are yo speaking out of experience ? :rofl:

[moondoggy4]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13035749#post13035749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wizsmaster
are yo speaking out of experience ? :rofl: No just a dreamer, my tank is not large enough for a volcano.: :(

[cweder]

The BK's are impressive...can anyone post a video of a BK skimmer body bubbles..or have reference to a video. I have heard even the body is very dense with bubbles but have never seen it. It almost sounds like the bodies are white out like the necks of most other skimmers. Kind of makes me sick...in a jealous sort a way.

[Adamc1303]

I have tried in this order Kent, ASM, ATI, Deltec and then I found my match. H&S !!!!I got the A150 its built like a tank, and needs no tinkering with. It skims very well and again never needs to be played with.

[Paulairduck]

I have tons of pics and a couple videos of the skimmer, but I need to find time to post all the pics.

The 1500 BK Red Dragon pump immediately pegged my 50scfh meter and this thing is totally silent. The body of the skimmer is totally milked out.

Do I think the skimmer was really worth the money, "No", but either was that little piece of coral, less than 1/2 inch, that I paid 150 for.:D