Skimmer Advice

[chessmanmark]

I'm open to suggestions for my 90 gallon display with 29 gallon sump SPS dominant system. I started with a Euro-Reef knock-off skimmer to a bottom of the line Euro-Reef, to a used Deltec APF600. I'm looking to buy a modern day skimmer, perhaps a cone. What are my best options?

[sirreal63]

I would stay with the Deltec, it actually is a modern day skimmer. Very little has changed since it was made. There have been bells and whistles added but nothing that has drastically improved over the design you have.

[chessmanmark]

Thanks for your reply.

I absolutely love my Deltec skimmer. It's gravity fed so it doesn't add much heat to the system and the wide neck makes it so easy to clean. Unfortunately my pump died and I haven't been able to get a replacement from D&D. I've been trying since September but there is always an excuse. First I was told they were stuck in customs at the airport. Two days ago I was told they no longer make the Aquabee pumps but a replacement pump with the retrofitted plumbing is being made, however it would be a few more weeks before they can get one for me. If I can ever get the pump I will hold onto my Deltec as a backup and sell my Euro-Reef.

In the meantime I need a decent skimmer and I just wanted to hear from the RC community on what is considered a quality skimmer for a system of 120 gallons. I have three in mind but I don't know if I've done my research well enough. I'm hoping to get feedback that either confirms my thinking or opens up more possibilities.

Any input will be appreciated.

[sirreal63]

Can you not just replace the motor block with a new Aquabee pump? You should be able to transfer your Deltec parts to the new motor block.
http://www.reefdepot.com.sg/Products.asp?Order=ProductName&CatID=29&BrandID=All

if you have a line of communication with Deltec, I would inquire about doing that. If you cannot, then I would go with an Octopus, inexpensive and would do the job very well until you got your Deltec fixed.

[wildman926]

The Deltec does not have a smooth transition from the body to the neck. As far as heat, it still has a pump to recirculate, so that is a moot point.

I use Octopus SRO 1000 & 2000 on my 110g and 150g respectively. They are real workhorses. The 3 year warranty, and customer service is excellent. The price is also great considering what you get in return. I have them both connected to Octopus waste collectors with automatic shutoff in the event of an overflow.

my 110g -
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%20110/bce8feb0.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%20110/6496d858.jpg

my 150g -
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%20150g/4ea57f8b.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%20150g/dbd1b619.jpg