ASM Skimmer

[ashnat]

I need to get a new skimmer and would like to get an ASM G series skimmer based on threads that I have read recommending them. I only have a 55 gal tank right now but may go up to 100-150 in the future. Should a get a G1-X for my small tank so I can use it on a bigger one later. Also, how deep does my sump need to be for one of these skimmers and where does the overflow come out. I can't tell from the pictures.

Thanks

[sjm817]

At one time, ASM skimmers were the best bang for the $. People put up with the rather poor build quality (myself included) because of that. Now there are better performing, better built skimmers for similar or less $.

Assuming you want to grow into a 150G, you can look at the Reef Octopus NW200, Euro-Reef RS180. If you want to keep it to a 55G, the Octopus NW110 or 150, Euro-Reef RS80, 100, or 135. There are lots f others as well. What is your budget?

[ashnat]

Somewhere around $200. It needs to fit my sump which is only a 20gal tank.

[sjm817]

For $200, I'd get one of the Octopus NW skimmers
http://octopusskimmer.com/

[ashnat]

Does the water overflow out of the vertical pipe?

[sjm817]

Yes

[ashnat]

Thanks for the feedback. I will look into the Octopus skimmer. The price is definitely better.

[sjm817]

Price is better, construction is WAY better, performance is better. Win/win/win over the ASM.

[Conceyted]

I have a used asm g3 for sale if you are looking for one. I am running it on my 90g sps tank atm. It has the gatevalve mod as well. If you are interested give me a pm.

[ashnat]

SJM817,

I bought the Octopus NW110 skimmer and installed it 4 days ago and it hasn't produced any skimmate. The skimmer only came with a single page showing how to connect it but no operating instructions. It has a level tube that you adjust to set the level of water inside the skimmer but it doesn't say where you should set it. Any suggestions? It also came with a small black plastic piece with two air line connection coming out of one end and blocked off at the other end. The piece was not shown in the connections page and I have no idea what it was for.

[viggen]

they must not of converted their instructions from chinese to english yet ........

you should do the gate valve mod

are there any bubbles in the skimmers body?

simply raise the water level. My Euro Reef came with a nice booklet with instructions however I do not beleive water level was mentioned either. There are to many variables thus you have to mess around with it & raise/lower the water level so you will get some stuff collected.

No clue what those parts are

[110galreef]

I have an ASM G3 on my 110...but have swapped out the Sedra 5000 pump for the 9000.

If your plans are 100-150 gallon tank, get the ASM G4+. You not going to get a skimmer to work for $200 unless great used deal on that size tank.

Or from what I have seen the Octupus seems like a great alternative to the ASM, just get one comparable to a ASM G4+

If you only get a G2 or similiar it really is just OK.......over do the skimmer!

[RichConley]

Theres no instructions needed, theyre pretty simple.


Raise the black tube to raise the water level. Thats it.


Give it some time. If you just threw it in the tank, therse all the production and mold oils in your tank, and its gonna take time for it to get throught those (oils destroy skimmer production)


Run a polyfilter if you need it to start skimming quick.

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8641825#post8641825 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 110galreef
I have an ASM G3 on my 110...but have swapped out the Sedra 5000 pump for the 9000.

If your plans are 100-150 gallon tank, get the ASM G4+. You not going to get a skimmer to work for $200 unless great used deal on that size tank.

Or from what I have seen the Octupus seems like a great alternative to the ASM, just get one comparable to a ASM G4+

If you only get a G2 or similiar it really is just OK.......over do the skimmer!

The NW200 is an 8"x24" skimmer that pulls significantly more air than a G4, and runs $189. (its also much better built)...

So $200 is pretty much right on the ball. ASM raising their prices was ridiculous, and they've pretty much knocked themselves right out of the market.

[Reefmaniac1]

The pricing on the Octupus doesn't seem too bad. I've run an ASM G2 for 2 years and had no issues with it but for my new tank (the skimmer is going to the in-laws' tank), I was wanting a re-circ type. May have to try this one out.

[ashnat]

Thanks for all the feedback. I have spent the money so plan to stick with what I have for now. I do have bubbles in the skimmer body. Also, I know that raising and lowering the tube will raise and low the level, but what I wanted to know is if there was a recommended level to set it at since you have about 8 inches of level to work with.

Is it normal for a new skimmer to take awhile to start skimming even if the old skimmer I removed was skimming?

Thanks again

[110galreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8642142#post8642142 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
The NW200 is an 8"x24" skimmer that pulls significantly more air than a G4, and runs $189. (its also much better built)...

So $200 is pretty much right on the ball. ASM raising their prices was ridiculous, and they've pretty much knocked themselves right out of the market.

Wow didn't realize they were that cheap.:) And yes they definitly seem better built than ASM

[mg426]

Where did you find a RO NW200 for $189:00 ??

[ridetheducati]

How much air does the Octo pull?

[viggen]

there isn't a recomended level because all tanks are different

different temp, salinity etc all greatly affect the buble output of the pump. Thus just trial & error :)

My ER RC500 took a day or so to start developing stuff & after probably 2-3 days it was coming out black & stinky :)

[110galreef]

Ideally your collection cup should fill every few days!

Or if really wet every day! Mine fills aboout every three days...thats how I like to skim in general.

So keep agjusting your slowly till filling every few days!

[ashnat]

I'm not getting anything. My old skimmer would generate a column of foam in the tube leading into the cup and then would leave a greenish liquid in the cup. The bubbles are just popping on the surface and nothing is building up the column.

[cgarsmokr]

Guys, I'm kinda high on sleepingpills right now but need to know if octos are junk or not.

[110galreef]

Everything I have seen is that they are Good skimmers. Better than ASM's.

Better built as well and now cheaper!