Future skimmer

saltyfishy123 · 04/17/2007, 08:20 PM

Hey,
In the next year I will purchase a skimmer, but this one has to be perfect because I want to buy the best one that I can buy with my money, as you might know, im only 14, so it's hard to keep up with this hobby. I will be willing to spend $1200 on a skimmer. So I want it to be perfect.
I was definitely thinking of either a Deltec or Euro-Reef.
This two skimmers that I am really looking into is the Deltec AP 851 and the Euro-Reef RC250. Please post and comments. I need to get this right.

The AP851
http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/ap851.php

And the RC250
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=EURO

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT:
I'm kind of being stupid, $1200 is way to much, I could afford it but I would rather buy more equiptment then just one really good one, but I still want something good, around $500 or $600, so a ATI bubble master or a euro reef. What you guys think

J8851 · 04/17/2007, 09:45 PM

Euro

saltyfishy123 · 04/17/2007, 10:33 PM

Any specific model you would recommend? for about a 270 gallon system.

BFisher244 · 04/18/2007, 12:29 AM

How about a Bubble Master 250?

Rated for 500 gallon at about $750

bpd964 · 04/18/2007, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFisher244
How about a Bubble Master 250?

Rated for 500 gallon at about $750

What he ^ said..

MADtanks · 04/18/2007, 05:40 AM

fosho

or H&S

deltec quality at a cheaper price

theroon · 04/18/2007, 05:42 AM

I own a Deltec 851 and I am very pleased with the unit. Since this is my first skimmer I am not able to give you a comparative review. My initial observation is that this is a VERY low maintenance skimmer compared to others I read about. Also, it is very unusual to read about an unhappy Deltec customer. Before I set up my tank I have read many threads that Reefers wished that they purchased good quality skimmer the first time. They ended up replacing the original skimmer where they ended up spending more money in the long run. This is why I ended up purchasing the Deltec. I wanted to set up the tank the correct way the first time and not waste money replacing equipment. Unfortunately, I spent way too much time trying to pick out the best skimmer for my tank and read endless number of threads. It is the most confusing process to decideÂ¡Kwhat is the best?

Some areas of concern with my Deltec which are VERY small issues: 1) If you go through the Deltec thread, some users will encounter a gurgling noise in the exit/return pipe. I had this problem as well. I have the return going into my Refugium (one less pump) where the flow is limited. I had to change my return length to minimize the gurgling. In the future, if I have the return go into the sump (typical installation) which is below the tank, I wouldnÂ¡Â¦t have this problem. Simply, you canÂ¡Â¦t restrict the flow of the return. 2) One day I noticed that the skimmer wasnÂ¡Â¦t skimming. My initial thought was something was wrong mechanically. I cleaned the pump with water/toothbrush and it worked like brand new. So, this will be a typical maintence for you every 4 to 6 months. The pump inside appeared to be very clean. But the difference in skimming was significant. 3) You will get a small amount of salt build up in the Air Inlet. All you do is take it off and blow air into it and it dislodges the salt. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.

Also, you should consider the electrical costs. The Deltec uses an efficient pump that will be in operation 24/7. You may get a payback in the future (ROI) compared to other skimmers. Someone on this forum did a justification and mentioned that the payback is three years (I think). Also, our electrical costs have gone up 50%, so this must be a consideration. I hate to waste $$ on electricity these days and it make me feel good that I know that the Deltec is efficient. Keeping a small amount of change in my pocket rather than UI!

Personally, if I was going to start over and set up a bigger tank, I would definitely purchase a Deltec. I have great experience with it and once you tune it, you can walk away from it knowing that it is operating the way a skimmer should. We are always tweaking with items in the sump and my skimmer is one of the items I can ignore.

One other skimmer which is very expensive but compelling is the Bubble King. The reviews are outstanding. I think the Bubble King should be considered for very large tanks (over 180g). I think they have a more efficient pump called the Dragon?

FYI. The last picture; I have the RO/DI waste plumbed into the skimmer cup. The waste from the cup is plumbed into the house drain. That is why the Skimmer cup is very clean

Flavorflave · 04/18/2007, 09:03 AM

Theroon, did you plumb the waist from the RO/DI into the collection cup as a type of "wet neck" modification?
How is it working for you?

saltyfishy123 · 04/18/2007, 09:10 AM

Theroon- Tanks for the review, now I have a hard desission between bubble king, deltec and euro-reef.
FlavorFlave- I belive that the cap for the collection cup has holes in it because euro-reefs also, so the drain pipe for the RO/DI goes in the hole.

Once again thanks

Flavorflave · 04/18/2007, 09:26 AM

Yes, but why drain your RO into the collection cup unless it is doing something worth while? I.e. clean the cup.
Or did Theroon do it that way simply because he had the cup already draining into his house drain and its killing two birds with one stone so to speak.

Lam Ly · 04/18/2007, 03:45 PM

Have you ever looking into the Bubble King skimmer?

I am in the market for one also either the BK 300Ext. or a Deltec AP1003 with the self cleaning head.

just a thought

lam

theroon · 04/18/2007, 04:39 PM

Hi all,

I have the RO/DI waste line go directly into the collection cup simply to keep it clean. I have the collection cup plumbed to my house drain. As the waste water goes into my collection cup, it drains into the house drain.

Ever so often I will remove the RO/DI waste line and let it drain into the house drain. So, I can see how much sludge I am collecting.

The top of the Deltec skimmer their are two holes and the RO/DI tube fits perfectly into...

Rene

theroon · 04/18/2007, 04:42 PM

I just re-read the post. Yes, my collection cup is plumbed and drained to the house drain. RO DI keeps it clean.

BFisher244 · 04/18/2007, 05:00 PM

Just want to point out that Bubble King and Bubble Master are two completely different skimmers.

I've seen a BM250 in action and it is fantastic. The microbubbles that it produced were the smallest I have ever seen. I've also seen a Bubble King in action. It is the rolls royce of skimmers, but it's very expensive and requires a power invertor. Expect to spend $2k+ for a bubble king.

Thunderstruck · 04/18/2007, 05:28 PM

I have an external Bubbleking 250 skimmer. I am still in the process of hooking it up, but hopefully will have some in action pics of it soon.

Lam Ly · 04/18/2007, 05:32 PM

Hey BFisher244,

Where did you see the Bubble King in action?
I am in a progress of getting it. It is expensive because of the red dragon pump and is made in Germany. Also the Deltec.
I used to make my own skimmer but I moved and do not have access to my equipment like I used to anymore But I might make a copy of the Deltec skimmer.

Lam

Lam Ly · 04/18/2007, 05:36 PM

Hey,Thunderstruck

Where did you get yours?
I think the price just went up about $200 more than the old price

Thanks for any info.

Lam

Thunderstruck · 04/18/2007, 05:48 PM

I got mine through captive oceans. I delt with scott and gary. I purchased mine in november. I had a lot of toys on my new tank, and had some parts of the bubbleking customized to fit under the stand (which is why it took so long to hook up). I could not be happier with the customer service I have recieved. Gary actually went over to germany to talk to klaus about the bk skimmers and brought me back a custom collection cup on the plane.

BFisher244 · 04/18/2007, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lam Ly
Hey BFisher244,

Where did you see the Bubble King in action?
I am in a progress of getting it. It is expensive because of the red dragon pump and is made in Germany. Also the Deltec.
I used to make my own skimmer but I moved and do not have access to my equipment like I used to anymore But I might make a copy of the Deltec skimmer.

Lam

buddy of mine had one until he downgraded

it was one purdy skimmer

Lam Ly · 04/18/2007, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the info,
You were saying Scott is Scott Groseslose at aqauriumspecialty.com?

Thanks

PS: waht is special collection cup look like?
any pics?

Thunderstruck · 04/18/2007, 06:04 PM

No scott at captive oceans. I can't think of his last name right now. Will have to look it up. Gary is the one who got me the collection cup. Sweet as hell. I think I might have a pic in my gallery of the skimmer, but not with the cup, will have to upload one...

Lam Ly · 04/18/2007, 06:16 PM

Cool I like to see it.
Good info,
I am going to CT this weekend and build my sump

Thanks

Lam

BFisher244 · 04/18/2007, 10:56 PM

great thread comparing many of the skimmers you'll want to decide between. hope this helps.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/...er-thread.html

sledger · 04/19/2007, 01:44 AM

I have the BM250 in-sump for my total 300g system. Out of the box it was skimming after 6 hours. It skims wet or dry. My water has never looked better and my nitrates are down. Talk to greg at ReefGeek.

NoSchwag · 04/19/2007, 05:16 AM

Have you considered a high pressure skimmer? I'm partial to beckets, and its obvious by my tank and po4 levels.

04/17/2007, 08:20 PM	#1
saltyfishy123 WYSIWYG Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,395	Future skimmer Hey, In the next year I will purchase a skimmer, but this one has to be perfect because I want to buy the best one that I can buy with my money, as you might know, im only 14, so it's hard to keep up with this hobby. I will be willing to spend $1200 on a skimmer. So I want it to be perfect. I was definitely thinking of either a Deltec or Euro-Reef. This two skimmers that I am really looking into is the Deltec AP 851 and the Euro-Reef RC250. Please post and comments. I need to get this right. The AP851 http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/ap851.php And the RC250 http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=EURO ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDIT: I'm kind of being stupid, $1200 is way to much, I could afford it but I would rather buy more equiptment then just one really good one, but I still want something good, around $500 or $600, so a ATI bubble master or a euro reef. What you guys think __________________ 135 Custom Aquarium -2x 250 watt hamilton bulbs 14k -Sunlight supply Dual 250 ballast -Euro-Reef RS-135 -Red Sea 100 Ozonizer -2x Tunze 6060's Current Tank Info: 135 Custom Softie/LPS reef Last edited by saltyfishy123; 04/17/2007 at 09:06 PM.

04/17/2007, 10:33 PM	#3
saltyfishy123 WYSIWYG Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,395	Any specific model you would recommend? for about a 270 gallon system. __________________ 135 Custom Aquarium -2x 250 watt hamilton bulbs 14k -Sunlight supply Dual 250 ballast -Euro-Reef RS-135 -Red Sea 100 Ozonizer -2x Tunze 6060's Current Tank Info: 135 Custom Softie/LPS reef

04/18/2007, 09:03 AM	#8
Flavorflave Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ridgefield, CT Posts: 271	Theroon, did you plumb the waist from the RO/DI into the collection cup as a type of "wet neck" modification? How is it working for you? __________________ John Current Tank Info: 210g, 65 gal. sump loaded w/ LR, 4300 gph Barracuda Return Pump, MR2 w/ 18" extension fed by Iwaki 55 Pump, 25 watt Aqua UV Sterilizer

04/18/2007, 09:10 AM	#9
saltyfishy123 WYSIWYG Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,395	Theroon- Tanks for the review, now I have a hard desission between bubble king, deltec and euro-reef. FlavorFlave- I belive that the cap for the collection cup has holes in it because euro-reefs also, so the drain pipe for the RO/DI goes in the hole. Once again thanks __________________ 135 Custom Aquarium -2x 250 watt hamilton bulbs 14k -Sunlight supply Dual 250 ballast -Euro-Reef RS-135 -Red Sea 100 Ozonizer -2x Tunze 6060's Current Tank Info: 135 Custom Softie/LPS reef

04/18/2007, 09:26 AM	#10
Flavorflave Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ridgefield, CT Posts: 271	Yes, but why drain your RO into the collection cup unless it is doing something worth while? I.e. clean the cup. Or did Theroon do it that way simply because he had the cup already draining into his house drain and its killing two birds with one stone so to speak. __________________ John Current Tank Info: 210g, 65 gal. sump loaded w/ LR, 4300 gph Barracuda Return Pump, MR2 w/ 18" extension fed by Iwaki 55 Pump, 25 watt Aqua UV Sterilizer

04/17/2007, 09:45 PM	#2
J8851 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,308	Euro

04/18/2007, 12:29 AM	#4
BFisher244 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Norwalk, CT Posts: 254	How about a Bubble Master 250? Rated for 500 gallon at about $750

04/18/2007, 05:40 AM	#6
MADtanks Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: CT Posts: 4,719	fosho or H&S deltec quality at a cheaper price

04/18/2007, 05:42 AM	#7
theroon Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: CT (New Haven area) Posts: 169	I own a Deltec 851 and I am very pleased with the unit. Since this is my first skimmer I am not able to give you a comparative review. My initial observation is that this is a VERY low maintenance skimmer compared to others I read about. Also, it is very unusual to read about an unhappy Deltec customer. Before I set up my tank I have read many threads that Reefers wished that they purchased good quality skimmer the first time. They ended up replacing the original skimmer where they ended up spending more money in the long run. This is why I ended up purchasing the Deltec. I wanted to set up the tank the correct way the first time and not waste money replacing equipment. Unfortunately, I spent way too much time trying to pick out the best skimmer for my tank and read endless number of threads. It is the most confusing process to decideÂ¡Kwhat is the best? Some areas of concern with my Deltec which are VERY small issues: 1) If you go through the Deltec thread, some users will encounter a gurgling noise in the exit/return pipe. I had this problem as well. I have the return going into my Refugium (one less pump) where the flow is limited. I had to change my return length to minimize the gurgling. In the future, if I have the return go into the sump (typical installation) which is below the tank, I wouldnÂ¡Â¦t have this problem. Simply, you canÂ¡Â¦t restrict the flow of the return. 2) One day I noticed that the skimmer wasnÂ¡Â¦t skimming. My initial thought was something was wrong mechanically. I cleaned the pump with water/toothbrush and it worked like brand new. So, this will be a typical maintence for you every 4 to 6 months. The pump inside appeared to be very clean. But the difference in skimming was significant. 3) You will get a small amount of salt build up in the Air Inlet. All you do is take it off and blow air into it and it dislodges the salt. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of. Also, you should consider the electrical costs. The Deltec uses an efficient pump that will be in operation 24/7. You may get a payback in the future (ROI) compared to other skimmers. Someone on this forum did a justification and mentioned that the payback is three years (I think). Also, our electrical costs have gone up 50%, so this must be a consideration. I hate to waste $$ on electricity these days and it make me feel good that I know that the Deltec is efficient. Keeping a small amount of change in my pocket rather than UI! Personally, if I was going to start over and set up a bigger tank, I would definitely purchase a Deltec. I have great experience with it and once you tune it, you can walk away from it knowing that it is operating the way a skimmer should. We are always tweaking with items in the sump and my skimmer is one of the items I can ignore. One other skimmer which is very expensive but compelling is the Bubble King. The reviews are outstanding. I think the Bubble King should be considered for very large tanks (over 180g). I think they have a more efficient pump called the Dragon? FYI. The last picture; I have the RO/DI waste plumbed into the skimmer cup. The waste from the cup is plumbed into the house drain. That is why the Skimmer cup is very clean

04/18/2007, 03:45 PM	#11
Lam Ly Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 596	skimmer Have you ever looking into the Bubble King skimmer? I am in the market for one also either the BK 300Ext. or a Deltec AP1003 with the self cleaning head. just a thought lam

04/18/2007, 04:39 PM	#12
theroon Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: CT (New Haven area) Posts: 169	Hi all, I have the RO/DI waste line go directly into the collection cup simply to keep it clean. I have the collection cup plumbed to my house drain. As the waste water goes into my collection cup, it drains into the house drain. Ever so often I will remove the RO/DI waste line and let it drain into the house drain. So, I can see how much sludge I am collecting. The top of the Deltec skimmer their are two holes and the RO/DI tube fits perfectly into... Rene

04/18/2007, 04:42 PM	#13
theroon Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: CT (New Haven area) Posts: 169	I just re-read the post. Yes, my collection cup is plumbed and drained to the house drain. RO DI keeps it clean.

04/18/2007, 05:00 PM	#14
BFisher244 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Norwalk, CT Posts: 254	Just want to point out that Bubble King and Bubble Master are two completely different skimmers. I've seen a BM250 in action and it is fantastic. The microbubbles that it produced were the smallest I have ever seen. I've also seen a Bubble King in action. It is the rolls royce of skimmers, but it's very expensive and requires a power invertor. Expect to spend $2k+ for a bubble king.

04/18/2007, 05:28 PM	#15
Thunderstruck Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 383	I have an external Bubbleking 250 skimmer. I am still in the process of hooking it up, but hopefully will have some in action pics of it soon.

04/18/2007, 05:32 PM	#16
Lam Ly Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 596	skimmer Hey BFisher244, Where did you see the Bubble King in action? I am in a progress of getting it. It is expensive because of the red dragon pump and is made in Germany. Also the Deltec. I used to make my own skimmer but I moved and do not have access to my equipment like I used to anymore But I might make a copy of the Deltec skimmer. Lam

04/18/2007, 05:36 PM	#17
Lam Ly Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 596	BK Hey,Thunderstruck Where did you get yours? I think the price just went up about $200 more than the old price Thanks for any info. Lam

04/18/2007, 05:48 PM	#18
Thunderstruck Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 383	I got mine through captive oceans. I delt with scott and gary. I purchased mine in november. I had a lot of toys on my new tank, and had some parts of the bubbleking customized to fit under the stand (which is why it took so long to hook up). I could not be happier with the customer service I have recieved. Gary actually went over to germany to talk to klaus about the bk skimmers and brought me back a custom collection cup on the plane.

04/18/2007, 05:56 PM	#20
Lam Ly Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 596	BK Thanks for the info, You were saying Scott is Scott Groseslose at aqauriumspecialty.com? Thanks PS: waht is special collection cup look like? any pics?

04/18/2007, 06:04 PM	#21
Thunderstruck Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 383	No scott at captive oceans. I can't think of his last name right now. Will have to look it up. Gary is the one who got me the collection cup. Sweet as hell. I think I might have a pic in my gallery of the skimmer, but not with the cup, will have to upload one...

04/18/2007, 06:16 PM	#22
Lam Ly Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Piscataway NJ Posts: 596	BK Cool I like to see it. Good info, I am going to CT this weekend and build my sump Thanks Lam

04/18/2007, 10:56 PM	#23
BFisher244 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Norwalk, CT Posts: 254	great thread comparing many of the skimmers you'll want to decide between. hope this helps. http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/...er-thread.html

04/19/2007, 01:44 AM	#24
sledger Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 75	I have the BM250 in-sump for my total 300g system. Out of the box it was skimming after 6 hours. It skims wet or dry. My water has never looked better and my nitrates are down. Talk to greg at ReefGeek.

04/19/2007, 05:16 AM	#25
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,541	Have you considered a high pressure skimmer? I'm partial to beckets, and its obvious by my tank and po4 levels. __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank. Last edited by NoSchwag; 04/19/2007 at 05:21 AM.