best skimmer for up to $500

pt96 · 01/16/2007, 01:16 PM

Hello,.
Im building my 150 gallon reef (60 x 24 x 24). It will be a mixed reef with lps, sps and soft corals, as well as a decent amount of fish. I will have a sump, twin overflows, and possilbe refugium. My question is, please help me pick an in-sump skimmer. My budget is up to $500 or so. I was looking at the ASM G2, Euro reef 180 , and possibly the new BM200. What do you think? I prefer something that has the easiest maintenance as I travel occasionaly.

Second question-Im planning 3 250W MH as my lighting. What electronic ballast is best? ARO or Icecap??
thanks
PT

ReefWreak · 01/16/2007, 01:31 PM

I'm gonna tag along because I'm running a 120g reef and I'm looking for a $500ish skimmer and have been wondering the same stuff.

for your lighting, you can never go wrong with IC if you can afford it.

BTW where do you buy a BM from?

skimmy · 01/16/2007, 01:33 PM

we use the ATI bm skimmers on our display tank at work and they kick some serious butt, bang for your buck i'd say do the bm200.
the skimmate it produces makes me gag, totally nasty...

rockindacheeks · 01/16/2007, 01:35 PM

who sells the Ati skimmers?

ReefWreak · 01/16/2007, 01:36 PM

Oh, and the ASM G2 would be SEVERELY underpowered for a 150g w/ sump and any population of fish or corals. I would almost even consider saying that the G3 isn't powerful enough, unless you did some serious modding to it.

ridetheducati · 01/16/2007, 01:42 PM

The BM200 will eat G2 for lunch and G3 for dinner.

Get the BM200.

ReefWreak · 01/16/2007, 01:45 PM

Where do you buy one?

rockindacheeks · 01/16/2007, 02:27 PM

Reef Geek sells them. but i think you have to call to order one. they dont have it on their site.

UCanDoIt · 01/16/2007, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by UCanDoIt
Slingshot - Check your PM inbox on how to calculate the right size skimmer to buy as well as who you can buy from. If you need any specs, just search through the threads or PM me back. Good luck!

The exclusive importer for the ATi Bubblemaster skimmer is ReefGeek.com and this is their sponsor forum. I know my local dealer carries them
http://home.wwdb.org/kmaintl

and below is the post of other dealers that carries inventory on the Bubblemaster skimmers...

Originally posted by ReefGeek-Greg
We have many authorized dealers, but at this time only 3 have placed stocking orders for the new Bubble Master Skimmers. They should have skimmers in stock next week.

Barrier Reef Aquariums - 425-277-7670
Renton, WA
http://www.barrierreefaquariums.com/

Blue Ribbon Koi Products, Inc - 703-753-7566
Catharpin, VA
http://www.blueribbonkoi.com/

The Aquarium Gallery - 603-579-AQUA (2782)
Hudson, NH
http://www.theaquariumgallery.com/

Greg

UCanDoIt · 01/16/2007, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pt96
Hello,.
Im building my 150 gallon reef (60 x 24 x 24). It will be a mixed reef with lps, sps and soft corals, as well as a decent amount of fish. I will have a sump, twin overflows, and possilbe refugium. My question is, please help me pick an in-sump skimmer. My budget is up to $500 or so. I was looking at the ASM G2, Euro reef 180 , and possibly the new BM200. What do you think? I prefer something that has the easiest maintenance as I travel occasionaly.

Second question-Im planning 3 250W MH as my lighting. What electronic ballast is best? ARO or Icecap??
thanks
PT

to Reef Central

joshuasamuels · 01/17/2007, 12:27 PM

So no one likes the EuroReef 180?

kevinandnadine · 01/17/2007, 06:28 PM

As far as ballasts

I had a aro burn out after about 9 months.
I bought it new on ebay and could not contact the seller for warrenty
so I contacted hello lights who apears to be at least the importer if not the manufacture and they would not service me directly they told me to go through the seller even after I explaned the situation. now im stuck with a paper weight ballast

I purchesed an icecap to replace it and have had it running for over a year now no problems
It even seems to run cooler

ReefWreak · 01/17/2007, 07:30 PM

After toying with the idea of dumping $600ish into a skimmer that was still appropriatly/under sized for my tank, I just went with a ER CS8-2 that was on the used equpitment forums for easily less than half the price of 90% of the skimmers suggested in this thread.

I'm sure I'll never get the experience of a BM, BK, Deltec, H&S, or any of those top-shelf brands, but I'm very likely to get my money's worth.

Thanks again for the info on this thread though! It was helpful when I thought I had that much money to spend

McCrary · 01/17/2007, 07:48 PM

ER makes a great skimmer, but of the ones mentioned above the BM200 would probably be the way to go.

beez · 01/17/2007, 08:01 PM

BM200 would be good...I would seriously consider the Tunze 9015 also. About $425, just plug & play....

weaver5 · 01/17/2007, 08:04 PM

I am running a skimmer fro myreefcreation.com I am running the MR-1 on my 90 and it is awesome.Only problem is cleaning is kind of a pain but love the skimmer check em out

BryanJ · 01/17/2007, 09:52 PM

ER's all need mods. I know if I am spending 500.00 I better not have to modify the skimmer the first day. I bought mine used so having to modify it will only bring me to around half of what a new one costs.

I also would reccomend the bubble master.

sjm817 · 01/17/2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BryanJ
ER's all need mods.

I would disagree with that.

skimmy · 01/18/2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rockindacheeks
who sells the Ati skimmers?

i work at barrier reef (listed in the reef geek dealers) and we have all models in stock right now

skimmy · 01/18/2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beez
BM200 would be good...I would seriously consider the Tunze 9015 also. About $425, just plug & play....

if your thinking about the tunze 9015, mabye just get the 9010, it's exactly the same except they don t charge you $150 for a bigger collection cup, the only difference between the 2 models.

pt96 · 01/18/2007, 01:13 PM

thanks for the help everyone.

I am probably going to order the BM 200 today! I will let you know how it works. Now I just have to decide which MH bulbs to go with...

UCanDoIt · 01/18/2007, 01:31 PM

If using DE HQI, I like the Phoenix 14,000K bulbs. Check your PM, I left you a message.

RobNJ · 01/18/2007, 01:45 PM

ASM G4+

joshuasamuels · 01/18/2007, 01:56 PM

If you are using a Mogul Base, I like the Hamilton 14ks. (they make them in DE as well)

kodyboy · 01/18/2007, 02:03 PM

An interesting (although not a $500 skimmer) is the D&D marine terminator 2 $150. It works well, and is built like a truck. I also have the typhoon hang on unit and it works well too, and is built well. A different kind of unit. I have read some posts where people have added a needlewheel to the skimmer and it performed really well.

http://www.danddmarine.com/Skimmerspage.html

01/16/2007, 01:16 PM	#1
pt96 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Huntley, il Posts: 21	best skimmer for up to $500 Hello,. Im building my 150 gallon reef (60 x 24 x 24). It will be a mixed reef with lps, sps and soft corals, as well as a decent amount of fish. I will have a sump, twin overflows, and possilbe refugium. My question is, please help me pick an in-sump skimmer. My budget is up to $500 or so. I was looking at the ASM G2, Euro reef 180 , and possibly the new BM200. What do you think? I prefer something that has the easiest maintenance as I travel occasionaly. Second question-Im planning 3 250W MH as my lighting. What electronic ballast is best? ARO or Icecap?? thanks PT

01/16/2007, 01:35 PM	#4
rockindacheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Corona, California Posts: 2,072	who sells the Ati skimmers? __________________ My name is Dan, and I'm a closet reefer... Current Tank Info: 28g nanocube

01/16/2007, 01:42 PM	#6
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	The BM200 will eat G2 for lunch and G3 for dinner. Get the BM200. __________________ "Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor

01/16/2007, 02:27 PM	#8
rockindacheeks Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Corona, California Posts: 2,072	Reef Geek sells them. but i think you have to call to order one. they dont have it on their site. __________________ My name is Dan, and I'm a closet reefer... Current Tank Info: 28g nanocube

01/17/2007, 12:27 PM	#11
joshuasamuels Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston Posts: 62	So no one likes the EuroReef 180? __________________ Joshua Click on the red house for my tank thread _________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gal FOWLR; 90 gal reef

01/16/2007, 01:31 PM	#2
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	I'm gonna tag along because I'm running a 120g reef and I'm looking for a $500ish skimmer and have been wondering the same stuff. for your lighting, you can never go wrong with IC if you can afford it. BTW where do you buy a BM from?

01/16/2007, 01:33 PM	#3
skimmy T3am Zissou Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galactic Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha Posts: 1,123	we use the ATI bm skimmers on our display tank at work and they kick some serious butt, bang for your buck i'd say do the bm200. the skimmate it produces makes me gag, totally nasty...

01/16/2007, 01:36 PM	#5
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	Oh, and the ASM G2 would be SEVERELY underpowered for a 150g w/ sump and any population of fish or corals. I would almost even consider saying that the G3 isn't powerful enough, unless you did some serious modding to it.

01/16/2007, 01:45 PM	#7
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	Where do you buy one?

01/16/2007, 03:21 PM	#9
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	Originally posted by UCanDoIt Slingshot - Check your PM inbox on how to calculate the right size skimmer to buy as well as who you can buy from. If you need any specs, just search through the threads or PM me back. Good luck! The exclusive importer for the ATi Bubblemaster skimmer is ReefGeek.com and this is their sponsor forum. I know my local dealer carries them *http://home.wwdb.org/kmaintl* and below is the post of other dealers that carries inventory on the Bubblemaster skimmers... Originally posted by ReefGeek-Greg We have many authorized dealers, but at this time only 3 have placed stocking orders for the new Bubble Master Skimmers. They should have skimmers in stock next week. Barrier Reef Aquariums - 425-277-7670 Renton, WA http://www.barrierreefaquariums.com/ Blue Ribbon Koi Products, Inc - 703-753-7566 Catharpin, VA http://www.blueribbonkoi.com/ The Aquarium Gallery - 603-579-AQUA (2782) Hudson, NH http://www.theaquariumgallery.com/ Greg

01/17/2007, 06:28 PM	#12
kevinandnadine Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: College Station tx Posts: 74	As far as ballasts I had a aro burn out after about 9 months. I bought it new on ebay and could not contact the seller for warrenty so I contacted hello lights who apears to be at least the importer if not the manufacture and they would not service me directly they told me to go through the seller even after I explaned the situation. now im stuck with a paper weight ballast I purchesed an icecap to replace it and have had it running for over a year now no problems It even seems to run cooler __________________ 240 gallon inwall mixed reef

01/17/2007, 07:30 PM	#13
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	After toying with the idea of dumping $600ish into a skimmer that was still appropriatly/under sized for my tank, I just went with a ER CS8-2 that was on the used equpitment forums for easily less than half the price of 90% of the skimmers suggested in this thread. I'm sure I'll never get the experience of a BM, BK, Deltec, H&S, or any of those top-shelf brands, but I'm very likely to get my money's worth. Thanks again for the info on this thread though! It was helpful when I thought I had that much money to spend

01/17/2007, 07:48 PM	#14
McCrary Can't Stop Time Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,079	ER makes a great skimmer, but of the ones mentioned above the BM200 would probably be the way to go. __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens

01/17/2007, 08:01 PM	#15
beez Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 254	BM200 would be good...I would seriously consider the Tunze 9015 also. About $425, just plug & play.... __________________ After years of frustration with get-rich-quick schemes, I know I'm going to get rich with THIS scheme. And quick.

01/17/2007, 08:04 PM	#16
weaver5 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Batavia Posts: 1,249	I am running a skimmer fro myreefcreation.com I am running the MR-1 on my 90 and it is awesome.Only problem is cleaning is kind of a pain but love the skimmer check em out

01/17/2007, 09:52 PM	#17
BryanJ Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Green Bay, WI. Posts: 2,938	ER's all need mods. I know if I am spending 500.00 I better not have to modify the skimmer the first day. I bought mine used so having to modify it will only bring me to around half of what a new one costs. I also would reccomend the bubble master. __________________ Experience is the best source of information! Current Tank Info: 120 gallon mixed reef, 75 gallon sump, Sequence Wahoo, Tunze stream, Euroreef CS 8-1 and 2x250 MH

01/18/2007, 01:13 PM	#21
pt96 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Huntley, il Posts: 21	thanks for the help everyone. I am probably going to order the BM 200 today! I will let you know how it works. Now I just have to decide which MH bulbs to go with...

01/18/2007, 01:31 PM	#22
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	If using DE HQI, I like the Phoenix 14,000K bulbs. Check your PM, I left you a message.

01/18/2007, 01:45 PM	#23
RobNJ Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Posts: 945	ASM G4+

01/18/2007, 01:56 PM	#24
joshuasamuels Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston Posts: 62	If you are using a Mogul Base, I like the Hamilton 14ks. (they make them in DE as well) __________________ Joshua Click on the red house for my tank thread _________________________________ Current Tank Info: 55 gal FOWLR; 90 gal reef

01/18/2007, 02:03 PM	#25
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	An interesting (although not a $500 skimmer) is the D&D marine terminator 2 $150. It works well, and is built like a truck. I also have the typhoon hang on unit and it works well too, and is built well. A different kind of unit. I have read some posts where people have added a needlewheel to the skimmer and it performed really well. http://www.danddmarine.com/Skimmerspage.html