ASM or RO Skimmer for 180 Gallon?

Mikelush78 · 02/04/2013, 12:42 PM

I have moved into a 180 gallon and once I sell my old 90 tank I need to upgrade from my ASM G2 skimmer. I have love my ASM G2 skimmer and immediately thought just go bigger.

Everything I read people are suggesting the ROS 3000int which is rated for 300 gallons and costs around $500

ASM G4 Plus is rated for 400 Gallons and is $404... I do carbon dose with vodka so want a bigger skimmer so to me the ASM G4 simply makes sense, its cheaper and rated for more...

Thoughts? Am I right for this understanding?

Brien H · 02/04/2013, 01:19 PM

I went through the exact same situation when I upgraded from a 90g with an ASM G2 to a 180g. In the end I went with the SRO 3000INT and am very pleased with my decision. The fit and finish on the SRO is very solid, and the HY3000 pump uses 40w (compared to 35w of the Sedra 3500 in the ASM G2, or 50w of the Sedra 5000 in the G4). Also the SRO 3000 INT comes with a gate valve out of the box and overall seems like a better construction than the ASM.

I did use my ASM G2 on the 180 when I was cycling and it seemed to work fine, but the SRO 3000 pulls out a very nice skim-mate on a heavily fed 180 system. I'm sure the G4 would do fine, but for a bit more $ I am pleased in the SRO all around. I also waited to find the SRO on sale (which comes around at several vendors over the various holidays).

Mikelush78 · 02/04/2013, 02:13 PM

I have found where I can buy the Reef Octopus 3000int for $414, just seems strange for me to spend the same ammount of monry for a skimmer that is rated for 300 gallon vs on that is rated for 400 gallon... am i missing somemthing with this here?

usmc121581 · 02/04/2013, 02:17 PM

I use the ASM G$ on my 180, I have actual thought about changing skimmers, but with carbon dosing and nitrates at 0 I dont see the point.

Mikelush78 · 02/04/2013, 02:33 PM

Cancel that back to $500 for the ROS 3000int... really dont see the point... I can take the ASM G4+ Rated for 400 Gallons, mod it witht he gate valve and put a mussel on it myself and its better then the ROS 3000int on paper from what I am seeing. I feel all I would be paying for is the name Reef Octopus... I dunno... So confused...

sirreal63 · 02/04/2013, 04:19 PM

If you are going for the ASM, do the G4 Plus, the ksp5000 is a little small for the body of a G4 but it is a near perfect pump for the G3.

spollock818 · 02/04/2013, 05:31 PM

There is a lot more to skimmers than meets the eye. Not to bash the ASm series (Ive had two), but they are just outdated. You have to look at LPH on the pump, contact (swell) time, wattage on skimmer, neck size etc... If I was you, and im sure anyone on this site that has been around a RO outbeats an ASM any time. Plus there is little to no customer service from ASM

freeswimmingfis · 02/04/2013, 05:57 PM

I have a SRO 3000int on my med stocked/med fed 156g.
It is a GREAT skimmer!

reefermad619 · 02/04/2013, 06:05 PM

If you can buy used, get the G4. If buying new, get the SRO 3000 INT. If price is a concern, get the NWB 200. The NWB 200 and SRO 3000 INT actually have the almost exact same body, if not the same body. Once the pump goes out on the NWB 200 you can then purchase the bubble blaster pump which would make it the 3000 INT.

jabbott · 02/04/2013, 08:52 PM

I have owned and used both. The SRO is just a superior skimmer from build quality to function.
If it's to expensive go with the NWB 200 like reefermad619 said. It's still a better skimmer than the asm.

Mikelush78 · 02/05/2013, 08:47 AM

Ok Convinced to go RO! My 90 looks like its going to sell this weekend so will have some extra cash from that... now my question is should I go with the ROS 3000int or should I look at a better one for a 180 gallon mixed reef?

wildman926 · 02/05/2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikelush78

Ok Convinced to go RO! My 90 looks like its going to sell this weekend so will have some extra cash from that... now my question is should I go with the ROS 3000int or should I look at a better one for a 180 gallon mixed reef?

SR0 3000 will be more than adequate

sirreal63 · 02/05/2013, 09:36 AM

Good choice, I would not buy a new ASM today, but I have zero complaints with mine, it has outperformed every other skimmer I have owned.

Mikelush78 · 02/05/2013, 09:42 AM

I also found this:
REEF OCTOPUS DIABLO DCS-200 INTERNAL PROTEIN SKIMMER RATED FOR 300
I can get this for the same price as the 3000int for $499... any thoughts here? Which would be better... I found this on RC:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20873604

Any thoughts?

trmiv · 02/05/2013, 09:52 AM

The DCS-200 has the DC pump which are the new hotness in skimmers. I really don't think you can go wrong with the 3000int or the DCS-200, so it's up to you. If I was buying I'd get the DCS-200 just because I like new cool gadgets.

Mikelush78 · 02/06/2013, 09:49 AM

Well I pulled the trigger today SRO 3000int, found a single store on the internet selling it for $414 free shipping so its on the way... Thanks for all the input guys, I am excited for the skimmer!

wildman926 · 02/06/2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikelush78

Well I pulled the trigger today SRO 3000int, found a single store on the internet selling it for $414 free shipping so its on the way... Thanks for all the input guys, I am excited for the skimmer!

Good call. I would not want to buy the lastest new gadget to be a guinea pig unless I had the cash to buy another skimmer.

trinity1012 · 02/06/2013, 11:25 PM

well...i just picked up a new 180 gallon today and was told to get the asm g3 over a RO...im glad this thread was started.i have the RO nw150 on my 150 gallon and i hate it...to me it simply sucks.and its got the mesh mod,with drilled out air intake...still sucks.
to hear that a bubble blaster on the 150 is the same as the super reef octpus 2000? im not to sure i would buy it.
maybe its just this skimmer but is honestly sucks. for example my collection cup drains into a plastic gallon milk jug...it took 10 1/2 months before i had to drian it.
my tank is stocked rather well....to me thats not right.... after reading this entire thread im confused also...im not trying to steal a thread but he got a new one already so i thought this would be ok...lol...i want to order by tomorrow...
is it the bubble blaster pump that makes it a good skimmer? the exact words from my lfs was the g3 will suck the chrome off of a tailpipe.

moondoggy4 · 02/06/2013, 11:44 PM

Get the SRO 3000int

trinity1012 · 02/07/2013, 12:04 AM

hmmm.....

trinity1012 · 02/07/2013, 12:15 AM

ok i watched a couple vids on sro 3000,they seem impressive...watchin a video can changer ur mind pretty darn quick.lol

Mikelush78 · 02/07/2013, 07:19 AM

Ya from all my research everyone says to go with the SRO 3000int over ASM.. So I trust in the people that have owend both for there input and went SRO...

wildman926 · 02/07/2013, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trinity1012

to hear that a bubble blaster on the 150 is the same as the super reef octpus 2000? im not to sure i would buy it.

is it the bubble blaster pump that makes it a good skimmer? the exact words from my lfs was the g3 will suck the chrome off of a tailpipe.

It will make it a SRO 2000. The bodies of both are virtually identical. The OTP pumps do not compare to the bubbleblaster pumps. Is your LFS trying to sell you an ASM?

Quote:

Originally Posted by trinity1012

ok i watched a couple vids on sro 3000,they seem impressive...watchin a video can changer ur mind pretty darn quick.lol

I use the SRO 2000 on my 150g. It is a workhorse, and very stable.

trinity1012 · 02/07/2013, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildman926

It will make it a SRO 2000. The bodies of both are virtually identical. The OTP pumps do not compare to the bubbleblaster pumps. Is your LFS trying to sell you an ASM?

I use the SRO 2000 on my 150g. It is a workhorse, and very stable.

my lfs dose not carry skimmers. so i would not buy it from him,he said to orderer from online through anyone who carrys them...he just recommends asm for some reason.

maybe i would feel more comfortable with a sro 3000...i would prefer a external so i can have the space clear in my sump...is there a differance in the performance of int vs ext?...
i do plan on plumbing in a 40 g frag tank down the road...so close to 240 gallons total.

trinity1012 · 02/07/2013, 08:20 PM

^^^^^^^^ anyone?

02/04/2013, 12:42 PM	#1
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	ASM or RO Skimmer for 180 Gallon? I have moved into a 180 gallon and once I sell my old 90 tank I need to upgrade from my ASM G2 skimmer. I have love my ASM G2 skimmer and immediately thought just go bigger. Everything I read people are suggesting the ROS 3000int which is rated for 300 gallons and costs around $500 ASM G4 Plus is rated for 400 Gallons and is $404... I do carbon dose with vodka so want a bigger skimmer so to me the ASM G4 simply makes sense, its cheaper and rated for more... Thoughts? Am I right for this understanding?

02/04/2013, 02:17 PM	#4
usmc121581 Where am I? Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Abingdon, maryland Posts: 1,671 Blog Entries: 1	I use the ASM G$ on my 180, I have actual thought about changing skimmers, but with carbon dosing and nitrates at 0 I dont see the point. __________________ I prefer not to think before I speak, I like to be just as surprised as everyone else by what comes out of my mouth. Current Tank Info: I have a 180 gal mostly LPS corals, it contains 1 Val. Tang, 1 yellow striped clown fish, 3 percula clownfish, a blood shrimp, cleaner shrimp and a sand shifting goby, 5 pajama cardinals, 1 green chromis. Also a 75 gal. sump/fug.

02/04/2013, 04:19 PM	#6
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	If you are going for the ASM, do the G4 Plus, the ksp5000 is a little small for the body of a G4 but it is a near perfect pump for the G3. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

02/04/2013, 05:57 PM	#8
freeswimmingfis Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Katy Tx Posts: 622	I have a SRO 3000int on my med stocked/med fed 156g. It is a GREAT skimmer! __________________ 60x24x24, 2-AI Hydra 26HD, PM R36+ sump, WB HY-5000 pump, 2 MP40 WES, BRS Duel reactor, LifeReef Skimmer, Red Sea 50 Ozone

02/04/2013, 06:05 PM	#9
reefermad619 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: The Salty D! Sandy let go of my eggo! Posts: 1,962	If you can buy used, get the G4. If buying new, get the SRO 3000 INT. If price is a concern, get the NWB 200. The NWB 200 and SRO 3000 INT actually have the almost exact same body, if not the same body. Once the pump goes out on the NWB 200 you can then purchase the bubble blaster pump which would make it the 3000 INT. __________________ Fish tanks and Chevys... And my cousin's Datsun too. Some call it paranoid. I call it prepared. You have more post than I do... You MUST be right then!

02/04/2013, 01:19 PM	#2
Brien H Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 12	I went through the exact same situation when I upgraded from a 90g with an ASM G2 to a 180g. In the end I went with the SRO 3000INT and am very pleased with my decision. The fit and finish on the SRO is very solid, and the HY3000 pump uses 40w (compared to 35w of the Sedra 3500 in the ASM G2, or 50w of the Sedra 5000 in the G4). Also the SRO 3000 INT comes with a gate valve out of the box and overall seems like a better construction than the ASM. I did use my ASM G2 on the 180 when I was cycling and it seemed to work fine, but the SRO 3000 pulls out a very nice skim-mate on a heavily fed 180 system. I'm sure the G4 would do fine, but for a bit more $ I am pleased in the SRO all around. I also waited to find the SRO on sale (which comes around at several vendors over the various holidays).

02/04/2013, 02:13 PM	#3
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	I have found where I can buy the Reef Octopus 3000int for $414, just seems strange for me to spend the same ammount of monry for a skimmer that is rated for 300 gallon vs on that is rated for 400 gallon... am i missing somemthing with this here?

02/04/2013, 02:33 PM	#5
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	Cancel that back to $500 for the ROS 3000int... really dont see the point... I can take the ASM G4+ Rated for 400 Gallons, mod it witht he gate valve and put a mussel on it myself and its better then the ROS 3000int on paper from what I am seeing. I feel all I would be paying for is the name Reef Octopus... I dunno... So confused...

02/04/2013, 05:31 PM	#7
spollock818 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SFV, CA Posts: 700	There is a lot more to skimmers than meets the eye. Not to bash the ASm series (Ive had two), but they are just outdated. You have to look at LPH on the pump, contact (swell) time, wattage on skimmer, neck size etc... If I was you, and im sure anyone on this site that has been around a RO outbeats an ASM any time. Plus there is little to no customer service from ASM

02/04/2013, 08:52 PM	#10
jabbott Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 181	I have owned and used both. The SRO is just a superior skimmer from build quality to function. If it's to expensive go with the NWB 200 like reefermad619 said. It's still a better skimmer than the asm.

02/05/2013, 08:47 AM	#11
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	Ok Convinced to go RO! My 90 looks like its going to sell this weekend so will have some extra cash from that... now my question is should I go with the ROS 3000int or should I look at a better one for a 180 gallon mixed reef?

02/05/2013, 09:36 AM	#13
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Good choice, I would not buy a new ASM today, but I have zero complaints with mine, it has outperformed every other skimmer I have owned. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

02/05/2013, 09:42 AM	#14
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	I also found this: REEF OCTOPUS DIABLO DCS-200 INTERNAL PROTEIN SKIMMER RATED FOR 300 I can get this for the same price as the 3000int for $499... any thoughts here? Which would be better... I found this on RC: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20873604 Any thoughts?

02/05/2013, 09:52 AM	#15
trmiv Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,082	The DCS-200 has the DC pump which are the new hotness in skimmers. I really don't think you can go wrong with the 3000int or the DCS-200, so it's up to you. If I was buying I'd get the DCS-200 just because I like new cool gadgets. __________________ Current tank: Red Sea Reefer 350 Deluxe, Avast Marine Pegleg 180 skimmer, Gyre 150, Eheim 1262 return

02/06/2013, 09:49 AM	#16
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	Well I pulled the trigger today SRO 3000int, found a single store on the internet selling it for $414 free shipping so its on the way... Thanks for all the input guys, I am excited for the skimmer!

02/06/2013, 11:25 PM	#18
trinity1012 sps addict Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: spokane,wa Posts: 496	well...i just picked up a new 180 gallon today and was told to get the asm g3 over a RO...im glad this thread was started.i have the RO nw150 on my 150 gallon and i hate it...to me it simply sucks.and its got the mesh mod,with drilled out air intake...still sucks. to hear that a bubble blaster on the 150 is the same as the super reef octpus 2000? im not to sure i would buy it. maybe its just this skimmer but is honestly sucks. for example my collection cup drains into a plastic gallon milk jug...it took 10 1/2 months before i had to drian it. my tank is stocked rather well....to me thats not right.... after reading this entire thread im confused also...im not trying to steal a thread but he got a new one already so i thought this would be ok...lol...i want to order by tomorrow... is it the bubble blaster pump that makes it a good skimmer? the exact words from my lfs was the g3 will suck the chrome off of a tailpipe. __________________ Inland Corals 180AGA,ati 8x80 t5,2-mp40,sro3000sss,sps dominant. Last edited by trinity1012; 02/06/2013 at 11:44 PM.

02/06/2013, 11:44 PM	#19
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Get the SRO 3000int

02/07/2013, 12:04 AM	#20
trinity1012 sps addict Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: spokane,wa Posts: 496	hmmm..... __________________ Inland Corals 180AGA,ati 8x80 t5,2-mp40,sro3000sss,sps dominant.

02/07/2013, 12:15 AM	#21
trinity1012 sps addict Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: spokane,wa Posts: 496	ok i watched a couple vids on sro 3000,they seem impressive...watchin a video can changer ur mind pretty darn quick.lol __________________ Inland Corals 180AGA,ati 8x80 t5,2-mp40,sro3000sss,sps dominant.

02/07/2013, 07:19 AM	#22
Mikelush78 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 158	Ya from all my research everyone says to go with the SRO 3000int over ASM.. So I trust in the people that have owend both for there input and went SRO...

02/07/2013, 08:20 PM	#25
trinity1012 sps addict Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: spokane,wa Posts: 496	^^^^^^^^ anyone? __________________ Inland Corals 180AGA,ati 8x80 t5,2-mp40,sro3000sss,sps dominant.