Why should I/should I not go with a skimmer with a DC pump

MJT82 · 11/13/2015, 09:56 AM

I'm looking going with a Reef Octopus 8" Regal 200INT on my next build... I've never owned a skimmer with a DC pump, however, and I'm curious as to what the pros/cons are. Anyone have any input? Thanks in advance.

laga77 · 11/13/2015, 11:11 AM

I just ordered a RO Regal 170INT for my new 120G build. It will be a FOWLR. I already have a Regal 200INT on my 120G reef. The DC pumps with the 5 stages of power allows me to tune in the skimmer better starting with a small load in the beginning and building up to a full load in the future. Another plus is less of a risk of electrocution with the DC power.

Shaummy · 11/13/2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laga77

I just ordered a RO Regal 170INT for my new 120G build. It will be a FOWLR. I already have a Regal 200INT on my 120G reef. The DC pumps with the 5 stages of power allows me to tune in the skimmer better starting with a small load in the beginning and building up to a full load in the future. Another plus is less of a risk of electrocution with the DC power.

I agree and would add that I like the slow start feature of the DC pump so if your sump level is high due to the power outage or something it won't start overflowing..the return pump has a small period of time to drop the level before the skimmer pump is at full song.

I have the DCS 150 that I used the output gate valve and the pump speed to dial in exactly the skim I wanted for the water height I have.

You do have to keep the pump clean though, I have had them gradually slow down due to calcium buildup in the bushing that the impeller sits in and even had one not start after turning it off. Run every couple months in vinegar cleans right up.

BlackTip · 11/13/2015, 02:30 PM

My biggest reservation about the RO Regal is that the controller is not water proof and can't be kept in high humidity area like in the cabinet. All of my equipment and sump are in the cabinet, so it doesn't work for my setup. The other factor is multiple points of failure, but high quality equipment could mitigate this.

laga77 · 11/13/2015, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BalckTip

My biggest reservation about the RO Regal is that the controller is not water proof and can't be kept in high humidity area like in the cabinet. All of my equipment and sump are in the cabinet, so it doesn't work for my setup. The other factor is multiple points of failure, but high quality equipment could mitigate this.

Where does it say that? I would not submerge the controller, but it is fine to put it in the cabinet. Mine has been there over a year.

BlackTip · 11/13/2015, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laga77

Where does it say that? I would not submerge the controller, but it is fine to put it in the cabinet. Mine has been there over a year.

I can't remember where this piece of info was posted. You can ask Jeremy in RO forum. He can confirm or refute.

Bigcefa · 11/13/2015, 09:20 PM

I've had my regal controller in my stand since I got it no issues. Dc pump skimmers are pretty awesome

ser_renely · 11/18/2015, 02:16 PM

Not to hijack, but what advantages are there?

Does it just give the user more options in dialing in the skimmer?

rburns24 · 11/18/2015, 07:23 PM

-
IMHO, the biggest advantage, by far, is that you can tune the skimmer to the tank and the
bio load you have. If you buy a standard skimmer, you are in wysiwyg postiton, with no
option for change.
-

firemountain · 11/19/2015, 01:42 AM

I have the RO Regal DC 170SSS. Some of the pros are that it gives you the controllability over the level of skimming. Plus....I like the fish feed button on mine.

Another big plus is that when i do a water change, I just turn down the level of skimming one notch as to not overflow my skimmer right away. After a few hours...I just hit the UP button and resume my original settings. I can do that all from the external interface with the click of a button, as opposed to opening up my cabinet and manually adjust the gate valve.

Another plus....I run oversized my skimmer, so that way when I upgrade to a larger tank, I don't have to buy another skimmer. The controllability gives me the freedom to do this.

Cons.....none as of yet. I love my Skimmer.

MJT82 · 11/19/2015, 07:12 AM

Great information here, guys! Thanks!!

ser_renely · 11/19/2015, 10:15 AM

Thanks everyone.

I was starting to look at the Regal 150... but it still might be too much of a skimmer for my tank. 60g cube, 18g sump, SPS, 5 fish atm.

MJT82 · 11/19/2015, 10:18 AM

I'm building a 225, so I'm thinking the RO Regal 200INT. I've been very pleased with the RO I have on my current setup.

11/13/2015, 09:56 AM	#1
MJT82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 410	Why should I/should I not go with a skimmer with a DC pump I'm looking going with a Reef Octopus 8" Regal 200INT on my next build... I've never owned a skimmer with a DC pump, however, and I'm curious as to what the pros/cons are. Anyone have any input? Thanks in advance. __________________ Reefing since 2002 100g with 20g sump/fuge - Softies/LPS - 4x54w T5's 30g with 10g sump - Softies/LPS - 4x39w T5's Current Tank Info: 100 gallon soft coral reef with 30 gallon sump

11/13/2015, 11:11 AM	#2
laga77 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Alsip, IL Posts: 1,133	I just ordered a RO Regal 170INT for my new 120G build. It will be a FOWLR. I already have a Regal 200INT on my 120G reef. The DC pumps with the 5 stages of power allows me to tune in the skimmer better starting with a small load in the beginning and building up to a full load in the future. Another plus is less of a risk of electrocution with the DC power. __________________ Four legs good. Two legs better. Current Tank Info: 50G SPS/NPS Reef, 120G Mixed Reef, 120G FOWRL, 29G Seahorse tank, 20G Observation tank,

11/13/2015, 02:30 PM	#4
BlackTip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 1,598	My biggest reservation about the RO Regal is that the controller is not water proof and can't be kept in high humidity area like in the cabinet. All of my equipment and sump are in the cabinet, so it doesn't work for my setup. The other factor is multiple points of failure, but high quality equipment could mitigate this. __________________ 325G DT. 100G sump. In-sump refugium. SRO-5000SSS. 2 Gyres 150. 2 Water Blaster HY-5000. 2 Razor 320W. Apex Gold. MR2 GFO. 2 800W Heaters. Tunze Osmolater. 2 20g-long QT tanks. Geo 624 CA. 80W UV

11/18/2015, 02:16 PM	#8
ser_renely Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,820	Not to hijack, but what advantages are there? Does it just give the user more options in dialing in the skimmer? __________________ RIP: Osc. Clown - Ammonia, YW GobY - overflow, YW Goby - Pistol shrimp, Firefish - acclimation. 5 Fire fish - pistol shrimp, Mandarin - Pistol shrimp!!!!! Current Tank Info: 60g Cube, 15g sump/fuge,Tunze 9010 skimmer, Reefbreeders Photon 16" - 2 Osc. Clowns,2 Lyretail Anthias, Blue Chromis, mp20, mp10....another DAMN pistol shrimp!

11/19/2015, 01:42 AM	#10
firemountain Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bergen County, NJ Posts: 1,033	I have the RO Regal DC 170SSS. Some of the pros are that it gives you the controllability over the level of skimming. Plus....I like the fish feed button on mine. Another big plus is that when i do a water change, I just turn down the level of skimming one notch as to not overflow my skimmer right away. After a few hours...I just hit the UP button and resume my original settings. I can do that all from the external interface with the click of a button, as opposed to opening up my cabinet and manually adjust the gate valve. Another plus....I run oversized my skimmer, so that way when I upgrade to a larger tank, I don't have to buy another skimmer. The controllability gives me the freedom to do this. Cons.....none as of yet. I love my Skimmer. __________________ Eshopps RS100 sump, Eheim 1262 return,Kessil 360WE w/controller, Avast ATO w Litermeter 3, RO Regal 170sss Skimmer, Sicce XStream-e pumps /dc controlled, Spectrapure Dual Reactor Current Tank Info: 65g mixed reef

11/13/2015, 09:20 PM	#7
Bigcefa Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 843	I've had my regal controller in my stand since I got it no issues. Dc pump skimmers are pretty awesome

11/18/2015, 07:23 PM	#9
rburns24 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 176	- IMHO, the biggest advantage, by far, is that you can tune the skimmer to the tank and the bio load you have. If you buy a standard skimmer, you are in wysiwyg postiton, with no option for change. -

11/19/2015, 07:12 AM	#11
MJT82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 410	Great information here, guys! Thanks!! __________________ Reefing since 2002 100g with 20g sump/fuge - Softies/LPS - 4x54w T5's 30g with 10g sump - Softies/LPS - 4x39w T5's Current Tank Info: 100 gallon soft coral reef with 30 gallon sump

11/19/2015, 10:15 AM	#12
ser_renely Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,820	Thanks everyone. I was starting to look at the Regal 150... but it still might be too much of a skimmer for my tank. 60g cube, 18g sump, SPS, 5 fish atm. __________________ RIP: Osc. Clown - Ammonia, YW GobY - overflow, YW Goby - Pistol shrimp, Firefish - acclimation. 5 Fire fish - pistol shrimp, Mandarin - Pistol shrimp!!!!! Current Tank Info: 60g Cube, 15g sump/fuge,Tunze 9010 skimmer, Reefbreeders Photon 16" - 2 Osc. Clowns,2 Lyretail Anthias, Blue Chromis, mp20, mp10....another DAMN pistol shrimp!

11/19/2015, 10:18 AM	#13
MJT82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 410	I'm building a 225, so I'm thinking the RO Regal 200INT. I've been very pleased with the RO I have on my current setup. __________________ Reefing since 2002 100g with 20g sump/fuge - Softies/LPS - 4x54w T5's 30g with 10g sump - Softies/LPS - 4x39w T5's Current Tank Info: 100 gallon soft coral reef with 30 gallon sump