Euro-Reef RS5-2?

cstires · 12/06/2006, 10:27 AM

I currently am running this skimmer on my 90 and it works great, however I'm upgrading to a 120 in the very near future and am curious if I perform a Recirculating mod to it, as well as the gate valve mod, if it would be sufficient for the time being. Would upgrading the pump be a good idea? It currently has a Sedra3500, but could I upgrade to a Sedra5000?

My plan is to later invest in a larger skimmer, but I'm trying to save some money at the moment considering the holidays are here!!!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Fishbulb2 · 12/06/2006, 11:04 AM

Might depend on a lot of factors like bioload and such. The recirc mod should help. The gatevalve mod will only help in the tuning. I guess I would try it as is on the 120 and then make a decision if you are unsatified. Basically, I think it comes down to, do you think you will hinder the resale value of this skimmer by heavily modifying it or not? I have never been able to answer that. If the answer is yes. And people don't want to buy a modded skimmer, then your best bet is keeping it as is for the longest time possible, and then selling it to by a new skimmer. No wasted money on mods (gatevalves aren't cheap and nor are sedra 5000s) and maximum resake value. Although, if you think you would get slightly more for it modded in recirc mode, then definetely do that and if you still aren't happy with it, then you can still sell it to get a new skimmer. If I were buying a used modded skimmer I would have to see it in person to make sure the mod was well done and functional. Otherwise is will fetch less money that a standard euroreef.
I don't know if this rant helped but in general I would make sure you have a solid plan for the future of this skimmer before you either invest more money into it or mod it.
FB

cstires · 12/06/2006, 12:03 PM

Yes it did help

I don't know if I would get anymore out of it in recirc mode or not? I guess that's another question I should have originally asked.

hansmatt · 12/06/2006, 12:35 PM

I asked ER about changing my 5-3 to a sedra 5000 pump, and they said that it would "blow the top off it", meaning too much power/water volume for the diameter of chamber...you could get a new needlewheel for $50 from them, which would pull more air.

cstires · 12/06/2006, 12:50 PM

Thanks for the info "hansmatt"!

Did you happen to ask them about doing a recirc mod on it?

hansmatt · 12/06/2006, 01:01 PM

nope,
the ER forum has lots of info on recirc. General consensus is that for the price (of purchasing a new RC skimmer that is) it's not worth it. There is a rough 20% improvement in skimming (says they) I am running mine on a 90reef with a 30-40 sump/fuge and am pleased. I don't know if I'll jump up to an RS135 or not, though that was the original plan. I'm a bit hesitant about drilling the acrylic, don't want to crack it. The cost would likely be $75 to recirc with pump & plumbing, not to mention noise and power usage. Worth it? I'd probably sell and upgrade to a newer & more efficient ER system. For your 120, if you can sell your skimmer and recoup some cash, upgrade to a 135 & don't look back. Less power, noise, newer impeller, now worries about quality of modification or if it is done correctly.

12/06/2006, 10:27 AM	#1
cstires Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 1,143	Euro-Reef RS5-2? I currently am running this skimmer on my 90 and it works great, however I'm upgrading to a 120 in the very near future and am curious if I perform a Recirculating mod to it, as well as the gate valve mod, if it would be sufficient for the time being. Would upgrading the pump be a good idea? It currently has a Sedra3500, but could I upgrade to a Sedra5000? My plan is to later invest in a larger skimmer, but I'm trying to save some money at the moment considering the holidays are here!!! Thanks in advance for your help!

12/06/2006, 11:04 AM	#2
Fishbulb2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 1,807	Might depend on a lot of factors like bioload and such. The recirc mod should help. The gatevalve mod will only help in the tuning. I guess I would try it as is on the 120 and then make a decision if you are unsatified. Basically, I think it comes down to, do you think you will hinder the resale value of this skimmer by heavily modifying it or not? I have never been able to answer that. If the answer is yes. And people don't want to buy a modded skimmer, then your best bet is keeping it as is for the longest time possible, and then selling it to by a new skimmer. No wasted money on mods (gatevalves aren't cheap and nor are sedra 5000s) and maximum resake value. Although, if you think you would get slightly more for it modded in recirc mode, then definetely do that and if you still aren't happy with it, then you can still sell it to get a new skimmer. If I were buying a used modded skimmer I would have to see it in person to make sure the mod was well done and functional. Otherwise is will fetch less money that a standard euroreef. I don't know if this rant helped but in general I would make sure you have a solid plan for the future of this skimmer before you either invest more money into it or mod it. FB __________________ Just getting back in, but trying to do it right! Current Tank Info: 40 gallon tank. SPS, LPS, few softies

12/06/2006, 12:03 PM	#3
cstires Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 1,143	Yes it did help I don't know if I would get anymore out of it in recirc mode or not? I guess that's another question I should have originally asked.

12/06/2006, 12:35 PM	#4
hansmatt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 681	I asked ER about changing my 5-3 to a sedra 5000 pump, and they said that it would "blow the top off it", meaning too much power/water volume for the diameter of chamber...you could get a new needlewheel for $50 from them, which would pull more air.

12/06/2006, 12:50 PM	#5
cstires Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 1,143	Thanks for the info "hansmatt"! Did you happen to ask them about doing a recirc mod on it?

12/06/2006, 01:01 PM	#6
hansmatt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 681	nope, the ER forum has lots of info on recirc. General consensus is that for the price (of purchasing a new RC skimmer that is) it's not worth it. There is a rough 20% improvement in skimming (says they) I am running mine on a 90reef with a 30-40 sump/fuge and am pleased. I don't know if I'll jump up to an RS135 or not, though that was the original plan. I'm a bit hesitant about drilling the acrylic, don't want to crack it. The cost would likely be $75 to recirc with pump & plumbing, not to mention noise and power usage. Worth it? I'd probably sell and upgrade to a newer & more efficient ER system. For your 120, if you can sell your skimmer and recoup some cash, upgrade to a 135 & don't look back. Less power, noise, newer impeller, now worries about quality of modification or if it is done correctly.