Skimmer off? ATi, ASM,EURO, H&S, Octopus - Page 2

MammothReefer · 01/02/2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ridetheducati
Some will never understand the power of the H&S. Unfortunately, you have to own one to appreciate it.

The ATi with the gate valve mod is impressive. I almost purchased one, two reasons kept me from pulling the trigger.

1. Track record
2. Sump only model (will change soon)

lol never understand? I'm not rulling out the H&S. I'm trying to make an educated choice on a Large purchase. So an ATI wtih a gatevalve is as good as the H&S or better?! I got a huge Rk2 bin for a sump so I don't really care about insump or out sump.. I actually prefer the Insump model for the extra heat it puts into the water (if any) due to my climate.

ridetheducati · 01/02/2007, 05:20 PM

Its the old saying, you can only comment on the equipment you own...

I forgot what your budget was; but I honestly think you will be happy with an ATi 250 or H&S A200,250, or 300.

MammothReefer · 01/02/2007, 05:43 PM

don't really have a set budget.. Just trying to get an idea of cost vs quality so i can set one

clekchau · 01/02/2007, 05:59 PM

in that price range i would go with the h&s

UCanDoIt · 01/02/2007, 06:16 PM

If you don't really have a budget, go for the BubbleKing 400.

I sent you a PM last night on contact info for the ATi BM. Forwarded you another PM about how to pick the right skimmer. I think you might be going too small on some of your picks. HTH

MammothReefer · 01/02/2007, 06:23 PM

haha well I'm not saying I don't have a budget.. as in unlimited funds. I'm saying I need to figure out what I'm looking at to "do it right deluxe" and what it' going to cost for "do it right" vs what it's gonna cost for "eh it gets the job done but expect a slight hassle" and then decide which is best for me. Ie.. Say I got 1500$ Max.. am I better off buying 2 ATI 250s vs 1 H&S for the same price? Which will out perform.

sigh..so complicated

ken6217 · 01/02/2007, 07:01 PM

I have always been a fan of large beckett type skimmers until I let myself get talked into a needle wheel skimmer. I bought an H&S A150-2001 for my 90 gallon and figured I would try it out then sell it because I thought it was going to be a toy compared to what I was using. I ended up selling my Marine Technical Concepts beckett skimmer along with the Blueline 55 pump within a few days of hooking up my H&S. Believe me, I'm a hard sell. You have to hit me over the head with something to convince me of something. The below link is 3 days of skimmate from my lightly stocked 90 gallon reef tank.

http://upload.pbase.com/image/72509795/large

Ken

UCanDoIt · 01/02/2007, 07:06 PM

Ken, that's a great photo! Ed told me that you gave up an oversize MTC skimmer for one that was appropriately rated for your setup. Great choice and good skimming!

No more noise in your livingroom...

I hear you're an advocate for H&S skimmers now.

Jim_S · 01/02/2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MammothReefer
haha well I'm not saying I don't have a budget.. as in unlimited funds. I'm saying I need to figure out what I'm looking at to "do it right deluxe" and what it' going to cost for "do it right" vs what it's gonna cost for "eh it gets the job done but expect a slight hassle" and then decide which is best for me. Ie.. Say I got 1500$ Max.. am I better off buying 2 ATI 250s vs 1 H&S for the same price? Which will out perform.

sigh..so complicated

I think this is a hard question to answer with confidence because not many people (if any) have used 2 ATI 250's on a system, then compared it to an H&S.

I have not used an ATI, so I cannot comment on them.

I have used an H&S skimmer. They are great products IMO. A little pricey for what you get, and definetly wouldn't use H&S in the same sentence as best bang for the buck. But if you drop the coin on a properly sized H&S, you will not be dissapointed.

Between the H&S, Deltec and ER, the ER is the best bang for the buck. If thats what you are looking for. They use cell cast acrlyic and Eheim pumps for a cheaper price than their German counterparts.

I'M NOT SAYING THE ER IS BETTER, just more bang for the buck.

Jim

ridetheducati · 01/02/2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MammothReefer
sigh..so complicated

I know how you feel. Sounds like your on the right track. Purchasing a skimmer is so exciting almost like buying a car.

UCanDoIt · 01/02/2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MammothReefer
haha well I'm not saying I don't have a budget.. as in unlimited funds. I'm saying I need to figure out what I'm looking at to "do it right deluxe" and what it' going to cost for "do it right" vs what it's gonna cost for "eh it gets the job done but expect a slight hassle" and then decide which is best for me. Ie.. Say I got 1500$ Max.. am I better off buying 2 ATI 250s vs 1 H&S for the same price? Which will out perform.

sigh..so complicated

I wouldn't go with 2x BM250s, I would go with 1x H&S that is properly rated for your setup. If you plan on keeping your other skimmer to skim wet, then just get a right size H&S to compliment and skim dry. Or my preference would be to get a properly rated H&S A250-2x1260.

Pyrrhus · 01/02/2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MammothReefer
So an ATI wtih a gatevalve is as good as the H&S or better?!

No, the ATI skimmers are pretty much set from the factory for maximum skimmate/performance, adding a gate valve would only allow you to raise the water level, not lower it. Getting more skimmate from them is not the issue, being able to control the quality of the skimmate is.

sjm817 · 01/02/2007, 08:50 PM

The gate valve would allow you to adjust the level higher or lower as long as the sump water level is not too high.

MammothReefer · 01/02/2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UCanDoIt
I wouldn't go with 2x BM250s, I would go with 1x H&S that is properly rated for your setup. If you plan on keeping your other skimmer to skim wet, then just get a right size H&S to compliment and skim dry. Or my preference would be to get a properly rated H&S A250-2x1260.

heheh I wasn't actually going to get 2x250s I was just trying to make a point as in.. for bang for the buck is 2x250s better then a 1600$ H&S or for 750$ can I get a Good ATI vs 1600$ For an H&S that will maybe work 10% better. (allowing me to spend the extra cash on something else that will help make the overall tank better).. I need to run 2 skimmers as I plan on running ozone threw 1 of the skimmers, So I will most likely use the G3 for that.

UCanDoIt · 01/02/2007, 09:02 PM

You can't beat the price of the ATi for it's performance. ATi will only skim wet, so if you can set your other skimmer to skim wet, I would go that direction. Come on $749 for a skimmer that can easily handle 500g setup on it's own??? No brainer!

You get my PM? I responded to your questions.

Jim_S · 01/02/2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pyrrhus
Getting more skimmate from them is not the issue, being able to control the quality of the skimmate is.

This is my biggest concern with the ATI units. It seems to me, the pumps are too powerful for the bodies they use.

But its better that they are too powerful than too weak....

Jim

Pyrrhus · 01/02/2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimdogg187
But its better that they are too powerful than too weak....

Jim

Ever seen the motorcycle with a viper engine in it?

Jim_S · 01/02/2007, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pyrrhus
Ever seen the motorcycle with a viper engine in it?

Thats funny.

No, I think that theroy may work best just for skimmers.....

Jim

MammothReefer · 01/02/2007, 09:40 PM

Hahha I've seen a Honda with a supercharged chevy..

But.. does anybody know the Specs and "estimate" price of the BM 300?! I'm wondering if that might be the perfect fit.

sjm817 · 01/02/2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pyrrhus
Ever seen the motorcycle with a viper engine in it?

More like...
Did you ever see that Viper engine with a motorcycle wrapped around it?

UCanDoIt · 01/02/2007, 09:45 PM

The BM250 is rated up to 500g by ReefGeek and up to 700g by ATi. It should be perfect to run by itself on your system. But being that you're planning to keep your old skimmer and run it too, then this is the best choice out of all the ones you've listed as it is most reasonably price and performs great.

flyingace2005 · 01/02/2007, 09:47 PM

I have a H&S 200-1260 and it is by far the best skimmer i have ever owned. It is the first one that I dont have to adjust all the time. It always preforms the same. If I were you I would get an insump model and get the Ehiem pumps, I think that they perform much better than the aquabee pumps.

PITSTOP · 01/02/2007, 09:48 PM

I was away from my reef for 10 days...i came back to 700 mL of liquid brown this morning...

Euro Reef RC250

Consistently pulls sludge, I like to dial in the darker stuff, especially when I have a skimmer that will give me plenty of it

ken6217 · 01/02/2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MammothReefer
heheh I wasn't actually going to get 2x250s I was just trying to make a point as in.. for bang for the buck is 2x250s better then a 1600$ H&S or for 750$ can I get a Good ATI vs 1600$ For an H&S that will maybe work 10% better. (allowing me to spend the extra cash on something else that will help make the overall tank better).. I need to run 2 skimmers as I plan on running ozone threw 1 of the skimmers, So I will most likely use the G3 for that.

That's a little ridiculous. Use one skimmer and an ozone reactor.
Ken

MammothReefer · 01/02/2007, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ken6217
That's a little ridiculous. Use one skimmer and an ozone reactor.
Ken

Have you ever tried to find a good ozone reactor that doesn't leak ozone all over the place? I know I haven't been able to find one I got box full of them. The only good results I've had is by putting it threw my skimmer..which is why so many skimmers are made ozone safe.

01/02/2007, 05:20 PM	#27
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	Its the old saying, you can only comment on the equipment you own... I forgot what your budget was; but I honestly think you will be happy with an ATi 250 or H&S A200,250, or 300. __________________ "Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor

01/02/2007, 05:43 PM	#28
MammothReefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA Posts: 3,442	don't really have a set budget.. Just trying to get an idea of cost vs quality so i can set one __________________ Reefin @ 8298' Current Tank Info: 105 Peninsula

01/02/2007, 05:59 PM	#29
clekchau Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: TX Posts: 1,159	in that price range i would go with the h&s __________________ RIP: 550 Fowlr, 600 Mixed Cichlids Aquarium Blog: www.clekchau.com

01/02/2007, 06:23 PM	#31
MammothReefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA Posts: 3,442	haha well I'm not saying I don't have a budget.. as in unlimited funds. I'm saying I need to figure out what I'm looking at to "do it right deluxe" and what it' going to cost for "do it right" vs what it's gonna cost for "eh it gets the job done but expect a slight hassle" and then decide which is best for me. Ie.. Say I got 1500$ Max.. am I better off buying 2 ATI 250s vs 1 H&S for the same price? Which will out perform. sigh..so complicated __________________ Reefin @ 8298' Current Tank Info: 105 Peninsula

01/02/2007, 08:50 PM	#38
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	The gate valve would allow you to adjust the level higher or lower as long as the sump water level is not too high. __________________ - Scott

01/02/2007, 06:16 PM	#30
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	If you don't really have a budget, go for the BubbleKing 400. I sent you a PM last night on contact info for the ATi BM. Forwarded you another PM about how to pick the right skimmer. I think you might be going too small on some of your picks. HTH

01/02/2007, 07:01 PM	#32
ken6217 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,179	I have always been a fan of large beckett type skimmers until I let myself get talked into a needle wheel skimmer. I bought an H&S A150-2001 for my 90 gallon and figured I would try it out then sell it because I thought it was going to be a toy compared to what I was using. I ended up selling my Marine Technical Concepts beckett skimmer along with the Blueline 55 pump within a few days of hooking up my H&S. Believe me, I'm a hard sell. You have to hit me over the head with something to convince me of something. The below link is 3 days of skimmate from my lightly stocked 90 gallon reef tank. http://upload.pbase.com/image/72509795/large Ken

01/02/2007, 07:06 PM	#33
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	Ken, that's a great photo! Ed told me that you gave up an oversize MTC skimmer for one that was appropriately rated for your setup. Great choice and good skimming! No more noise in your livingroom... I hear you're an advocate for H&S skimmers now.

01/02/2007, 09:02 PM	#40
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	You can't beat the price of the ATi for it's performance. ATi will only skim wet, so if you can set your other skimmer to skim wet, I would go that direction. Come on $749 for a skimmer that can easily handle 500g setup on it's own??? No brainer! You get my PM? I responded to your questions.

01/02/2007, 09:40 PM	#44
MammothReefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA Posts: 3,442	Hahha I've seen a Honda with a supercharged chevy.. But.. does anybody know the Specs and "estimate" price of the BM 300?! I'm wondering if that might be the perfect fit. __________________ Reefin @ 8298' Current Tank Info: 105 Peninsula

01/02/2007, 09:45 PM	#46
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	The BM250 is rated up to 500g by ReefGeek and up to 700g by ATi. It should be perfect to run by itself on your system. But being that you're planning to keep your old skimmer and run it too, then this is the best choice out of all the ones you've listed as it is most reasonably price and performs great.

01/02/2007, 09:47 PM	#47
flyingace2005 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Waukee, Iowa Posts: 454	I have a H&S 200-1260 and it is by far the best skimmer i have ever owned. It is the first one that I dont have to adjust all the time. It always preforms the same. If I were you I would get an insump model and get the Ehiem pumps, I think that they perform much better than the aquabee pumps. __________________ --Joe S. Current Tank Info: 400 gal SPS system

01/02/2007, 09:48 PM	#48
PITSTOP Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Greenwich, CT Posts: 1,592	I was away from my reef for 10 days...i came back to 700 mL of liquid brown this morning... Euro Reef RC250 Consistently pulls sludge, I like to dial in the darker stuff, especially when I have a skimmer that will give me plenty of it __________________ SPS-Anon Current Tank Info: 120 SPS