ASM G4+ or a MRC-MR2 - Page 3

mattls · 01/13/2006, 01:20 PM

I run an ASMG3 on my 120G and 50G sump and it works fantastic. Highly recomend . I can unserstand the consruction quality issue but unless you man handle it you should be fine. I had ER which the ASM is a copy of and the ER quality is nicer. ASM is plug and play and skims great.

Now for MRC I have never used there skimmer but I purchased my sump from them and let me tell you. There quality is fantastic which I am sure there skimmers are to.

By the way external skimmers need to be made better and constructed of finer material than internal do in part to leaking issues. External skimmer have to be made so they absolutely don;t crack or leak otherwise you have a mess on your floor. Where if an internal skimmer cracks or leaks its in the sump nothing will happen except you have to get a new skimmer.
Basically I am sorry but my point is that the materials used do not always mean that one performs better than the other.

NoSchwag · 01/13/2006, 01:24 PM

Sometimes I wonder why I even care what type of skimmers a person uses. I've used both and I know which is better for MY situation.

I guess I just want to save someone from the same mistake I made.

Good Luck whatever skimmer you choose

my2girls · 01/13/2006, 01:25 PM

If you want to skim wet don't even bother considering the ASM. The MRC is a little tricky at first because you have to set the air valve. Once you find the sweet spot it's all good.

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NoSchwag
It's as simple as this...

If you want a great protien skimmer, care about electricity, space, and noise get the ASM.

If you want a powerful skimmer that will blow the paricles out of the water before they break down into protiens, don't care about electricity, dont care about noise or space, get the mr2.

It all depends on what you want from a skimmer and what you want in (or out of ) a tank. I wanted a skimmer that does the job how I want it done, I couldn't get that with my ASM, your milage may vary. If I wanted a skimmer that uses dwell time best to remove DOM's, I would have stayed with a needlewheel.

Thats the problem, I want parts from each! *lol*

I want it to work like the MRC, but I think the deciding factor is that it *needs* to be quiet.

I dont see a way around that. The tank is going to be in the dining/living room and next to the kitchen. If it makes that much noise where its going to disrupt when I have company over or just when Im there by myself, I cant get it..

Micki · 01/13/2006, 01:26 PM

Or it's as simple as this... If you want a skimmer and you care about electricity, space and noise and you want a skimmer that will get the job done effectively, then go with the ASM!

I have a 125 gallon tank with 40 gallon frag tank, 10 gallon fuge and 65 gallon sump, total water volume 240 gallons. I'm using an ASM G-3 and it does better than I would have anticipated. I can't believe another skimmer could beat it!

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Sometimes I wonder why I even care what type of skimmers a person uses. I've used both and I know which is better for MY situation.

I guess I just want to save someone from the same mistake I made.

Good Luck whatever skimmer you choose

I appreciate all your help. And I would go witht he MRC if I didnt have specific issues I need to meet.

The price doesnt bother me that much, nore the electricity. I could get around both of those by pretending they dont exist. haha

But the noise issue is going to be a huge problem.

NoSchwag · 01/13/2006, 01:33 PM

Yeah if noise is an issue, better go with the ASM... Good luck

NoSchwag · 01/13/2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Micki
Or it's as simple as this... If you want a skimmer and you care about electricity, space and noise and you want a skimmer that will get the job done effectively, then go with the ASM!

Come talk to me after you run a beckett with a pressure rated pump

Micki · 01/13/2006, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Come talk to me after you run a beckett with a pressure rated pump

Thanks, but I have no need to, I am completely happy with what I have.

mattls · 01/13/2006, 01:46 PM

The ASM is silent and if this is an issue then go with the ASM. You are purchasing a fine skimmer that is a workhorse in my opinion. THe MRC I am sure is a great skimmer and I would consider trying one but the ASM is no slouch and keeps my tank clean.

tigerarmy40 · 01/13/2006, 01:49 PM

for me I think I am more about my tanks ihabitants I think the mrc will out perform the asm no problem! I will def be looking into the silencer though as my tank is in my living room and the better half already complains about the fans!!! lol

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Yeah if noise is an issue, better go with the ASM... Good luck

You seem mad that Im shyign away from the MRC. *lol*

Belive me, I would like to go with it as I do think it would perform a little bit better. But sometimes I cant always get what I want. Know what I mean?

HippieSmell · 01/13/2006, 02:01 PM

I don't think the becketts themselves are very loud, and you can make silencers for them, but the pump might be noisy. Is your PCX40 noisy?

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HippieSmell
I don't think the becketts themselves are very loud, and you can make silencers for them, but the pump might be noisy. Is your PCX40 noisy?

Yes, it is. I can hear it no matter what room I am in. I live in a condo, so its fairly small, but still its noisey.

Someone locally to me has an MR2 with a blueline pump that will sell me everything for $500. Not sure if I should buy it used or just go with a new one at that price. Id have to check it out.

As for the noise, Ive been told most of the noise is from the air intake. And a silencer might work, but I dont want to have to keep adding money to this thing. To me thats kinda ridiculous that I have to keep buying things for something that is brand new.

Jeffie · 01/13/2006, 02:13 PM

Get a euroreef instead of the Asm. The extra cash will be well worth it. Look in the selling forums. There's usually a few up for sale.
ASM just look cheap though people swear by them. I know people who have them and say they like them but these are the people that if they have it, it is the best regardless if they have tried the others to compare. There are people on this thread right now that are doing this. I'd believe NoSchwag since he has used both and is telling what his expereinces were. ASM are o.k. skimmers but they are on the lower end of the market. So you just need to decide what you think is best for YOUR tank. Are you gonna have a full blown SPS tank or a softie tank? There is a big difference. If I was going to chince out on any piece of equipment for my tank it would NOT be the skimmer. Save up and get a good one. It will be worth it in the long run.

PS. I'm a big precision marine fan, but have been around and used many different brand of skimmers. The hot ones around here are the recirculating skimmers made by Bob from ReefMania. Our local club swears by them.

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeffie
Get a euroreef instead of the Asm. The extra cash will be well worth it. Look in the selling forums. There's usually a few up for sale.
ASM just look cheap though people swear by them. I know people who have them and say they like them but these are the people that if they have it, it is the best regardless if they have tried the others to compare. There are people on this thread right now that are doing this. I'd believe NoSchwag since he has used both and is telling what his expereinces were. ASM are o.k. skimmers but they are on the lower end of the market. So you just need to decide what you think is best for YOUR tank. Are you gonna have a full blown SPS tank or a softie tank? There is a big difference. If I was going to chince out on any piece of equipment for my tank it would NOT be the skimmer. Save up and get a good one. It will be worth it in the long run.

PS. I'm a big precision marine fan, but have been around and used many different brand of skimmers. The hot ones around here are the recirculating skimmers made by Bob from ReefMania. Our local club swears by them.

Im not paying ER prices. To get something in the range I want I would be paying double what I would for the ASM or even the MRC. Its not an option right now. If Im paying that much for a skimmer I am going to buy a Deltec, not a ER.

Can you toss me a link to the Precision Marine or the Reefmania stuff?

HippieSmell · 01/13/2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sellout007
Yes, it is. I can hear it no matter what room I am in. I live in a condo, so its fairly small, but still its noisey.

Someone locally to me has an MR2 with a blueline pump that will sell me everything for $500. Not sure if I should buy it used or just go with a new one at that price. Id have to check it out.

As for the noise, Ive been told most of the noise is from the air intake. And a silencer might work, but I dont want to have to keep adding money to this thing. To me thats kinda ridiculous that I have to keep buying things for something that is brand new.

I think the silencers are easily DIY'able (I believe it's basically a piece of cotton). $500 is too much IMO. I ordered from reefshow, and they have average prices on everything except MRC skimmers (awesome prices). I haven't received it yet, so I can't say if reefshow is any good, but for the price I thought I'd chance it.

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HippieSmell
I think the silencers are easily DIY'able (I believe it's basically a piece of cotton). $500 is too much IMO. I ordered from reefshow, and they have average prices on everything except MRC skimmers (awesome prices). I haven't received it yet, so I can't say if reefshow is any good, but for the price I thought I'd chance it.

I thought the $500 was a bit too much as well. Since everyone says the quick release is a no no, I could save some cash on that, and buy everything brand new for around that same price. I havent sat down and priced it out, but just doing it quickly thats what I came up with.

What did you order from reefshow?? Got a link?

mattls · 01/13/2006, 02:23 PM

I have an ASM(on my current tank) and the EuroreefES5-3 (which was on an old tank now packed away for another tanK) and yes the Euroreef are constructed a lot better than the ASM but work identical to each other.

I have an MRC product(my sump) and there quality is fantastic but people seem to be really killing the ASM like it shouldn;t be on the same field as an MRC. I don;t think thats truthful either. He has noise issues that he's trying to avoid and if thats the case I see nothing wrong with the ASM if he can't use the MRC. I wouldn't say he is making a mistake which some people I think are implying if this is the design he has to go with. He could be makin worse decisions than an ASM

sellout007 · 01/13/2006, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mattls
I have an ASM(on my current tank) and the EuroreefES5-3 (which was on an old tank now packed away for another tanK) and yes the Euroreef are constructed a lot better than the ASM but work identical to each other.

I have an MRC product(my sump) and there quality is fantastic but people seem to be really killing the ASM like it shouldn;t be on the same field as an MRC. I don;t think thats truthful either. He has noise issues that he's trying to avoid and if thats the case I see nothing wrong with the ASM if he can't use the MRC. I wouldn't say he is making a mistake which some people I think are implying if this is the design he has to go with.

Thats the impression ive gotten from some of the more outspoken folks here.

That if I go with the ASM, Im buying a bad skimmer. *lol* Which is the direct opposite from what I have heard from everyone.

And it suckst hat I have noise issues, but they are there. I dont have the luxury of putting everything into the basement. I dont have one!!! haha

bureau13 · 01/13/2006, 02:26 PM

Yeah, I don't get the buy ER comment unless you want to use it externally. Who cares if the ASM "looks cheap?" I've yet to see a skimmer as the centerpiece of a tank!

I still find myself liking the AquaC EV-240, although reviews are kind of mixed...never used one myself though.

jds

NoSchwag · 01/13/2006, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Micki
Thanks, but I have no need to, I am completely happy with what I have.

What's that old saying... Ignorance is bliss.

Hippie you should make an air filter for the beckett. Use a 7" long, 2" pipe reduced to 3/4"

Fill it with pollyfill>carbon>pollyfill then cap it. Make sure you drill a ton of holes in the cap.

You see how much air these things pull, you might as well filter it.

Jeffie · 01/13/2006, 02:30 PM

Precision marine-

http://www.precisionmarine.com/html/..._skimmers.html

Reef mania-

http://www.reefmania.net/products-skimmers.php

HippieSmell · 01/13/2006, 02:30 PM

reefshow.com. You have to register (it's free), then you may have to wait a couple days for them to "approve" you. Then you can look at their prices (otherwise it's blacked out). You have to jump through some hoops, but like I said, their MRC prices are the lowest I've found anywhere.

mattls · 01/13/2006, 02:33 PM

For your situation the ASM is a great IN SUMP skimmer. Work great like you have heard. I am not sure if the extra $'s for a euroreef is worth it. It wasn't for me since when I moved into my 120 I went to the ASM after using a Euroreef. I am careful so I don't worry about the ASM construction(the acrylic is thinner thats it). I have a heavy fish load and my water is crystal clear. I also have all my corals doing great and my SPS frags are really growing nicely. So the ASM must be doing a decent job.

01/13/2006, 01:24 PM	#52
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	Sometimes I wonder why I even care what type of skimmers a person uses. I've used both and I know which is better for MY situation. I guess I just want to save someone from the same mistake I made. Good Luck whatever skimmer you choose __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

01/13/2006, 01:25 PM	#53
my2girls Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Hartford, CT Posts: 2,293	If you want to skim wet don't even bother considering the ASM. The MRC is a little tricky at first because you have to set the air valve. Once you find the sweet spot it's all good. __________________ Always downsizing...

01/13/2006, 01:26 PM	#55
Micki Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,163	Or it's as simple as this... If you want a skimmer and you care about electricity, space and noise and you want a skimmer that will get the job done effectively, then go with the ASM! I have a 125 gallon tank with 40 gallon frag tank, 10 gallon fuge and 65 gallon sump, total water volume 240 gallons. I'm using an ASM G-3 and it does better than I would have anticipated. I can't believe another skimmer could beat it! __________________ Micki... Western Ohio Reef Club Click the red house for my 125 progress! Current Tank Info: 125 gal. reef, 90 gal. sump, 10 gal. fuge, 40 gallon. 150 gallon fish only.

01/13/2006, 01:33 PM	#57
NoSchwag Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterbury, Ct. Posts: 2,530	Yeah if noise is an issue, better go with the ASM... Good luck __________________ Keeping low levels of po4 without chemicals since 2005. Current Tank Info: Beckett skimmed, penductor flowed, luminarc lighted, UV sterilized, litermeter dosed, Aquacontroller controlled, SPS dominated, 120 BB tank.

01/13/2006, 01:49 PM	#61
tigerarmy40 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: central ca Posts: 1,831	for me I think I am more about my tanks ihabitants I think the mrc will out perform the asm no problem! I will def be looking into the silencer though as my tank is in my living room and the better half already complains about the fans!!! lol __________________ The power of moonlight Current Tank Info: 90g rimless tank in the makes and a 15g nano

01/13/2006, 01:20 PM	#51
mattls Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 452	I run an ASMG3 on my 120G and 50G sump and it works fantastic. Highly recomend . I can unserstand the consruction quality issue but unless you man handle it you should be fine. I had ER which the ASM is a copy of and the ER quality is nicer. ASM is plug and play and skims great. Now for MRC I have never used there skimmer but I purchased my sump from them and let me tell you. There quality is fantastic which I am sure there skimmers are to. By the way external skimmers need to be made better and constructed of finer material than internal do in part to leaking issues. External skimmer have to be made so they absolutely don;t crack or leak otherwise you have a mess on your floor. Where if an internal skimmer cracks or leaks its in the sump nothing will happen except you have to get a new skimmer. Basically I am sorry but my point is that the materials used do not always mean that one performs better than the other.

01/13/2006, 01:46 PM	#60
mattls Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 452	The ASM is silent and if this is an issue then go with the ASM. You are purchasing a fine skimmer that is a workhorse in my opinion. THe MRC I am sure is a great skimmer and I would consider trying one but the ASM is no slouch and keeps my tank clean.

01/13/2006, 02:01 PM	#63
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	I don't think the becketts themselves are very loud, and you can make silencers for them, but the pump might be noisy. Is your PCX40 noisy? __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

01/13/2006, 02:13 PM	#65
Jeffie Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,187	Get a euroreef instead of the Asm. The extra cash will be well worth it. Look in the selling forums. There's usually a few up for sale. ASM just look cheap though people swear by them. I know people who have them and say they like them but these are the people that if they have it, it is the best regardless if they have tried the others to compare. There are people on this thread right now that are doing this. I'd believe NoSchwag since he has used both and is telling what his expereinces were. ASM are o.k. skimmers but they are on the lower end of the market. So you just need to decide what you think is best for YOUR tank. Are you gonna have a full blown SPS tank or a softie tank? There is a big difference. If I was going to chince out on any piece of equipment for my tank it would NOT be the skimmer. Save up and get a good one. It will be worth it in the long run. PS. I'm a big precision marine fan, but have been around and used many different brand of skimmers. The hot ones around here are the recirculating skimmers made by Bob from ReefMania. Our local club swears by them.

01/13/2006, 02:23 PM	#69
mattls Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 452	I have an ASM(on my current tank) and the EuroreefES5-3 (which was on an old tank now packed away for another tanK) and yes the Euroreef are constructed a lot better than the ASM but work identical to each other. I have an MRC product(my sump) and there quality is fantastic but people seem to be really killing the ASM like it shouldn;t be on the same field as an MRC. I don;t think thats truthful either. He has noise issues that he's trying to avoid and if thats the case I see nothing wrong with the ASM if he can't use the MRC. I wouldn't say he is making a mistake which some people I think are implying if this is the design he has to go with. He could be makin worse decisions than an ASM

01/13/2006, 02:26 PM	#71
bureau13 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,936	Yeah, I don't get the buy ER comment unless you want to use it externally. Who cares if the ASM "looks cheap?" I've yet to see a skimmer as the centerpiece of a tank! I still find myself liking the AquaC EV-240, although reviews are kind of mixed...never used one myself though. jds

01/13/2006, 02:30 PM	#73
Jeffie Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,187	Precision marine- http://www.precisionmarine.com/html/..._skimmers.html Reef mania- http://www.reefmania.net/products-skimmers.php

01/13/2006, 02:33 PM	#75
mattls Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 452	For your situation the ASM is a great IN SUMP skimmer. Work great like you have heard. I am not sure if the extra $'s for a euroreef is worth it. It wasn't for me since when I moved into my 120 I went to the ASM after using a Euroreef. I am careful so I don't worry about the ASM construction(the acrylic is thinner thats it). I have a heavy fish load and my water is crystal clear. I also have all my corals doing great and my SPS frags are really growing nicely. So the ASM must be doing a decent job.