I need a better skimmer for my 275 g.

[jill]

I have been running my tank for 4 months and have had continued issues with my skimmers. I am running 2 Coralife Super Skimmers in my sump but one in particular is super touchy and the air will shut down for no good reason rendering it inoperable, even after I clean and blow out the hoses.

At this point I am frustrated with the recommendations of my LFS and wanting to buy something more "foolproof" on line.

My tank parameters are all spot on - my display tank is 250 and the fug is 75. I have 300 lbs live rock, some SPC, hermits and snails, 2 crabs, some shrimp, a brittlestar, 7 small fish (under 3").

I'm running a 1740 coralife return pump, and a power jet up top. I've got an Oceanic 1/2 & 1 HP Chiller. I have a Current Outer Orbit HQI/T3HO 24 hour lighting system with 3 150w halides, 8 T5's

The space for my skimmer footprint is 12" x 23.

Please!!! Any recommendations for excellent Skimmers! I am sooo sick of fiddeling with the ones I have.

Thanks!

 

[tike]

I don't know what your price point is but the swc extreme line is a EXCELLANT skimmer and pretty much plug and play!

Here's a linkie! http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=34

 

[Skimmy]

so whats your budget?
there's a ton of skimmers i could suggest...
any size/space restrictions? sps, or high bioload??

 

[Skimmy]

ooops, sorry, you provided most of that info...
so, 275g sps corals,
12x23 foot print, which is a small skimmer footprint for that tank, that 12" is a killer, and restricts you somewhat...

so here's what's good that will fit:

http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=36


http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...D&Product_Code=ATI-0005&Category_Code=ATIskim


http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=VX-PS-A250&Category_Code=bubbleking

 

[jill]

Thanks for your recommendations. At this point we have spent so much $$ that we are committed! None of your picks are out of the question. In the meantime I've spoken with a store in Bellevue that says they have an ASM G3 and its one of the best. I am going down there tomorrow (because I don't feel I can wait) to pick one up. Ultimately I will have 2. Have you heard anything about the ASM G's?

 

[fatboyt123]

Thanks for your recommendations. At this point we have spent so much $$ that we are committed! None of your picks are out of the question. In the meantime I've spoken with a store in Bellevue that says they have an ASM G3 and its one of the best. I am going down there tomorrow (because I don't feel I can wait) to pick one up. Ultimately I will have 2. Have you heard anything about the ASM G's?

they are okay.I had a g4+ on my 200 gallon system and it did all right but i bought i swc 200 and i think it out preforms the asm's.

 

[gas4544]

Out of curiosity, what is the price on the ASM G3 at the local fish store in Bellevue? You may be able to find a better price from an online retailer.

And skimerwhisperer definitely knows skimmers. Buying one excellent skimmer would be better than buying a kind of ho-hum skimmer and potentially upgrading again down the road.

Its okay to take a few days to research and then buy what will work well for you in the long run.

Gary

 

[sandswhitson]

I agree don't get into a big rush it will cost you alot more in the long run. Your tank will survive while you wait for a good skimmer.

 

[Skimmy]

Thanks for your recommendations. At this point we have spent so much $$ that we are committed! None of your picks are out of the question. In the meantime I've spoken with a store in Bellevue that says they have an ASM G3 and its one of the best. I am going down there tomorrow (because I don't feel I can wait) to pick one up. Ultimately I will have 2. Have you heard anything about the ASM G's?

DO NOT BUY ANY ASM SKIMMER!!!!!!! especially at the prices your going to pay at that store in bellevue. ASM's are completely overpriced, underpowered, have false ratings, and build quality is utter crap...always leak, and the plastic they use has about as much strength as uncooked pasta. if your worried about your tank, do a small water change, add some fresh carbon, then sit back and relax, and make a good skimmer choice from the above links.

 

[jill]

Is there such a thing as too big a skimmer for a system? The ATI Bubble Master 250 is rated at 500+ g. My system is 275 g. Would it be okay?

 

[gotfish]

To be honest, I would go with the swc 250 cone.

 

[jill]

Thanks everyone, I think I am going to go with the ATI Bubble Master only because there is a dealer in Renton so I can ask questions and have them show me how to handle it. Are there are any dealers locally for the SWC 250?
Also, this is gonna sound stupid but what does DIY stand for?
Thanks

 

[reef18ster]

Good choice. skimerwhisperer knows his skimmers. he's helped me out a lot.

DIY = Do It Yourself

 

[jill]

Out of curiosity, what is the price on the ASM G3 at the local fish store in Bellevue? You may be able to find a better price from an online retailer.

And skimerwhisperer definitely knows skimmers. Buying one excellent skimmer would be better than buying a kind of ho-hum skimmer and potentially upgrading again down the road.

Its okay to take a few days to research and then buy what will work well for you in the long run.

Gary

Thanks Gary,
To tell you the truth I can't remember what the price was on the ASM. I.m getting one of skimerwhisperers picks, the ATI Bubble Master. I thought about getting something on line but being a newbie I want to be able to ask questions from a live person.

 

[gas4544]

You can always ask questions here on Reef Frontiers. We are very live!

You will get very good advice here as well. Here at Reef Frontiers, we are big enough to answer questions on a wide variety of subjects, yet we still maintain that personal atmosphere of friends and family.

You will find over time that most of the best advice you will get will be from a community of experienced reef keepers who have experienced the same issues, problems and challenges that you are facing.

Gary

 

[Skimmy]

Is there such a thing as too big a skimmer for a system? The ATI Bubble Master 250 is rated at 500+ g. My system is 275 g. Would it be okay?

it will be great on your 275g...dont worry.
I as well would say the the SWC cone w/ 2 sicce pumps is a better skimmer.
but I understand not wanting to wait, plus wanting to have local accountability and troubleshooting,
and you will definately be pleased with the ATI bm 250.
no, there are no local SWC dealers...which is a crying shame...I've tried.
you'd think Salt Water City would carry SWC...but no, they prefer gear from the 90's.

and you can always pm me with any skimmer questions you have.

 

[mfinn]

I have the BM 250 and it is a great skimmer.
I can help also.

 

[Superfish]

extreme 250 or cone 250 by SWC would be best bag for $$$$$$$$$$$$$