flamehawkfish
New Member
The LFS really push the LEES protein skimmers, although I have heard horror stories about them. Does anyone have a better suggestion for a skimmer out there, I am sure I will have to order one online. Sigh.
Skimmer advice?
- Thread starter flamehawkfish
- Start date
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thomas712
Guest
Lee's huh?
Well the thing about this hobby is you get what you pay for. That means if you buy a $50 dollar skimmer it really isn't going to do much for you. If you can afford a real skimmer for $150 or more then you will most likely get something that will do a good job.
A Berlin Classic has been around for a long time now and has done a good job, NOT THE TURBO, the turbo isn't all its cracked up to be. An in sump Excaliber does a real nice job as well, but the hang on version isn't worth the money.
If you really want to know then the best start on this much talked about topic is to do a search on skimmers using (of course) the search button.
Thomas
Well the thing about this hobby is you get what you pay for. That means if you buy a $50 dollar skimmer it really isn't going to do much for you. If you can afford a real skimmer for $150 or more then you will most likely get something that will do a good job.
A Berlin Classic has been around for a long time now and has done a good job, NOT THE TURBO, the turbo isn't all its cracked up to be. An in sump Excaliber does a real nice job as well, but the hang on version isn't worth the money.
If you really want to know then the best start on this much talked about topic is to do a search on skimmers using (of course) the search button.
Thomas
flamehawkfish
New Member
the seaclone skimmers have come up frequently in searches and other online sites. They boast not having an airstone (does that matter). I have also read about Berlin systems, frankly, money is no object, I just want one of the best ones available, and will be long lasting. Trying to do it right from the start.
mauldus
Member
Yeah, I was looking at the SeaClones also. I looked on ---- and found some used. I think you'll have to decide first where you want to put it in your system. Hang on the back or do you really want to do a sump? I'm going with the HOB type and like the seaclones. And yeah, the air stones supposedly don't work as well as the ones aireated by the powerheads like the seaclones. I think you'll need the biggest one they make though, if you go with one of those.
I read about the prizms sometimes. I'm not sure about the setup though.
I read about the prizms sometimes. I'm not sure about the setup though.
flamehawkfish
New Member
actually the smaller of the seaclones i saw was for tanks up to 100 gallons. Plus, it would be hang on. I don't want to mess with constructing a sump now, will just buy a predrilled tank with overflows if I upgrade later. and we've seen those seaclones for 100+ local, I have found them on sale online for 69 bucks. tempting. I do like what I read so far about the Berlins though. Prizm you say?
mauldus
Member
Looks like there is also a Red Sea Berlin Hang On Protein Skimmer similar to the design of the SeaClone but it didn't have a pump already on it like the SeaClones do.
actually the smaller of the seaclones i saw was for tanks up to 100 gallons
Yeah, but I've read that you should cut that in half to get the effective cleaning volume. So, I'd go with a bigger one maybe. There is a SeaClone 150. Then you'll have a starter skimmer when you upgrade to a 200 gal and give...er...sell me yours.
actually the smaller of the seaclones i saw was for tanks up to 100 gallons
Yeah, but I've read that you should cut that in half to get the effective cleaning volume. So, I'd go with a bigger one maybe. There is a SeaClone 150. Then you'll have a starter skimmer when you upgrade to a 200 gal and give...er...sell me yours.
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thomas712
Guest
Do you know what type of skimmer you want?
Counter current
Downdraft
Venturi
Counter current
Downdraft
Venturi
flamehawkfish
New Member
Mauldus, do you get better responses on threads you start, or as peppermints/new personality to this forum you just add your two cents regardless. I feel like Denis Leary on the forum so far, its hot.
mauldus
Member
Nope, my threads usually take about 2 replies to get the answer I was looking for. Must be b/c I just ask people to confirm what I'm thinking.
I'm just trying to throw some ideas out there and my very fresh opinion if I know enough of the subject to even make one. lol
As far as the types, here's the breakdown for ya flamehawk:
venturi's are like the seaclones, powerheads with a venturi valve in them squirt the water in the skimmer to make it swirl.
counter current and downdraft as I understand them are basically the same, water goes in the column at the top and out the bottom and bubbles rise from an air stone at the bottom against the flow of water.
Personally, as an engineer, I like the venturi type better. I think they have a better suspend time. Which is good b/c it increases the chance of proteins bonding to the air bubbles.
I'm just trying to throw some ideas out there and my very fresh opinion if I know enough of the subject to even make one. lol
As far as the types, here's the breakdown for ya flamehawk:
venturi's are like the seaclones, powerheads with a venturi valve in them squirt the water in the skimmer to make it swirl.
counter current and downdraft as I understand them are basically the same, water goes in the column at the top and out the bottom and bubbles rise from an air stone at the bottom against the flow of water.
Personally, as an engineer, I like the venturi type better. I think they have a better suspend time. Which is good b/c it increases the chance of proteins bonding to the air bubbles.
flamehawkfish
New Member
I have seen most pros about venturi systems as far as hang on skimmers go.
C
cowbuoy
Guest
from what I have read
counter current venturi type is the best for hang on
dont remember which book it was from but it was a book and not some web page
counter current venturi type is the best for hang on
dont remember which book it was from but it was a book and not some web page
zafirablanca
Member
I have a Turboflotor by Aqua Medic and really love it. Mine originally came with the older Rio 2100 pump, but I have since upgraded to the Ocean Runner pump that they now sell with it and it is wonderful. This thing really pulls the gunk out of the water, and it quite easy to use. Although I wasn't clear ifyou were looking for a hang-on style, I know that the newer Turboflotor Multi can be used-in sump or hang-on.
Good luck,
-Christine
Good luck,
-Christine
