Skimmer Recomendations

[dean1956]

i am building a pond for my rays and am looking to put a skimmer on there. i have never owned one but i think it is time to have one so which type works best, downdraft, recurculating ect. I will most likely buy used since im not paying mega bucks for one or possibly build one since I can get a hold of the materials where I work, just wont be clear acrylic. but pvc will work the same except for the collection cup. it needs to be rated for at least 800 gallons

 

[ironeagle2006]

Dean since your sump is external I would recommend a ASM G-6 for a skimmer. They are rated for 1200 Gallons and with rays being massive on bioload would want something that is capable of getting rid of the waste. Most people here swear by them. I will more than likely be running a pair of ASM 4's on my future 450 that way if one breaks I have a some skimming still going on.

 

[dean1956]

800+ including shipping. What type are they? recirculating or downdraft or does it matter as long as it does the job and doesnt cost alot to run

 

[dean1956]

I just looked up these skimmers and some offer the skimmer with 2 sedra 15000 pumps and another with 3 sedra 9000 pumps, whats going on with that?

 

[dean1956]

I cant seem to get an answer on what the wattage draw is on this skimmer whether it has the 2 sedra 15000 or the 3 sedra 9000s, anyone know?

 

[ironeagle2006]

Did a little digging found out with the 2 15000's the ASM draws 240 watts total with the 3 9000's it would draw 270 watts total. So the draw is not that much more with the trio and you get the more air and more flow into the skimmer. Get one with 3 if possible. I did the math using Comed pricing and would cost 50 cents more per month to run the 3 pump model.

 

[dean1956]

I just got a email from one person and he said the same on the dual 15000 Sedras, thats what he has in stock.The trio 9000s are the older model so it might be hard finding that one now. Is that about what kind of power draw I will be looking at for a skimmer that size?

 

[dean1956]

Originally Posted by ironeagle2006
http:///forum/post/3169454
Did a little digging found out with the 2 15000's the ASM draws 240 watts total with the 3 9000's it would draw 270 watts total. So the draw is not that much more with the trio and you get the more air and more flow into the skimmer. Get one with 3 if possible. I did the math using Comed pricing and would cost 50 cents more per month to run the 3 pump model.
Ok, thanks for the info. More air means more skimming?

 

[dean1956]

Originally Posted by ironeagle2006
http:///forum/post/3169454
Did a little digging found out with the 2 15000's the ASM draws 240 watts total with the 3 9000's it would draw 270 watts total. So the draw is not that much more with the trio and you get the more air and more flow into the skimmer. Get one with 3 if possible. I did the math using Comed pricing and would cost 50 cents more per month to run the 3 pump model.
I talked to a mod on another sight last night and he has the G-6 and has been mod to use 2 pumps for recirculating and the 3rd one feeds the skimmer but don't quite understand that but you might.

 

[ironeagle2006]

When you recirculate in the skimmer you create a longer contact time. You also create a better skimmate. You only need one pump to feed fresh water into the skimmer to replace what is pumped out of it. Sounds like one heck of a mod.