Too many choices!!!

Kryofrozen

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Hi Guys

This festive season I've decided to put all the knowledge I learnt during the year to good use! Thus I am upgrading a few things on my system in the hopes to have an awesome set-up by this time next year!

I bought myself new light system last weekend, consisting of 2 X 54w T5s, 2 X 150w MH (20000k) and 2 X Blue LEDs Really REALLY cool!!! :slayer:

Ok, now for the next BIG step in my upgrade, to choose a SKIMMER! The total volume of my current system is +- 780litres and I am currently running two Via Aqua SK-388's which have never been able to cope and have never performed to my original newbie expectations!

I am planning on upgrading my system early to mid next year so I want to get a skimmer that I can just move over to the new system when the time comes... I'm planning on going to about 2000litres maybe more, if I can convince my hubby that bigger is really better! :whistling:

I have two options available to me at the moment and I want your input on which would be the better option for now and the future:

1. ReefTek TS4
2. Reef Octopus DNW - 200

Are there any other skimmers available out there that will suit my needs?

Help me out here guys!

Cher
 
Personally I would go for the TS4. It is huge and it works like a beast but saying that it is an in sump skimmer so you will have to have a sump big enough to fit it.
I think the DNW 200 is a resirc skimmer. That is a bonus as you can fit it externally but I think it is a single pump.
 
We can get Deltec but the price is in a different league to the skimmers mentioned...
 
oh, ok fair do's, i just like them. i suppose it's the export makes them expensive.:(

Yip, someone has to pay for David Saxby's water changes :p

Kryo tough choice, they both good skimmers. The deciding factor I think would be that if you planning on upgrading to 2000L then the TS4 would be the right choice. It would handle the volume better.
 
For that price a BM250 will also fit well :D
 
For that price a BM250 will also fit well :D

Read Alan's tank thread. The last few pages should help you make up your mind.

With regards the new lights; i have never used 20000k bulbs, but from the grapevine, believe that a spectrum between 10 - 14k would be better suited.
 
Read Alan's tank thread. The last few pages should help you make up your mind.

With regards the new lights; i have never used 20000k bulbs, but from the grapevine, believe that a spectrum between 10 - 14k would be better suited.

agreed 14000k are superb
 
I dont know what price the Octo 200 or TS4 go for, but both are good skimmers. The 200 is a single pump skimmer that you may find on the small side for a large system. The skimmers i would be looking at in order are the BM250, ReefOcto250 and the TS4
 
Thanks for the info guys...

Regarding the 20000K I agree that the it is high, but the fitting came with all the globes so I didn't really have a choice! I'll be changing the globes later on, for now I'm after a decent skimmer!

So far the ReefOct DNW-250 is starting to appeal to me, as I realised yesterday that it would be next to impossible to fit a skimmer of TS4 size into my sump! Not because my sump is too small, but I'd have to empty my tank to remove the cabinets bracing just to get it in there! So recirc is definitly the way I'm going right now...

Now to get the best deal! lol
 
If I may suggest something - why not add 2 x TS3 skimmers rather then? Have 2 x compartments used up in the sump - I am sure that these 2 skimmers would outperform the single BM250? Or am I just being plain stupid?
 
I agree, only one will do it:p :lol:

Alan remember you only have experience with the BM and not the RT.;) I realise you can look at the stats, but stats only go so far. What skimmers do in practice is what counts. Of cause I'm not saying a TS3 will out perform a BM250 not at all, but this kind of performance in a day for the price you pay is pretty good going.

RT31.jpg


RT32.jpg

 
Hhhhmmmm, Mille, you're not helping me here... ;) Unfortunately as I mentioned earlier I can't fit an in sump skimmer into my cabinet... Will make my decision today and let you all know...
 
Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the info and suggestions!

I've ordered a Reef Octopus DNW-250 and a Hailea 6550 to run it, as the plumbing from the overflow won't be changeable.

When all my goodies are up and running I'll post some new photos...

Thanks once again!

Cher
 
Very good choice of skimmer, when you get it Kryo let us know as there is a small mod to do before you assemble the entire thing.
 
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