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Skimmer Selection...It Need Not Be "That" Expensive! - 12/28/06 Hello there :) <<Howdy>> I'm setting up a coral propagation system on my patio at the place I live. It'll be roughly 700+ gallons of water. <<Neat!>> Planned corals to culture are xenias and leather corals with some SPS down the road if there is a demand for it. <<I see>> I had a question about a Deltec skimmer that I'd be planning to use. <<Ok>> The model in particular is an AP 1004. <<Pricey...an efficient, quality skimmer...but very pricey>> This is a pretty big model for how much water is in my system, but I plan on at least doubling the volume of water in the system with in the near future. <<Ah, but not "too big" then>> Also I'd like to put a large skimmer on there in case I do happen to do a lot of SPS. <<Mmm, indeed...as well as sufficient "chemical" filtration to deal with the noxious leather corals>> My question is, would buying the Deltec be worth the money? <<Hmm...well Chris, the Deltec is a nice piece of equipment, and owning it will certainly draw hobbyists from afar just to see your $5,000 skimmer. But as Bob is fond of responding when asked this type of question; "Is there a better way this money could be spent?" There are other less expensive options that would work just fine in my opinion (Euro-Reef, AquaC, H&S)>> They're awfully expensive and I'm not so sure that it'd be much better than a Euro-Reef skimmer (an RC1000 to be exact). <<Ah yes! Am much in agreement. I have an ER CS12-3 on my system and love it. The only downside to the Euro-Reef skimmers in my opinion is the pumps they generally employ...though I believe they now offer Eheim pumps with some of the newer skimmers or as an upgrade>> Are Deltecs just a REALLY expensive toy or do they really kick that much more ass than other skimmers? <<A valid question...but then, "just how much ass do you need to kick?" For my money, any of the three previously mentioned manufacturers will "get the job done" very well>> Both these skimmers are pretty similar in design, dare I say exact even. <<Pretty close...agreed>> In all honesty I can't really see a Deltec being THAT much better, however, I have zero experience with this brand. This kinda brings me to another question...how valid would it be to use an auto-cleaning system on the Deltec? <<An expensive add-on...convenient/nice to have...but hardly a necessity>> I'd assume that it's a great idea and should potentially really increase the skimmers potential. <<Why? Are you planning to "neglect" the skimmer? [grin]>> This auto-cleaning feature is a fairly large reason why I've been looking at the Deltecs in the first place. <<Ah...I see>> Can you suggest another type of skimmer with a self-cleaning feature or perhaps something I could use on a Euro-Reef RC1000? <<I don't know of any self-cleaning feature available for Euro-Reef skimmers...and the only other manufacturer that immediately comes to mind with this feature is RK2...yet another "very expensive" skimmer>> Thank you for your time! I REALLY appreciate what you guys <<and gals>> are doing for the hobby...Keeping people informed or at least trying in your own way is important for the hobby to progress :) <<Thank you...indeed we "do try">> Sincerely, Chris from LA <<Regards, EricR in Columbia>> Re: Was, Euro-Reef vs.
Beckett Skimmers, now Deltec...An Opinion - 10/29/06 Some
Useful 'Skimmer Tuning' Info - 05/23/06 |
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