Deltec Skimmers Any Good?

Mfreddy · Aug 11, 2017

So, I have hotel points that can be redeemed on amazon. Right now it's about $525 but I will spend more to get the best skimmer for my 240 fowlr. Big fish and eel, heavy bioload.

What should I get?

Maritimer · Aug 11, 2017

Can you get a Deltec on Amazon?

I've heard good things about Reef Octopus and Royal Exclusiv, as well.

If you go Deltec, the 1660 should be just about your sweet-spot skimmer.

~Bruce

Mfreddy · Aug 11, 2017

Doesn't look like it

Forsaken77 · Aug 12, 2017

Mfreddy said:
So, I have hotel points that can be redeemed on amazon. Right now it's about $525 but I will spend more to get the best skimmer for my 240 fowlr. Big fish and eel, heavy bioload.

What should I get?

The only true aquarium shop I've seen selling on Amazon is Premium Aquatics. So maybe they have something good on their own site and can throw it up on Amazon for you.

Forsaken77 · Aug 12, 2017

Maritimer said:
Can you get a Deltec on Amazon?

I've heard good things about Reef Octopus and Royal Exclusiv, as well.

If you go Deltec, the 1660 should be just about your sweet-spot skimmer.

~Bruce

Do you know Deltec skimmers well?

Maritimer · Aug 12, 2017

Not well "like that" - I've got the 1455 model in my sump, and like the skimmer quite a bit. MFreddy's tank is a bit bigger than mine, so suggested the larger model.

~Bruce

d_adler · Aug 12, 2017

I watched a video on YouTube with a deltec in comparison to a vertex and what I got out of it is that deltec was a cheaper made skimmer than vertex at a higher price tag. What are your thoughts on build quality? It seems that they use a jebao pump correct?

d_adler · Aug 12, 2017

How do they compare in build quality to a reef octopus, vertex, etc?

vder · Aug 12, 2017

I have had a Deltec for over a year. I have the 1456 version which has aDC motor. I have gone through 2 motors and waiting on a third one. If you want reliability I would stay away from the DC motor version. Performance with the DC motor begins to fall off and then just fails for no reason. If I could I would return the skimmer and call it a day. Just the facts and my experience.

This isn't a diss on Adam more about Deltec itself. For the money spent it should just work.

Maritimer · Aug 12, 2017

The DC models do use Jebao pumps - the AC models (which is the one I chose) use the Aqua-Bee pump, which is a world of difference. I've only owned one Jebao product (their Gyre knock-off), and it lasted six months. I'll steer clear of Jebao from now on.

I've never owned the Vertex, Reef Octopus, etc, so can't compare. My skimmer pulls some nasty gunk.

~Bruce

d_adler · Aug 12, 2017

Maritimer said:
The DC models do use Jebao pumps - the AC models (which is the one I chose) use the Aqua-Bee pump, which is a world of difference. I've only owned one Jebao product (their Gyre knock-off), and it lasted six months. I'll steer clear of Jebao from now on.

I've never owned the Vertex, Reef Octopus, etc, so can't compare. My skimmer pulls some nasty gunk.

~Bruce

Don't get me wrong I have no issue with jebao. I'm just trying to set the facts straight. I currently have a jebao dc4000 return pump with ZERO isssues. I have a vertex 130 and I'm just trying to make a decision on what my upgrade will be. Ive had way too many issues tuning the vertex so I was considering the deltec D.C. Skimmer

swk · Aug 12, 2017

I have the 1455 with the AC pump for a while now and it has been a flawless performer.

Potatohead · Aug 12, 2017

Forsaken77 said:
Can I still get Deltecs through you? Or do you have to go through MD's channel now?

I have nothing against Deltec, think their stuff is great, but I wanted to mention something - You said earlier you were considering the new S-220 but it didn't have a drain, that has actually been revised, the second run of skimmers had a drain added. I had an early S-120 and Eshopps sent me the new updated cup for no charge.

vder · Aug 12, 2017

The S-220 does indeed have a collection cup drain on the 4th generation.

Alfrareef · Aug 12, 2017

I have a SC1660 and love it.
It's been runing for 2 years without any issue and always skimming great!
I don't have neck cleaning and i don't miss it. I like to clean it manually...

Forsaken77 · Aug 12, 2017

Maritimer said:
Not well "like that" - I've got the 1455 model in my sump, and like the skimmer quite a bit. MFreddy's tank is a bit bigger than mine, so suggested the larger model.

~Bruce

The 1455 or 1660 is the ones I was considering for my 180 with 40 gallon sump.

What size is your tank? Because even though the 1660 does twice the air of the 1455, I want it to actually skim and not idle.

Also, looking on MD's website, the 2 models have 2 different bubble diffusers. Very different. The SC models are supposed to be DC but it's not mentioned anywhere about any of the models using DC pumps.

They list the SC-1455 and SCA-1660

Maritimer · Aug 12, 2017

My tank is a 22o with a half-full 40-breeder underneath it. Adam was pretty insistent that the 1455 was "the" skimmer for the tank. Sometimes it pulls dense dark skimmate, sometimes green tea - but it pretty much always pulls something, and my tank's still kind of in shakedown mode. At the moment, dealing with phytoplankton / green water.

~Bruce

Forsaken77 · Aug 14, 2017

swk said:
I have the 1455 with the AC pump for a while now and it has been a flawless performer.

What size tank is it on?

swk · Aug 14, 2017

Forsaken77 said:
What size tank is it on?

I purchased with an upgrade to 150 gal total volume in mind, but right now it's on a 75 gal with 20 gal sump

Forsaken77 · Aug 14, 2017

Alfrareef said:
I have a SC1660 and love it.
It's been runing for 2 years without any issue and always skimming great!
I don't have neck cleaning and i don't miss it. I like to clean it manually...

So you have the DC pump version?