Help with picking skimmer

[nova65ss]

My asm g2 pump is getting finicky and not starting back up everytime so I guess I will just upgrade.

I have not done any research on skimmers because it is never been a problem. It will be running on a 93g cube medium stocked.

So what is the difference between these two aside from the physical shape and the 120 dollar price? They both have the same pump and controller?

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-diablo-dcs170-in-sump-protein-skimmer.html


http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-pov-dc1-space-saver-protein-skimmer.html


Any other skimmers aside from these that I should be looking at? Thanks!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 4

 

[c_healy]

Sca-302 skimmer.

You can get it for under $150 shipped. I'm ordering one today and I have heard nothing but great things.

 

[TrishW]

I have a SRO 3000 with a bubble blaster pump and I LOVE it. It was on my 90G reef for over 2 years and now I use it for my 150G. It's a real workhorse. If I were shopping for a PS I would definitely buy one with the bubble blaster pump again.

This is what I have (bought from BRS but they no longer offer this model)
Reef Octopus SUPER SRO 3000INT In-Sump Protein Skimmer - AquaCave.com

Here it is in the space saver model
Super Reef Octopus 3000 Super Space Saver Protein Skimmer

This would put you at about the same price point but get you more skimmer for your money IMO. You could easily upgrade to 150G and still use this skimmer. Gotta always plan for that next upgrade

A skimmer is only as good as the pump - if you buy a cheap skimmer factor in the cost of replacing the pump if needed. Reviews for the SCA-302 say the body is good but the pumps are prone to fail/become very loud. The plastic is the cheap part, the cost of a good skimmer is really just paying for a better pump. I am more of a "pull it out of the box and use it for years" kind of person so I wanted one that had a good pump right from the start. I have regretted some of my purchases but NOT my skimmer.

 

[mcarroll]

Just to throw it out there:

ASM is a very decent skimmer. If you don't need a bigger or smaller skimmer, I'd suggest getting a replacement pump.

They seem generally available - and inexpensive. In truth, a new impeller is probably all you need. That's really inexpensive.

Don't get caught by the hype!

-Matt

 

[nova65ss]

Just to throw it out there:

ASM is a very decent skimmer. If you don't need a bigger or smaller skimmer, I'd suggest getting a replacement pump.

They seem generally available - and inexpensive. In truth, a new impeller is probably all you need. That's really inexpensive.

Don't get caught by the hype!

-Matt

That's good to know this is my first big skimmer just upgraded from a Solana and the asm came with the new tank. Would you mind telling me where is the part available? Thanks

 

[Reefing Madness]

Replacement Parts for ASM Skimmers

 

[mcarroll]

If you search around, ASM parts aren't too hard to come by. Depending on shipping, prices at that link don't look too bad.

Depending how large the $80 for a new pump appears, it may be worth just getting an impeller first. That's what usually goes bad on these things. The motors can last forever if the cord stays in good shape.

Have you taken it apart to clear any debris and then run it for a few hours in a 50/50 vinegar solution? Examine the impeller for any defects too - they will lead to swelling which is one thing that causes intermittent startup issues.

Example:

 

[nova65ss]

Yeah I took it apart today and It is clean and looks fine. When you pull the impeller cap off it runs but quits when you put it back on.

 

[mcarroll]

I'm pretty sure I'd just go for a new impeller.

Save some bucks if you're right. Have a spare impeller on hand if you still end up needing a new pump.

No real downside.

-Matt