Is new skimmer needed???

[azreeftank]

So looking for options here from everyone. I have an older Aqua C 240 skimmer that I am running with Mag18 pump and it all seems to be working fine. My total water volume is about 200 gallons lots of Lps and heavy fish load in several tangs and lots of other smaller fish and I have been thinking maybe it’s time to upgrade to a cone skimmer. I have a chance to get used Royal Exclusive Vertex Alpha 170 for a decent price ($350.00) with the Red Dragon pump. Has technology changed that much and is it worth it to spend the money and upgrade to a new skimmer or will the old square box and air injection of the Aqua C worth keeping?? My skimmer is very reliable and seems to pull lots of nasty stuff, one down side is it’s a huge footprint and the Mag 18 pump is a power hog. Is a skimmer a skimmer meaning I won’t benefit changing designs or is this like other items that I have upgraded over time like T5 to LED, return pump etc??? What’s your suggestions here?? Thanks

 

[azreeftank]

Sorry I added a pic of my current skimmer above. Thx

 

[Apotack]

Your tank looks good, why change?

 

[adhd_nerd]

Agreed, tank looks good. If everything is working, leave it alone and enjoy.

 

[azreeftank]

Your tank looks good, why change?

I’m just reading about the newer cone skimmers and the smaller footprint and wondering if they will work any better than my Aqua C 240. Maybe I’m over thinking this and I will just replace the old Mag18 pump with a DC pump that won’t use up a ton of electricity. O was just curious if the Vertex skimmer would work any better or if I’m just spending $$$ and upgrading something that is working fine.

 

[azreeftank]

Also my parameters are very stable and Phosphate has never been an issue but with carbon dosing and refugium my nitrate won’t go below 15-18. I have no Algea problems but will a new cone skimmer really make that much difference?? Thanks for your input.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'd keep the Aqua if you're happy with the energy hog MAG.

I've got to believe what Aqua terms "Spray Injection" is similar to becketted skimmers. My favorite skimmer, as far as skimmate removal, were the MRC skimmers I had....both becketted skimmers....and run off of a MAG 24. Pulled out dark skimmate....the best. The primary reason I switched to a "newer" cone model is because of noise. The skimmer was next to the tank and sounded like a jet engine. I also was on an energy savings thing and wanted something that was drawing less than the 280W the MAG was drawing. If I had a remote sump...say in the Basement....I'd still be using the MRC and would have a newer DC pump drawing less energy.

If anything, keep the Aqua and consider a new pump that draws less energy.

 

[azreeftank]

I'd keep the Aqua if you're happy with the energy hog MAG.

I've got to believe what Aqua terms "Spray Injection" is similar to becketted skimmers. My favorite skimmer, as far as skimmate removal, were the MRC skimmers I had....both becketted skimmers....and run off of a MAG 24. Pulled out dark skimmate....the best. The primary reason I switched to a "newer" cone model is because of noise. The skimmer was next to the tank and sounded like a jet engine. I also was on an energy savings thing and wanted something that was drawing less than the 280W the MAG was drawing. If I had a remote sump...say in the Basement....I'd still be using the MRC and would have a newer DC pump drawing less energy.

If anything, keep the Aqua and consider a new pump that draws less energy.

Thanks for the input I think I may do that and keep the Aqua C. I have a brand new Jabeo DCT12000 pump not being used sitting in the closet. Maybe I take the Mag18 off and see what this DC pump can do. It’s much larger flow so I can put a T and run my UV, chiller and Reactors off the same pump as the skimmer. The Aqua 240 runs best at 1800gph and the jabeo is almost 3000 gph so that should work.

 

[Midrats]

I love those big ole Aqua-Cs. Reminds me of my ETSS days. Definitely keep it.

 

[Aaron J Henning]

I love my Reef Octopus. I have a 120 w/50gal sump. I set it up once, and never had to adjust it. And it pulls the yuck out!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Just looked it up...MAG 18 draws 150 W while the Jabeo DC12000 draws 84 W.
I'd give that a shot and see what happens.

 

[jda]

The short answer is no, the newer stuff is not all that much better. If you wanted to get into a LifeReef or a Bubble King, they do actually skim better... but a cone, bubble-plated newer skimmer does not skim any better. Vertex is a good skimmer, but honestly it seems to perform about like some older ASMs and ERs that I had - I have a Vertex 300 and I run the older ER 12-2 with Sedra Pumps, FWIW.

You could probably drop a few watts going from a Mag 18 to a needle wheel, but you could likely never make up the cost of buying a new skimmer. I never found a Mag 18 to take as much wattage on a skimmer as it did as a return. If yours ever broke, then maybe look at a needle wheel... otherwise, just let it keep skimming.

 

[redfishbluefish]

You might wish to read THIS Feldman paper about skimmer performance. Note in his table, one of the least expensive skimmers performed the best. Take note where Bubble King is located.

 

[azreeftank]

Thank you everyone for your input. I will keep the Aqua C and will try it with a new DC pump and see if it helps with the noise. I guess I will run this skimmer until it no longer skims!

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I still use a er cs135 on my 120 gallon. I have tried an ro and vertex but the ER is at least equal to the newer skimmers, if not better.

I dont see the need to pay for the latest "tech" to make and catch foam.

 

[jda]

I would not replace the pump. The Mag 18 can handle the pressure that a downdraft/beckett/venturi require and the DC pumps will likely let you down.

 

[azreeftank]

I would not replace the pump. The Mag 18 can handle the pressure that a downdraft/beckett/venturi require and the DC pumps will likely let you down.

Can you please explain what you mean with the DC pump not handling the pressure?? The Mag has gone 10 years working 24/7 and has never failed once so maybe I let it be and stick with what I have.

 

[Forsaken77]

If you want a smaller footprint and super power efficiency and performance, Marine Depot sells Deltec skimmers for very low prices. I haven't ran mine yet, but I haven't heard a single complaint about their performance. They are fragile though, but replacement parts are cheap.

That's just if your looking for something new and different. I've read reviews that some model Alpha's can be tough to tune and stabilize.

Also, maybe you can get a more power efficient pump for your skimmer, like a Sicce. I know sump real estate can be precious.