Skimmer dilemma

dubaygv · Dec 3, 2012

First a little about my system:
It's been running since Oct 2011
225 display
150 rubbermaid sump 3/4 full
50 gal rubbermaid frag tank

SPS dominant, but plenty of zoas and a few lps, leathers, & clams
High Bioload (addicted to tangs and wrasses)

I run carbon, gfo, vinegar & kalk in ATO but switching to biopellets, I change carbon and gfo out every few weeks, and I try to do monthly water changes, but its usually every 6-8 weeks

My skimmer is an older CoralVue Reef Octopus Pro 250 with an Askoll 1500 pump and I've been happy with it, but...

The other day I was offered a deal that I couldn't pass up on a ASM G4+ & Sedra 9000 with the recirc mod. Needless to say its now at my house. I have a couple questions.

1. I have the space to run the 2 skimmers in the sump. Is 2>1? Would there be any benefit or disadvantages to running both? (I'm not worried about power consumption)

2. If I need to choose one or the other which one should I choose?

Thanks!!

SeymourDuncan · Dec 3, 2012

2 is more filtration...but better is all opinion..in my opinion. I use a skimmer that i run about 3 days a week now...any longer and it doesnt foam lol (its a diy). But I have no sps. My zoanthids have shown good growth and color, more extension the day before the skimmer kicks back on. Everyones tank is different and the only way to see what it likes is by trying. 2 skimmers will work. It will clean your water very well. hook em both up and see which one makes more quality product.

I am betting the Recirc. I have always liked a good recirculating skimmer with a slow feed. My skimmer is just venturi until I find a pump that will fit my space constraint.

Which one is larger? more reaction time in a larger bubble chamber. Needlewheel also makes a lot more foam than a venturi, at least not the ones i have used

dubaygv · Dec 3, 2012

Both are needlewheel, but the ASM has a much larger chamber, both in height and diameter

SeymourDuncan · Dec 4, 2012

so larger chamber AND recirc...without trying it that is the one I would use but if I had both I literally would run them side by side and see for myself which one is truly the better skimmer. they may require different water levels though, so you may need to build a small rack for the smaller one.