YHSublime June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 So I would like to upgrade my skimmer. I currently have an AquaEuroUSA Classic 135 I am thinking about moving to this: Reef octopus extreme 160 protein skimmer with a psk-2500 motor Is there anybody around that has one that can give me some pros and cons? All the reviews I have read were super positive, but some folks said it was a really loud. Others said it was really quiet. The small footprint is what appeals to me, opening up my already stuffed sump.
trockafella June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 I've heard good things about them too.. Have you looked into the.avast skimmers?
zygote2k June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 PSK 2500's are junk. They have a poor reputation for failing to start properly after a power interruption. Go with the PSK 1000's and go with an AVAST. IMO, the non-recirc model works the best if used with an ATO to keep perfect water level.
Jason Rhoads June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 Dude, I have an older version of the extreme 160. Come by and check it out when you want. I love mine, and dont think it is too loud. The footprint is awesome.
Jason Rhoads June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 I dont remember which sicce pump I have, but it has yet to fail to start in the 3+ years I have had it running.
trockafella June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 I will vouch for crappy psk2500.. I had one on a different skimmer and it was crap. I just sold my SWC 160 and it was an AWESOME skimmer, super quiet, small foot print, and never had it fail or not restart once..
YHSublime June 24, 2013 Author June 24, 2013 Interesting feedback. I have looked into the Avasts. I like them, a lot. I've invested in an Apex this month, so play money is spent. The reason i ask is because I've found a fantastic deal on this skimmer and pump, and it's the footprint I've been looking for, this thing is (like Jason mentioned) the perfect footprint. I'll have to swing on by and see. That's a bummer about the psk2500. I did some looking around, the complaints, again, with the PSK2500 are noise based. Overall, it would seem the general consensus was pretty positive. Trock, I wanted to buy your SWC160! Who took it, maybe they want to pass it my way!
Origami June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 I had a (SWC) skimmer equipped with two PSK2500's and had restart issues with both pumps when power was reapplied. This means the skimmer would not always restart after a power blackout and even prevented my shutting the skimmer down during a feeding cycle. The PSK-1000's draw a little less air, but their start-up reliability in a skimmer application is much better and, to me, warrants using that pump over the 2500.
trockafella June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 Sam bought it.. I doubt he is gonna sell it as he is gonna be out of town for a while... You can find them Rc and R2R..
YHSublime June 24, 2013 Author June 24, 2013 Sam bought it.. I doubt he is gonna sell it as he is gonna be out of town for a while... You can find them Rc and R2R.. That makes two deals Sam has beat me to in one week.
monkiboy June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 the 160 is a lot of skimmer for such a small tank, though. you'd be set with a SWC120 and the footprint sounds ideal either way. i have the 120 & 160 and love the saltwaterconnection line. they are super reliable, quiet, and i've never had a single problem with them in over four years. good luck no matter which way you go!
YHSublime June 24, 2013 Author June 24, 2013 I had a (SWC) skimmer equipped with two PSK2500's and had restart issues with both pumps when power was reapplied. This means the skimmer would not always restart after a power blackout and even prevented my shutting the skimmer down during a feeding cycle. The PSK-1000's draw a little less air, but their start-up reliability in a skimmer application is much better and, to me, warrants using that pump over the 2500. Thanks for explaining that, Tom. That is important info to keep in mind, especially when I get my Apex hooked up. the 160 is a lot of skimmer for such a small tank, though. you'd be set with a SWC120 and the footprint sounds ideal either way. i have the 120 & 160 and love the saltwaterconnection line. they are super reliable, quiet, and i've never had a single problem with them in over four years. good luck no matter which way you go! From what I've read, bigger is better with the skimmers? I've heard good things about the SWC's, thanks for the advice!
monkiboy June 24, 2013 June 24, 2013 From what I've read, bigger is better with the skimmers? I've heard good things about the SWC's, thanks for the advice! i usually double up on the rated capacity, yes but in my experience with the SWC theirs are not overinflated numbers and i find are/were capable of more than their "heavy load" or max rating so if you can save money and the fit is better because of the smaller footprint while still maintaining excellent performance for your size tank and bioload, why not take advantage?
YHSublime June 24, 2013 Author June 24, 2013 i usually double up on the rated capacity, yes but in my experience with the SWC theirs are not overinflated numbers and i find are/were capable of more than their "heavy load" or max rating so if you can save money and the fit is better because of the smaller footprint while still maintaining excellent performance for your size tank and bioload, why not take advantage? Touché!
L8 2 RISE June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 (edited) That makes two deals Sam has beat me to in one week. Heh heh heh. Took me about 20 minutes to squeeze it in so it is not coming out! Edited June 25, 2013 by L8 2 RISE
Mattiejay6 June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 I've been looking at rlss r6 and the new reef octopus diablo's with the new dc pump.
YHSublime June 25, 2013 Author June 25, 2013 Heh heh heh. Took me about 20 minutes to squeeze it in so it is not coming out! Well, at least you got it in! Vertex omega 150 Nice looking skimmer, good reviews. Bigger footprint, but looks like it'll get the job done. I've been looking at rlss r6 and the new reef octopus diablo's with the new dc pump. I looked at the Diablo's, they pop up a lot with the extremes. I love the diablos! Cool amd easy little skimmer Trade you a Reef Octopus Extreme 160 for your SWC160, it's a great easy little skimmer
Jason Rhoads June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 Can you get one of the Diablo pumps and use it on the RO Extreme you have? If the PSK 2500 is the issue that would save you from having to buy the entire unit.
YHSublime June 25, 2013 Author June 25, 2013 Can you get one of the Diablo pumps and use it on the RO Extreme you have? If the PSK 2500 is the issue that would save you from having to buy the entire unit. also a good idea.
Mattiejay6 June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 Such decisions to make when it comes to skimmers.... Hmm I'm inthe same boat.. I like the variable speed pump on the diablo and the fact the pump isn't inside the skimmer.. But how reliable is the pump? How good is the diablo skimmer in general?? Hmmm
Oprah Wrangler June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 (edited) I've been looking at rlss r6 and the new reef octopus diablo's with the new dc pump. Go for the rlss. I have one and it is amazing the amount of skimming it does as well as how quiet it is. I would not know this thing was running if not for all the skimming it is doing. I got mine from Quantum Reefs. Great Skimmer. I also use one of the rlss pumps as my return pump, equally quiet and awesome. Edited June 25, 2013 by Oprah Wrangler
steveoutlaw June 25, 2013 June 25, 2013 You know, you could get my MRC beckett skimmer and that will take care of ALL of your tanks! Plus, it's external and you have more options of where to put it.
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