Reef Discussion

n0rk

Member
Aug 10, 2011
412
250
Brisbane
The main question is tang lover and nork, how much better and how do you define a skimmer that is really good? Whats so good about them?
How much better? Enough that you could spend your money literally anywhere else for a skimmer providing it's recent and come out in front - regardless of how little you were spending. Something like a Bubble Magus NAC-7 is an excellent example - they were retailing for about $115 and (on an appropriately sized system) maintaining water quality in some cases significantly better than skimmers from half a decade ago that were around ten times that figure.

As to how to define what is good? Quite simple, really. Their ability to maintain an adequate level of fixation of dissolved organics and remove such wastes from a system's watershed. Also, the ability to do so in an efficient manner is a major advance. Needlewheels are now at a point where even the least efficient of which can process much larger quantities of water and provide a much more stable and higher rate of air for shredding. For a needlewheel design which most skimmers we have access to as hobbyists tend to be, these are both major improvements from the gear of old.

Skimmers have hit a point now where even the worst will still do the job at a reasonable level. "Better" is relative, granted, but the improvements are able to be mapped quite well and quite clearly.
 

rusty1

Member
Jul 21, 2011
179
77
Gold Coast QLD
Generally with the cheaper 1's find something that has double your tank size as a guide.

If you go better end gear, go closer to your tank size as the ratings are more realistic. The budget 1's are rated on a lowly stocked system and we rarley stock low ;)
 

n0rk

Member
Aug 10, 2011
412
250
Brisbane
I disagree with that statement, Matt. Bubble Magus are well built (exceptionally well for the price) and are actually a premium brand everywhere else - we just got lucky in that we get it dirt cheap compared to the prices everyone else pays. In having said that, I wouldn't touch a Marine Sources with Rusty's hands.