Thoughts Wanted!!!

T

twiggyman

I am starting a 250gal and building my own sump and refugium. I am not that knowlagable on a skimmer to handle this size tank. It will be a reef tank. Not sure on what corals I will be doing. Just want to get it right the first time with this big of an investment.
Thanks
 
First thing I would do is get yourself an RO unit. That is the best investment to start with.

As fir the skimmer, there are plenty of great skimmers out there. Personally, I am biased toward the MRC skimmers. I have one running right now in the 560g with dual beckets and about to add on the second skimmer.
 
EuroReef, ASM and AquaC are all good brand skimmers for the money.

I personally have a Beckett (MRC) skimmer and wouldn't recommend the becketts. They are not as efficient as other skimmers with regards to dwell time between air/water and they are huge electricity hogs since they require large pumps. I am in the process of upgrading to another skimmer and don't think I will go with another beckett. If you do get a beckett, I would strongly suggest a recirculating version. The recirculation will increase the dwell time/efficiency greatly.

Definately don't go cheap on your skimmer. It will be one of the most important pieces of equipment for your reef tank.
 
Oh yeah, as Phillip said, an RO/DI unit would be a smart move especially with a tank this large. You don't want to have to be going to the LFS and buying water all the time. You will go through probably about 10-20 gallons a week for evaporative top off and a bunch for water changes depending on your change schedule.

I go through about 60 gallons a week for my 360. 20-30 in evap top off and a 30 gallon water change each week.

You will spend between 150.00 and 250.00 for a good unit and it will pay for itself within 6 months to a year depending on your water usage.
 
Here's a good thread on it for a simular sized tank.

http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=27262&highlight=
 
my 2 cents

If you’re planning on a heavy fish load - go with an oversized or larger skimmer, but also plan on more frequent water changes or supplementing trace elements to replenish those lost from heavy skimming

If you’re planning on a light fish but have a good bio diverse cleanup, including live rock, algae’s, filter feeders, scavengers, etc, you can go lighter on the skimmer load.

There are a ton of very valid experienced based opinions that range from not skimming at all to over skimming. IMHO, go light fish load, mixed reef with a good biodiversity clean up, some charcoal, and don’t over skim. You’re doing the right thing by asking and getting peoples opinions, I use a Precision Marine Bullet 2, I don’t know that I would have gone out and bought it, as it just happened to come with a used system I bought. I would think you need to boil down what features you want such as Becket, needle wheel, recirc, etc. pick a couple reputable companies that have good feedback on this forum and start looking for the best value. If you have time, don’t be afraid to buy used, as there is not allot that can fail or wear out on them as long as they were not abused.
 
Besides the RO and tank, I think the skimmer is the next most important thing to buy so plan on dropping some nice $$$ on one. Since you are building your sump, you have options. The first is do you want an in sump skimmer or external. If you go in sump, the two best right now at the Bubble Master or Bubble King. The BM are cheaper but great products the BK are expensive and the best on the market hands down, but cost an arm and a leg. The next down the line would be an H&S, they are cheaper but still excellent and have options for both insump and out.

Here is a link to see all of them.

http://www.finsreef.com/home.php?cat=254

The guy who supplies them is Ed and here is his home page, give him a call, he is a great guy to work with and wont steer you wrong.

http://home.wwdb.org/kmaintl/
 
Well i think that I am going to go with a AquaC EV-240 or 400. One more time I would really apreciate any input on this. The total volume of the system will be around 300gl. Thanks for everyones input!
 
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