Skimmer help for 90g BB

[King-Kong]

When I first setup my tank I had 0 appreciation for the true meaning of BB. Though I created a faux bottom, I had low flow, and only selected an ASM G-2 (sedra 3500) for my skimming.

Now, with much time and reading, I've learned a lot more about the theories behind BB (thanks all). With that said, I'd like to add a second skimmer, and need opinions/suggestions.

I dont have much flexibility in the space department. Here is a pic of the ASM G-2 in the first compartment of my sump: http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/16-asm2.jpg . Water enters this compartment first (where the ASM G-2 is an absolute perfect fit for, almost touching each of the edges).

The next compartment in my sump currently has some chaeto (which I hope to one day remove), and otherwise is the settling portion (mag7 return) allowing me to siphon detritus out that isnt picked up by the skimmer.

It's in this area that I'd like to add my second skimmer. I do not have much room (it is a 33g long, so depth is 12", with longer width, but cut off by the tank's brace (http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/10-tankdesk.jpg better view here).

I was considering purchasing another ASM G-2, but having a sedra 5000 used instead of the stock 3500. This is both affordable, and would fit well for my tank. However, I see lots of talk of beckets, and have eyed the MRC-1 (though it is much more involved, larger, far more expensive, and seems to require an external pump(?)).

O' masters of the BB theory, help guide me, so that I too may have success in my fledgling tank. . What skimmer should I aim for?!

A pictorial history of my tank is available here: http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/ (most recent images being numbered the highest).

Thank you!

[Wiskey]

I have used needle-wheel skimmers, and when I got my MRC MR-2 I was blown away. I love Beckett skimmers, and I am not going back. Granted you need the right pump, it has to be pressure rated, and they suck the power (150W), but I personally feel that it is worth it. With this setup I am processing about 1,000 GPH through my skimmer, much faster than any needle-wheel I have ever used.

My skimmer is a MRC MR-2, powered by a GenX PCX 55 and I feel this is about the perfect combo, I think it would work great for your tank, I plan to use this on my 120 when I get it.

Rather than 2 skimmers, why not look into getting one MR-2? Check the dimensions, see if it will fit, if it will, I would seriously think about this option. Remember also that the MR-2 can be run externally as well, so it might give you a couple extra options.

HTH,
Whiskey

[three90s&125sump]

Run them both. Run the beckett wet and the needle wheel semi-dry. I am going to eventually get a becket that matches my G-6 and do that combo.

[REEF-DADDY]

If look back a spell there was a big debate on barebottom skimmers. You'll see where I weigh in for Becketts. Skimming wet is key and becketts do it better. The idea of running 2 skimmers is sexy and has always tempted me, but I feed like a mad man and my water quality is impeccable. So why do I need 2? You know?

[PaintGuru]

Can you run Becketts internal or are they usually run outside of the sump area? I may at some point upgrade to a Beckett, but I just redesigned my sump and don't feel like doing it again

[Wiskey]

You can use the skimmer in sump, but there is no worthwile pump to run it that can be used in sump.

The pump is the most important part of a Beckett skimmer, and without the right one the skimmer is about useless.

HTH,
Whiskey

[three90s&125sump]

Originally Posted by REEF-DADDY

If look back a spell there was a big debate on barebottom skimmers. You'll see where I weigh in for Becketts. Skimming wet is key and becketts do it better. The idea of running 2 skimmers is sexy and has always tempted me, but I feed like a mad man and my water quality is impeccable. So why do I need 2? You know?

I just meant there is no reason to toss a good skimmer and there is some benifit to running a dry and a wet skimmer at the same time. I am not sure of the specifics but it has to do with the size of the organics that each method removes from the water.

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally Posted by three90s&125sump

I just meant there is no reason to toss a good skimmer and there is some benifit to running a dry and a wet skimmer at the same time. I am not sure of the specifics but it has to do with the size of the organics that each method removes from the water.

I smell what you are cooking. The only thing I dislike about becketts is that they stop producing foam when you feed or put your hand in the tank. NW don't have this problem. I've often thought of running both. I guess my point is what more do I need? You know?

[King-Kong]

My ASM has reduced bubble production when I feed or place my hand in. The maximum level of the bubbles reduces inside of the top chamber.

I dont want to dump this ASM, however. It has done me well for some time, and creates good levels of skimmate. Instead I want to supplement.

Also money isnt infinite for me; the best solution would be to get a skimmer that when combined with my ASM G-2, would give me a combined skimming power of a MRC MR-2, (which would be suitable for my tank, I assume).

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally Posted by King-Kong

My ASM has reduced bubble production when I feed or place my hand in. The maximum level of the bubbles reduces inside of the top chamber.

I dont want to dump this ASM, however. It has done me well for some time, and creates good levels of skimmate. Instead I want to supplement.

Also money isnt infinite for me; the best solution would be to get a skimmer that when combined with my ASM G-2, would give me a combined skimming power of a MRC MR-2, (which would be suitable for my tank, I assume).

I hear what your saying I've owned 3 ASM's. On a Beckett skimmate production is halted for 30-60 minutes after feeding, on a NW is slows down a bit but in 10-15 minutes it was always back on par. Just to be clear I am not for or against any skimmmer. My father just set up a 90 DSB and I got him a G3 for it. It just suits his needs. IME skimming wet is key for sucess in BB. NW skimmers are just not designed for it. Some people tweak them and get them to skim wet for a NW but they just can't touch the wet skimming abilty of a Beckett. I can pull out half a gallon of skimmate per day or I can pull out 5 with a twist of a knob. Not to mention features like auto shut off and the quality of an MRC product compared to an ASM

You can go out and buy a G1 for around $200 which IME/IMHO would roughly equal a MR2. You can also sell your G-2, there is a good market for used ASM's. I bet you would get $175 easy. Myreefcreations sells a MR2 package for 424 with a pcx-55. Thats easily upgraded to a MR-3 if you needed to down the line. Heck you could even get away with an MR-1($335) for now. Just my .02 after owning about 6-7 different skimmers over the years

[King-Kong]

Originally Posted by REEF-DADDY

I hear what your saying I've owned 3 ASM's. On a Beckett skimmate production is halted for 30-60 minutes after feeding, on a NW is slows down a bit but in 10-15 minutes it was always back on par. Just to be clear I am not for or against any skimmmer. My father just set up a 90 DSB and I got him a G3 for it. It just suits his needs. IME skimming wet is key for sucess in BB. NW skimmers are just not designed for it. Some people tweak them and get them to skim wet for a NW but they just can't touch the wet skimming abilty of a Beckett. I can pull out half a gallon of skimmate per day or I can pull out 5 with a twist of a knob. Not to mention features like auto shut off and the quality of an MRC product compared to an ASM

You can go out and buy a G1 for around $200 which IME/IMHO would roughly equal a MR2. You can also sell your G-2, there is a good market for used ASM's. I bet you would get $175 easy. Myreefcreations sells a MR2 package for 424 with a pcx-55. Thats easily upgraded to a MR-3 if you needed to down the line. Heck you could even get away with an MR-1($335) for now. Just my .02 after owning about 6-7 different skimmers over the years

The main issue I have with a becket is logistics. See, for me, the NW is simple and easy to setup. No plumbing, throw it in the sump, and im done.

I could fit a G3, and possibly see about getting the sedra9000 placed on it, instead of the second g2 w/ sedra5000. That would still cost ~$60 less than the MRC-1.

I do not think I can fit an MRC-2 under my stand, not to mention the location of the pump. I think for me, the debate is; MRC-1 ($330, and I'll need help with laying it out and learning how to plumb it/use it), or ASM G-3 (with perhaps Sedra9000, cost unknown, but perhaps around $270). I do not want to sell the G-2; I'll just end up taking a hit on something that I think is working fine.

[King-Kong]

..and in regards to plumbing the MR-1, how large are the pumps, and how can I plumb the intake for the external pump without drilling the sump? I saw someone just had a flexible PVC line hanging inside of their sump; is that wise/efficient?

[PaintGuru]

Originally Posted by King-Kong

The main issue I have with a becket is logistics. See, for me, the NW is simple and easy to setup. No plumbing, throw it in the sump, and im done.

I could fit a G3, and possibly see about getting the sedra9000 placed on it, instead of the second g2 w/ sedra5000. That would still cost ~$60 less than the MRC-1.

I do not think I can fit an MRC-2 under my stand, not to mention the location of the pump. I think for me, the debate is; MRC-1 ($330, and I'll need help with laying it out and learning how to plumb it/use it), or ASM G-3 (with perhaps Sedra9000, cost unknown, but perhaps around $270). I do not want to sell the G-2; I'll just end up taking a hit on something that I think is working fine.

I'm with ya. Until I get a place where I can setup an "equipment room" or a basement sump area, I don't think it is practical to do a skimmer that is outside of my sump area.

[King-Kong]

Originally Posted by PaintGuru

I'm with ya. Until I get a place where I can setup an "equipment room" or a basement sump area, I don't think it is practical to do a skimmer that is outside of my sump area.

Exactly. While I try to make the inside of my tank look beautiful, I think we sometimes forget about the outside (those of us lacking thousands in square feet of extra space). It's important that I not expand the mini-empire my tank is already taking up.

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally Posted by King-Kong

..and in regards to plumbing the MR-1, how large are the pumps, and how can I plumb the intake for the external pump without drilling the sump? I saw someone just had a flexible PVC line hanging inside of their sump; is that wise/efficient?

Do this call Andy at MRC, it will be time well spent for you. The plumbing is really very easy, but ask Andy what your options are. You can even run these things in a little water. Good Luck Steve