ASM skimmers

[DevilBoy]

I am really intrested in buying a ASM skimmer. But after reading a ASM skimmer club thread over on RC i might have changed my mind on these skimmers. I read posts on this thread about how peoples ASM's would overflow for no reason at all after the skimmer ran perfect 6 months. Some people say how there ASM's leak. Is there anyone else out there that runs a ASM and have been having trouble with it? Should i spend the 300-400 dollars on it, or just purchase another skimmer? If so what kind?

[combiemaster]

well i have the asm g2 on my 130g with a heavy bioload. about 14 fish. I did the gate valve mod and i love it. ive had it for about 6-7 months with no problems. I had it go crazy one time when i put in some brine it just went crazy but nothing bad. Ive heard that the asm for bigger tank are not really good. As for me i am happy with it but when i get my 350g i will go with a MRC 2 because i have heard nothing but good things about thats skimmer. Oh i just noticed you have a MR1 are you happy with that?? any chance i can see a pic of you skimmer set up? thanks

[DevilBoy]

Actually i just sold my MRC. but here is a picture of it

[frankandmaura]

I have the G2 on my 125...I think it works great, but I actually have nothing to compare it to. This is my first skimmer. The only complaint I have is a small one. The valve that the air hose hooks up to gets partialy clogged at times (with calcium deposits) and it causes the unit to flow a little more heavy than normal. I just have to take it off (soak it in some vinegar) and shove a screw in there and it is good as new. I have not done the gate valve mod yet, but I plan on it in the near future.

I think they are very user friendly and easy to maintain...and the overflow problem is not an issue if you have it sitting in the sump, which I do.

[DARKREEF]

I have a G-6 on my system. 210g main, 150 sump, 90 return sump and 85g cube. I am currently skimming wet, went BB in MT and I couldnt be happier with how it performs. I can adjust exactly how I want it to work, wet or very dry.


Dry phase while I had DSB, 1 day of skimmate

[ReefNeck]

I have a G2 on my 75G reef with a heavy load and another G2 on my wife's 75G with a heavy load. Both have performed flawlessly and never given me any trouble at all. Neither one is modded in any way yet.

[tashier]

I have a G3 on my 120. Works great. I think if it ever overflows there IS a reason for it, you may just not always be able to figure it out. Usually the causes are newly mixed ASW, sliming corals, new sock filters.

[DevilBoy]

Originally Posted by ReefNeck

I have a G2 on my 75G reef with a heavy load and another G2 on my wife's 75G with a heavy load. Both have performed flawlessly and never given me any trouble at all. Neither one is modded in any way yet.

The people i have been talking to about the ASMs have been telling me that the G2 would be too small for a 75G ?

[frankandmaura]

Originally Posted by DevilBoy

The people i have been talking to about the ASMs have been telling me that the G2 would be too small for a 75G ?

Wow...They are rated (obviously by the manufacturer) up to like 200 gals...I know we want to be on the safe side, but I think you would be fine on your 75. I have mine on a 125 and it does a very nice job.

[DevilBoy]

i am also looking for the typical upgrade in the future of something as large as 180 or maybe larger. and then i wouldnt have to buy me a bigger skimmer.

But they did tell me ASM over rates there skimmers by alot




Does anyone know the dimensions of a 40g breeder?

[frankandmaura]

I think you would still be fine with a G3, but if you want to be safe go with the G4...

Also, mpdharley is selling a G3 for $225. Ssee this link...not sure if it still available.
http://thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92097

[Nyles]

If you don't clean the neck for extended periods of time it will leak a little, just pop off the twist off top and clean with a toothbrush. I have had mine for a year, only time I have trouble overflowing is when I add large amounts of nutrients in (prodibio reef booster), it does its job and foams like crazy to remove the products. Its a simple skimmer and easy to tune, I give them thumbs up.

I purchased from aquamartonline.com and had great experiences, had a small problem and they shipped out replacement part ASAP, easy to deal with.

[ReefNeck]

Originally Posted by DevilBoy

The people i have been talking to about the ASMs have been telling me that the G2 would be too small for a 75G ?

That's news to me. One of mine replaced a Coralife Super Skimmer 220 and it does a much better job than the 220 did. I am very pleased with the ASM's!

[DevilBoy]

Originally Posted by frankandmaura

I think you would still be fine with a G3, but if you want to be safe go with the G4...

Also, mpdharley is selling a G3 for $225. Ssee this link...not sure if it still available.
http://thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92097

\



the G3 will not fit. it is too tall at 25"

[frankandmaura]

I still think the G2 is adequate.