euroreef extruded vs cast acrylic

[mg]

Anyone know how to tell the difference between the 2. I am looking at buying a used RS80 for a small tank but want to make sure I am getting what I pay for.

[Twitterbait]

I would think that close observation with a jewlers scope would show extrusion lines in the acrylic... they would be very fine to invisible. there has to be an easier way...

[mg]

I was hoping there would be an easy way as well.

[wharyat]

Cast is stronger than extruded, and doesn't have the extrusion lines (extremly fine, as mentioned).

For a skimmer, I wouldn't see the point of using cast.

[mg]

I didn't see the point either, my calcium reactour was all extruded acrylic. I would just go with ASM but I think the collection cups are a pain to take off no all the ones I have tried (G3 and G4). It was just getting frustrating when looking for a RS80 and they were all selling for $150-180 used. The extruded ones are $180 new. If I go with the RS80 I think I will buy the new one for $180, but I am not sure if I want to go to the next model. This is for a 65 gallon reef that will most likely be SPS. I initailly thought it will be fine even if I heavily stock the tank, but then I started to question if it is big enough. The RS100 is about $100 more because it is cast acrylic.

Originally Posted by wharyat

Cast is stronger than extruded, and doesn't have the extrusion lines (extremly fine, as mentioned).

For a skimmer, I wouldn't see the point of using cast.

[reefermike1]

same skimmer ive been considering. 180 for a new euroreef just seems too good to be true though.

[mg]

Originally Posted by reefermike1

same skimmer ive been considering. 180 for a new euroreef just seems too good to be true though.

For what size tank?