The LAST big upgrade

[xtreme]

BK Deluxe 500
Rated up to 1300G
About 5 grand

That thing must be a monster.

[Phanman]

another option is the I-tech skimmer, I have the 100 and think it works fantastic. Obviously you would need a 400 or a superbeast but they can make one for you.

http://www.i-techskimmers.com/forums/

Also there is a i-tech skimmer thread on RC if you need more info

[michika]

Originally Posted by xtreme

BK Deluxe 500
Rated up to 1300G
About 5 grand

That thing must be a monster.

I saw a picture shortly after I posted my original comments about skimmer choices...its huge, and beautiful...and really expensive. I'm just not so sure its worth all that money.

[michika]

Originally Posted by mseepman

You mention above that you are looking at the BK Supermarine 250 but in looking at it's specs, it's only rated to 750G.

For some reason J&L shows up to 2500G at the top of their listing and then in the specs below they list what BK actually says it can do.

I just thought you should know, in case that's where you got the idea it could handle your tank.

Yup that was exactly where I originally got the BK idea. I did go on further to look at all the other options, the ones that will not only break the bank, but they'll steal your soul too!

*edit*
Because I just have to know, I did put in a call to inquire about a BK skimmer, the appropriate size, price, etc. I think I owe it to myself to at least fully research it before I saw no.

[mseepman]

Because you already have the Octo skimmer, I think you might be best served with dual skimmers combining to your recommended size so that if one goes down, you are not totally without skimming.

In that case, you have a lot more choices, like a smaller BK (still a little pricey) or maybe the CAT3 Hurricone.

Alternatively, people have been happy with their Aquamedic T5000's for a long time. Here's a link to the twin version for 1250G tanks. http://www.aquacave.com/turboflotor-...edic-1060.html

Aquacave ships to Canada happily and their customer service has been quite good for me.

*edit*
Here's a link for another company making big skimmers that I've heard okay things about. http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html

[michika]

So the quote on that BK 500 rivals the quote on the HVAC system. Kevin was unimpressed and I think he is leaning towards building his own skimmer now.

We don't have the space for two skimmers, I don't think, but I'm more then willing the measure it out and keep looking though. I just want to make sure that I don't have to go an upgrade again a year or two after I put whatever skimmer(s) on this system.

[michika]

I picked up some more rock for this tank, its cooking away now so really there isn't much to do with that.

We're preparing to blow out a wall in the basement just by the stairs to get the stand in its proper position, however we're waiting on a firm confirmation on when the stand will be ready before we do that.

Tibet is going to most likely have a custom built skimmer now that we've really looked into our options. We aren't big on daisy chaining two together, and I'm honestly not willing to pony up the cash for a Bubble King regardless of its reputation. I also looked at Octopus' new line of Hurricone Skimmers, and it doesn't look like any single one will handle the tanks needs. Well I can now cross it off my list and move it to the to-do side of things.

Next up:
- more demo (it never seems to end)
- painting the floor in the fishroom
- getting the stand in place
- getting the water change system up and running
- ordering the tank
- framing the stand and tank

[steveg]

Hi there, looks like quite an exciting project! I have just moved into the area and am planning a basement tank too, not as big but I would welcome your recommendation as to where to get a tank from. Good luck!

[michika]

Welcome to the area!

So far its really looking like we'll be building this sucker ourselves in the basement due to accessibility issues. I've never purchased a tank from a builder, or a store, so unfortunately I don't have a lot of recommendations. I used to buy my tanks 2nd hand, and now I just buy the glass and we assemble them ourselves. You might want to try the Calgary forum and ask for a list of places who sell/build tanks.

[wickedfrags]

Outstanding skimmers, the current owner of Oakville Reef Gallery uses the 3000 on his 460G+/- display. I use the 1000 on my 270, very well constructed, but do take up alot of room and require a powerful pressure-rated pump. The BK's are great also and use little electricity, a buddy of mine bought one about 6 months back and could not be more happy with it.

Here's a link for another company making big skimmers that I've heard okay things about. http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html