Would a AquaMedic Turboflotor 1000 Multi be TOO much for a 35-50G?

mr_alberta · #1 09-06-2007, 01:42 PM

If you already forsee a future tank upgrade, it will be cheaper for you to spend a little more now and get a skimmer that is overrated for your current sized tank.

I don't know too much about the turbofloater, so I will let someone else chime in on that.

DanG · #2 09-06-2007, 05:21 PM

better to over skim than under skim, but also be a bit wary about the "ratings" of many skimmers. The Red Sea Prizm skimmers are rated for almost double the tank size they should be used on, so take any rating with a grain of salt.

Pescador · #3 09-06-2007, 06:46 PM

I had the multi on my first tank a 66g I wouldn't put it on anything much bigger. At the time it was overpriced IMO, I like the Ocean Runner pumps but it has limited adjust-ability and you might have micro bubble issues. With the drop in price of Euroreefs like the RS80 you could do a lot better for the money.
If you do use it for a HOB skimmer tap a drain into the collection cup to a waste container because it will overflow at some point.
Or better set up a small sump (you will eventually anyway

) with an overflow box if your tank isn't drilled, a small return pump and a Euroreef.
The Tunze might be a better option but I have no experience with them.

Puff · #4 09-07-2007, 01:17 AM

the 1000 multi is like 250$ right now, free shipping.

did it do a good job on your 66 gallon?

even a remora pro ends up being within 10-15$ of the multi. which one do you think does a better job?

are the euroreefs really good? is it worth setting up a sump to run one?

i might have to put the reef tank on hold for a while because we're remodeling the house. so hopefully i can talk the powers-that-be in to building a tank in there to set up the reef in...with space for a sump!lol

i might end up just ordering my lights right now as they're on sale, then getting the skimmer once i know exactly how the setup will be. i already know that the tank will most likely be 36" long and 18" deep but if i can run a sump it will change my skimmer options for sure

Pescador · #5 09-07-2007, 03:59 AM

I don't know about the Remora's but I definitely think the Euroreefs are a night and day difference. For a RS-80 its only about $30 more than your looking at.
I would go for a sump, my first was just a 20G tank with homemade partitions and a cheap submersible pump. It gets equipment out of your tank, gives you surface skimming, adds water volume and flow, you can section a bit off for a refugium, and it's easier to top up.
When I converted my Turbofloter to in-sump it never really performed very well.
If you get your main tank drilled with an overflow it could be cheaper than adding a dependable overflow later. Keep your eye out for a used tank there are some good deals around.
I read up for a year before my first tank and I still bought unnecessary stuff.

Puff · #6 09-07-2007, 09:37 AM

i think now ill end up setting up a sump. i have one sitting at the front door, but its got bulkhead's drilled in to it that i plugged and sealed.

i really dont want to have to get a tank drilled. what are some decent overflow kits that dont need drilling? or do they exist?lol

Pescador · #7 09-07-2007, 03:51 PM

I used a Lifereef which uses a U-tube and it was 100% dependable, a lot of people swear by CPR's they are cheaper but you have to hook them to a power head or an Aqualifter pump to ensure they restart in case of a power outage. Kind of an unnecessary risk in IMO, the Lifereef's aren't that much more expensive. (it's cheap flood insurance)
The bulkhead in your sump is great, it gives you the option of using an external pump, skimmer or refugium down the road.