Euro-Reef Skimmer reviews needed

Buddyboy · #1 11-23-2007, 11:35 PM

External Euroreef skimmers will be prefixed with the letters RC (recirculating). Insump skimmers will be prefixed with the letters RS. Atleast with their newer line of skimmers!

Snappy · #2 11-24-2007, 06:18 AM

I have the RC500 and I am very pleased with it. I know a few other reef buddies that have the same unit and they are happy as well.

sphelps · #3 11-24-2007, 04:54 PM

I would go with the RS80 or the RS100, which ever you budget best allows for. The RS135 is not a good one at this time, the pump is way too big for the size of the skimmer and you cannot keep the bubbles inside the skimmer. The other two are great though, I install them all the time and they are probably the best bang for the buck at this time, also a really easy skimmer to operate.

Zylumn · #4 11-24-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

I would go with the RS80 or the RS100, which ever you budget best allows for. The RS135 is not a good one at this time, the pump is way too big for the size of the skimmer and you cannot keep the bubbles inside the skimmer. The other two are great though, I install them all the time and they are probably the best bang for the buck at this time, also a really easy skimmer to operate.

sphelps I am just in the market for a rs135. I am glad I saw your reply. Is there any way to compensate for the pump being too large or if so what pump would work best for it.
Thanks
Kevin

kwirky · #5 11-24-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zylumn

sphelps I am just in the market for a rs135. I am glad I saw your reply. Is there any way to compensate for the pump being too large or if so what pump would work best for it.
Thanks
Kevin

install bubble traps in your sump

jslaney · #6 11-24-2007, 07:45 PM

Zylum, thanks for posting this question.

Dont mean to hijack but a few people have complained about noise with the euro reefs.

I was going get one of the smaller in sump euros but noise is a big concern of mine. Any other option for tried and true and quiet skimmers.

Thanks,

Jon

sphelps · #7 11-24-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jslaney

Zylum, thanks for posting this question.

Dont mean to hijack but a few people have complained about noise with the euro reefs.

I was going get one of the smaller in sump euros but noise is a big concern of mine. Any other option for tried and true and quiet skimmers.

Thanks,

Jon

The majority of noise from these skimmers comes from the air line, you just need to make a silencer. The best way to do this is install a PVC cap on the output riser pipe, drill a small hole (~3/16) in the top of the cap, then drill a 3/8" hole in the side of the pipe right below the new cap and run the air line through the hole and into the riser pipe.

Josh23 · #8 11-25-2007, 12:06 AM

is an RS 100 going to be ok with a 80 gallon tank and 30 gallon sump - I was thinking about the 135 as a possibility but not im concerned and the 180 is a lot more money. What do you think.

sphelps · #9 11-24-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zylumn

sphelps I am just in the market for a rs135. I am glad I saw your reply. Is there any way to compensate for the pump being too large or if so what pump would work best for it.
Thanks
Kevin

Trust me, I've installed a few of these, you'll need a large sump with slow flow to keep the bubbles out your tank. I've installed these in 40" sumps with plenty baffles but still get bubbles in the tank running the skimmer stock. The best solution I've found to solve this problem is to install a 1" ball valve on the input of the pump (ball valve -> venturi -> pump -> skimmer) this allow you to cut back the flow without any major mods, ideally it would be better to place the valve on the output of the pump but that results in more in sump space required. With the ball valve in place you can tune the flow rate to a point where the bubbles remain in the skimmer. The best pump for this skimmer would be the 3500 (same as RS80 and 100) this pump is still large enough.

It's hard to say if you'll experience the same problems, Euro Reef seems to be changing their pumps all the time (from sedra to gen-x, and now both), so depending where you get it and when it was ordered from wholesale you may or may not have these problems. I just now the latest ones coming out of wholesale have these pumps.

Honestly the difference between the RS100 and 135 is very small, just a few inches taller, I would use the 100 over the 135 and expect just as effective skimming. Either that or go to the 180.

Don't get me wrong Euro Reef skimmers are excellent, it's only the RS135 that could use a different pump selection.