has anyone used Berlin Turbo Classic Protein Skimmer

[clownfishplace]

I'm thinking about buying one, but I was wondering if they are recommended or a wast of money. I have a 105 gallon tank that I'm just starting just a couple of fish right now but I want to get a full reef tank going, and I want to make sure this protien skimmer is up to the task. Any help would be great.

[brewercm]

I had one for several years. They are OK, but for the same money I'd get an equivelant sized ASM for probably the same amount of money. BTW, the rating on the Berlin is way over rated. I wouldn't use it on anything larger than what you have.

[deast7]

I had one on a 100g and switched to the Nautilus Turbo Eductor (using a Mag7 pump)-- much bettter system (constantly having to replace the impeller on the Berlin pump) and I'm getting a much better skimmate with the Nautilus -- I have a FOWLR - in my opinion it was sub-standard and you'll probably end up replacing it.

Cheers,

Dave

[gjuarez]

I think I might have gotten cliff's berlin in a trade. Was that one yours cliff? Anyways, the skimmer was pretty good but I also agree with Cliff. FOr the price there are much better skimmers out there. ASM is a good recommendation, I have never used one but I have used a Euro-Reef and they have the same built but different material. I used the berlin in a 29g tank and it worked allright. I seriously doubt that it can handle a 105 though. Look into ASMs.

[clownfishplace]

would a turbo floater be a better choice

[brewercm]

I think you'd be very happy with the turbo floater. It's the same basic design as the ASM, Euroreef.

[caferacermike]

I love my Euroreef. I had a red sea berlin (if that's the one you are talking about) in a box sitting in my house when I was going to set up my tank. A gently used Euroreef came in to Aquatek and I asked about it. I was told numerous times that the Euroreef is so many times nicer that I couldn't even compare the 2. I sold off my berlin and got the ER. True to form it was a breeze. I had zero experience with saltwater at the time I set up my tank. I bought in 140lbs of live sand, 300lbs of live rock and transported 50g of the holding water from the rock wholesaler for my 75g. The same night I put everything in the tank and finished filling with RO. Got my sump level correct and turned on my return pump for the first time. I plugged in the ER and within 30 seconds had it adjusted properly. Every 3 days I have to empty about 4 cups of nasty black jello from it.

I love my ER and I think it has also made my SW experience all that much more enjoyable instead of a constant headache.