Euroreef Mod/Upgrade

[CoryDude]

I have an older CS 6-2 w/a Sedra KSP 3500 pump running on a 90gal w/medium bioload.

Euroreef's support team recommended an upgrade kit they sell which converts the skimmer to a recirculating model. It comes w/Sedra 5000, plumbing, and drill bits for $300.

Anyone ever tried this before. I'm a little leary about drilling the curved acrylic.

I was also thinking maybe just go w/the upgraded pump (Sedra 5000). Would I see any improved performance between that and my current Sedra 3500?

Or, should I save my $$ and get a Deltec APF600?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[sharkboy]

deltec...when you add the $300 towards the upgrade...sure makes for an expensive skimmer

[CoryDude]

The sedra 5000 is aprox $134. Just not sure if I can expect that much of a boost w/an upgraded pump and if it's even worth the $130+.

I'm the same way on the $300 upgrade. Once upgrades reach 50% of the costs of a new skimmer, then what's the point in upgrading.

The family and I are moving back to Austin once I graduate next year, so I was trying to hold off on buying a new skimmer till then.

[SoLiD]

You could also buy a D.A.S EX-2 ($416 shipped on Ebay) or D.A.S EX-3 ($619 shipped on Ebay). They are Clones of Deltec's Recirculating Skimmers. I have an EX-2 and it really pulls out some gross stuff in no time flat. I just thought I'd give you more options.

BTW: I think the Deltec APF6000 and the D.A.S EX-1 ($300 Shipped) are the Exact same Skimmer.

http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/apf600.php

http://stores.petorama.net/Detail.bok?no=73

[Ed]

You can also mod the ER you have. Gate valve mod, I mean. This makes it far easier to control the water level and run wet, dry, or in between. Another almost free improvement is to very carefully drill the air hose connection on the venturi. Use a drill bit with a slightly larger diameter than the inside diameter of the connection. Did both of these on my CS 8-2 and it made a huge difference. HTH.

[CoryDude]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm checking the Deltec clones right now.

Going w/the pump upgrade to the Sedra 5000 ($130+ shipping) for now per Euroreef's advice. New pump will double the lpm of air injected. Kudos to EuroReef. Got responses to my emails within 3 hours each time, and the skimmer is over 4 years old and discontinued! Not a lot of companies provide awesome service like that.

[CoryDude]

You could also buy a D.A.S EX-2 ($416 shipped on Ebay) or D.A.S EX-3 ($619 shipped on Ebay). They are Clones of Deltec's Recirculating Skimmers. I have an EX-2 and it really pulls out some gross stuff in no time flat. I just thought I'd give you more options.

What size tank are you running w/the EX-2?

[CoryDude]

You can also mod the ER you have. Gate valve mod, I mean. This makes it far easier to control the water level and run wet, dry, or in between. Another almost free improvement is to very carefully drill the air hose connection on the venturi. Use a drill bit with a slightly larger diameter than the inside diameter of the connection. Did both of these on my CS 8-2 and it made a huge difference. HTH.

Thanks! That will help w/the clogging problem I have on the air inlet. It's now on my to-do list for this weekend!

[SoLiD]

What size tank are you running w/the EX-2?

156g Tank with a 45g Refugium.

[SoLiD]

From the story I've heard... The owner Deltec and the owner of DAS are really good diving buddies from back in the day. I don't know if it's true but it sounded good.