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How to choose the right skimmer for your aquarium

Choosing the right skimmer for your aquarium is all about understanding "Bio-Load". When a skimmer can handle the bio-load of the system, it will actually “idle” when the level of Dissolved Organic Compounds ( DOC’s) drops low enough to limit fractionation. i.e., there aren’t enough DOC’s to form a stable head of Foamate. When a skimmer cannot handle the bio-load, it will continuously be creating foamate and skimmate and never “idle”. This is a clear indication that the skimmer is undersized for the system and should be upgraded or modified to handle the existing bio-load. Most skimmer manufactures base their system rating or capacity on one simple premise: Economy While this rating system makes it look like you are getting more bang for your buck, in most cases it will do little to actually achieve the purpose of a protein skimmer! To get the most out of a skimmer and optimize your investment dollars, you must purchase a well engineered, properly rated protein skimmer. At Reef Dynamics, that's exactly what we do.

How We Rate Our Protein Skimmers

(Work in progress)

The “ratings” game. Every manufacturer has different ratings for their products but few, if any, provide the reasoning as to how they arrived at those ratings. Euro-Reef was THE FIRST* manufacturer to publish realistic ratings for our protein skimmers and at Reef Dynamics we follow in that tradition and conviction. We offer both "Capacity" and "Ideal"" ratings for all of our products so that you can properly compare them against the other products. All of the “Capacity” and “Ideal” ratings you see here are based upon tested factors that we have established after 25 years in the trade and 15 years making protein skimmers.There are physical design elements that are important such as reaction chamber size and shape, transition design, and neck size, but there are also measurable parameters which include air intake and water flow through rates that are a critical part of establishing the ratings for a given protein skimmer

We will use the Reef Dynamics Model INS80 as an example. Here we are taking a skimmer that is 5" in diameter and 22" tall and comparing it with protein skimmers of a similar size: ASM G-1X, Aquamedic "Turboflotor T1000", Red Sea "Berlin X2", Kent "Nautilus", Coralife "Super Skimmer 125", Vertex "IN80", Octopus "4" Pinwheel In Sump Skimmer".

One key factor of comparison is the volume of air the skimmer pulls in. Measured in liters per hour (lph), the amount of air the skimmer takes in translates directly to surface area for collection of dissolved organic compounds (DOC’s) and therefore skimming efficiency.

Here's an example of how our product rating breaks down for the model INS80:

CAPACITY: The INS80 is rated to filter up to 250 gallons of total system water volume when compared with other like sized products on the market.

IDEAL: The INS80 is ideal for "Mixed Reef" aquarium systems with a total capacity of +/- 80 gallons with a medium/average bio-load. A "Mixed Reef" system is typically comprised of a mixture of soft corals, hard corals and a small fish population along with a few small crustaceans etc. These systems typically put out less DOC's that the heavier stocked "Fish Only" Systems and have less restrictive requirements on water quality than "SPS" systems.

IDEAL: The INS80 is ideal for "Fish Only" aquarium systems with a total capacity of +/- 50 gallons, especially those that do not use any live rock or sand, typically have a much higher bio-load when compared to the same sized Reef Aquarium and therefore require a far more powerful protein skimmer. The reason for this is that fish with a similar physical "biomass" to a given coral or colony of corals release substantially more waste that the coral, and this puts a greater amount of DOC's - specifically urine and fecal matter- into the water column.

IDEAL: The INS80 is ideal for "SPS" aquarium systems with a total capacity of +/- 50 gallons with a heavy bio-load. "SPS" systems (aquaria with a focus on Small Polyped Stony corals) benefit from a high rate of organic extraction as it promotes and enhances coloration in corals by limiting the nutrients available to the symbiotic algae (Zooxanthellae) living within there tissue. In addition, a high rate of organic and particulate extraction increases the clarity of the water which in turn enhances the penetration of UV rays that stimulate the development of the corals colorful UV protective materials. Increased water clarity also optimizes the efficiency of the Zooxanthellae a thus decreases the number of the protozoa required to provide the coral with the food (glucose) it takes up in exchange for the CO2 produced by the coral through normal biological processes.

Reef Dynamics Limited Lifetime Warranty

Reef Dynamics products are fully warranted against defects in materials and craftsmanship for the lifetime of the product. If a product ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, even after extended use, we will repair the product, without charge, or replace it, at our discretion. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, improper care, negligence, normal wear and tear, or the natural breakdown of materials over extended time and use. In addition, this warranty does not cover user modified products. This exclusion does not include "upgrade kit" parts, however any damage resulting from improper installation is excluded. Damage not covered under warranty will be repaired for a reasonable rate and a fee will be charged for return shipping.

For warranty evaluation, your product must be returned directly to Reef Dynamics Warranty Repairs, 23400 Peralta Drive, Suite A, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. All shipping to Reef Dynamics must be pre-paid and insured. Reef Dynamics cannot be liable for lost in-bound packages. All items being returned to Reef Dynamics MUST include a Reef Dynamics Warranty Service Form. This form can be located here.

California State law requires that products accepted for repair be clean. Charges may be assessed if cleaning is necessary.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. This warranty policy supersedes all previous warranty policies.

Reef Dynamics Warranty covers Manufacturers Defects, Material Defects, and Craftsmanship for the following products.

Protein Skimmers:

INS Series

HIR Series

XRC Series

NRS Series

Reactors:

BPR Sereis

KWM Series

CMR Series

MMR Series

Sumps:

PSS Series

PSRS Series

Reef Dynamics reserves the right to modify or change this warranty policy at any time.

Need to file a warranty claim? Click HERE for details.

Setting up a Wholesale Account

Thank you for your interest in Reef Dynamics!

To establish a wholesale account please do the following:

1) Create a new user account and be sure to provide as much information as possible including business address, phone, fax, website, etc,. Click HERE to create an account.

2) Print out and fill in an Authorized Dealer Application (see Adobe PDF link below) so that we can have a formal record of your contact information, resale permit, business license (if issued by your local gov). Please be sure and fill out the questionnaire as it helps us to have a better understanding of who you are.

When you have completed the application, please fax to: 888.383.2652, or scan and e-mail to: sales@reefdynamics.com.

Once the account is created, send us an e-mail requesting an upgrade to wholesale status.

We will contact you if we have any questions. Otherwise you received a reply e-mail letting you know you are good to go.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Sincerely,

Jeff Macaré

President

Reef Dynamics, Inc.

Testimonials

Why I chose Reef Dynamics-

3 words: EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE:

About a year ago I came across the LA Fish Guy on YouTube he did several episodes on Reef Dynamics where Jeff Macare' was very informative on the purpose & methods of skimming. I then did research on wetwebmedia.com where their products got only stellar reviews. The final deciding factor when I was in the planning stages of my system (125 fowlr) I emailed Reef Dynamics an got a response within 24hrs from the President of the company who answered all of my question from skimming too system planning etc. From that moment I knew who would have my business; the INS 180 keeps my tank pristine.

Hi Jeff,

You recently helped me by expediting three eheim 1260 (reef dynamics) impellers to support my H&S skimmer as parts are not available in the US. I thought you would be interested in my measurements with a Dwyer air flow meter. Your impellers flowed over 20 percent more air than the H&S impellers did when new, and the bubble size looks equivalent. The impellers are also very quiet. I will post on the H&S forum that your impellers are an excellent replacement,

Regards, Mike

Hey Jeff,

I purchased the INS180 about a month ago. I just wanted to let you know how I am making out. The skimmer is extremely well made and works like a charm. Besides the fact of how great it works, I think the biggest asset is how easy it is to remove the cup assembly and clean it. The easier it is to do, the more you will clean it. I find myself cleaning it daily, even when not necessary.
I am planning on purchasing your NoPo reactor in the near future. Keep up the high standards.

Frank R.

I've learned more useful info & clarity from your website & videos in an hour than anytime spent at the local aquarium shop! Thanks!! I'll be back!

Scott

~

I have to tell you that I am absolutely impressed with my new skimmer. After looking at numerous other products I decided on your model INS-100. Your company rates its products as they all should. The 7 part (YouTube) video series is awesome and everyone should review them in their entirety. This unit replaced a Vertex IN100. Your skimmer is extremely quiet, the pump is almost silent. The build quality is very impressive. The collection cup alone weighs about 3 times heavier than the Vertex. The slip neck fitting is a breeze and those without one are missing out. The pump mount is solid and the ability to swivel the tubing is a blessing. Within hours it was producing an impressive foam head. In a nut shell, Reef Dynamics manufactures an awesome product

Phil M.

Thanks, Jeff, for diagnosing the "stuttering" problem with the impeller of my 12-year-old protein skimmer motor which started happening this past weekend. I'm really happy that the Euro-Reef CS6-2 has given me absolutely perfect performance, 24/7, for all these years for my 125-gallon saltwater aquarium.

Sincerely, Mike M.

I just wanted to let ya know I think your skimmers are the best. I've used them since the Euro-Reef days and I've recommended them to all my reefing friends and just about everybody has ended up with a Reef Dynamics skimmer. Top notch quality. I wouldn't own a different skimmer. Thanks so much.

-Gardner A.

I just wanted to follow up with you to let you know that I have been using my INS135 for the 75g reef tank and it is the BEST experience to date I have had using a skimmer. You were absolutely right in saying it is easy to adjust and I am happy I went with the larger skimmer as I can still remove the collection cup very easily. Thank you again for your continued support and I will definitely be recommending Reef Dynamics.

Kindest regards, Quinn B.

I though that cone skimmers and bubble plates were the latest and greatest in technology, so I sold my trusty Euro-Reef (5 years) and bought a Vertex Alpha Cone 200 ($800!!). I cannot stress how disappointed I was that skimmer. It was a similar size and rated higher that my ER, but it never even approached the performance of my ER. I called Jeff at Reef Dynamics and purchased an INS180 ($399.95 - HALF THE PRICE!!) (I had a Euro-Reef RS180 previously) and guess what?! I got back the performance and then some! What an amazing skimmer! Insane bubbles and foamate, very little noise with the new air intake silencer, set and forget! And the construction! Even better than my RS180! Heavy duty PVC welded to acrylic just like the top European brands for a FRACTION OF THE COST.

Save yourself the headache. Get a Reef Dynamics skimmer!

-Scott O.

I recently purchased an INS150 and right out of the box this skimmer was pulling some black nasty stuff. I have had 2 Aqua-C,s and a Coralife skimmers and the Reef Dynamics blows them out of the water. Both the Aqua-C EV-180 and Coralife skimmers needed constant adjustment to pull half of what the Reef Dynamics is pulling. I'll never own another skimmer and would recommend your products to anyone,they are by far the best.

-Shawn S.

"...This is the best skimmer in it's class. I previously thought I needed a higher rated skimmer and bought a $600 dollar DELTEC external skimmer. I sold the (import) and bought a Reef Dynamics. It pulled so much more and darker skimmate than the (import)... This skimmer/ pump combo is by far the best designed skimmer produced. Everything came together proper i.e. the pump is perfect for the diameter and height of (reaction) chamber."

-Mike G.

"WOW! I got it (INS80) yesterday and the packaging was awesome! I also dropped it into the sump last night and fired it up and wham, bam, thank you ma'am in less than 3 hours its starting to produce some great looking green goo! I am a very happy guy! I had a really bad skimmer in the sump (Berlin style) which I was lucky to even get the bubbles to reach the cup (very hard to tune that thing) and now with my new Reef Dynamics I can make more bubbles than a Mad Dog! Thanks and I will recommend your skimmer to everyone I can.

Thanks for the new skimmer and keep up the good work! I will be back when I upgrade to a bigger system in a few years!"

-Ricardo N.

"I had a customer approach me with a problem, a 75 gallon aquarium with no protein skimmer. Space was limited and we had to work with the room we had, 18 inches under the stand. I contacted Reef Dynamics and they designed a custom XRC model skimmer with a 6 inches diameter body and only 17 inches tall! At first I was skeptical, could a skimmer this short be effective? After two weeks of testing on a 150 gallon I was convinced. Thanks much to the Reef Dynamics design team for another great skimmer build."

-Susan W.

"I was turned to Reef Dynamics skimmers when I got back into the reef tank keeping after a few yrs away from it. I have a number of Reef Dynamics skimmers from a base INS80 model , an INS100 and up to an XRC-180 model. They have all performed flawlessly for me and removed some pretty obnoxious impurities from the water. On the rare occasions I needed some parts for maintenance or where I 'Lost' them cleaning the units Jeff has been right there to guide me to the right parts I need and getting them to me fast. This is what keeps me coming back to the Reef Dynamics line!!"

-Barry B.

I wanted to say thanks for my new skimmer pump. Not only does it work wonderfully, but it also arrived in record time - 2 days from CA to NH!

Thanks again!

-Kevin

Videos

Jeff with Jim Stime of L.A. Fishguys fame talks in depth about protein skimmers!