Deltec or Ultra Reef skimmer

Robalo247

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I’m setting up a Red Sea S 550 (145 total gal) and are looking at both of these brands of skimmers. What are you happy with and what size would you recommend. Thanks
 

furam28

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I have tried out many of the high end skimmers. At the end of the day nothing beats a high end Reef Octopus. Get an oversized top of the line DC reef octopus with a neck cleaner and you will not look back. On my current 65g waterbox I use a regal 150sss with a neck cleaner. This is 10 days worth of skimmate. It's super consistent. Same amount and quality of skimmate on day 1 vs day 10. Once a month i clean the neck cleaner and pull out at least a cup full of solid waste. I run an overstocked sps tank with high nutrient flux. The engineering, build quality and performance of RO is exceptional. If you have the sump space i would recommend the external pump version of the Elite or Regal dc skimmers.
 

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KStatefan

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I have only had two skimmers but like my Ultra Reef Akula UKS-160 DC for my 100 IM ext
 

mfinn

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Another vote for Reef Octopus.
Had mine running for about 10 years.
 

FMF0331

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Been using Deltec since forever.
I had to move on to Reef Octopus. The gate valve on the Reef Octopus is a plus for me.
The Deltec water level adjuster would vibrate and throw everything out of whack
 

magikfly

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+1 for the Ultrareef. Built like a WW2 bunker
 

areefer01

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Well, if you want a US made skimmer, 100% made that is, then reach out to Jeff over at Lifereef. I purchased a skimmer of his back in 2000 and it is still running today. Best reef related investment I have made to date.

At the end of the day a skimmer is a skimmer and you don't need anything fancy. Pick the design, then the source, and buy it once. When done properly it will outlast our display and time in the hobby.
 

Oldreefer44

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Another vote for Lifereef. Made in Colorado. Will consult with you before building it in case you want any customizations. Had mine since 2006 and is still a beast.
 

areefer01

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I run Tunze and Life Reef.
Both are quality.

If I did not already have a skimmer and was just starting out I would have also considered the Tunze. The warranty alone is worth it to me.
 

skey44

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Happy Ultra reef customer here. I’ve had many skimmers and it’s my favorite of all time. Great tool. Easy to disassemble and clean. Produces lots of skim-mate quietly.
 

Genvid

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I have had Ultra Reef for three years now and I am very happy with it.
 

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