Deltec or Ultra Reef skimmer

[Robalo247]

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]

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.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

I used to almost exclusively set up Deltec. But yeah, Reef Octopus is right there at a fraction of the price.

 

[Robalo247]

I used to almost exclusively set up Deltec. But yeah, Reef Octopus is right there at a fraction of the price.

I’m not wanting to buy China made products

 

[furam28]

I’m not wanting to buy China

Lol. Where do you think your Red Sea tank is made?

 

[KStatefan]

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

 

[mfinn]

I’m not wanting to buy China made products

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-red-sea-tanks-are-made.372333/

 

[mfinn]

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

 

[FMF0331]

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]

+1 for the Ultrareef. Built like a WW2 bunker

 

[areefer01]

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]

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.

 

[X-37B]

I run Tunze and Life Reef.
Both are quality.

 

[areefer01]

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]

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]

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