Cone skimmer and recirculating skimmer

well i have two main question that has been going on in my head.
are there any benefits in this cone shape skimmer? or companies just trying to make some more money off hobbyist. and are there any benefits in recirculating skimmer?

thanks

 

Never really got into recircs.... Cones are just another refinement to venturi skimmers. Bubble plates were introduced by Bubble King to reduce turbulence in the body. The thinking was that if turbulence was reduced, bubbles wouls stay bubbles longer and attract organics.

Cones are just another refinement to reduce turbulence. And they do reduce turbulence. My cone looks like a bubble elevator. They just all get in line and move up. Can't really say if it is worth it to you. There will always be refinements and tweaks. I'm sure that not too far in the future the skimmer market will be dominated by cones. Same as bubble plates.

 

what a great explanation of the cone skimmer. love the "bubble elevator" thanks for the explanation of the cone skimmer. now is this "refinement" worth that extra maybe 300 dollars? hehe

 

The prices are already coming down rather dramatically. One thing to remember...... Cones do cost more to manufacture. However, that is not why they are exspensive. The cones that were first introduced were top of the line skimmer put out by top of the line producerd. they didn't put out a piece of crap skimmer with a cone. Top notch materials with top notch designed mated to top notch pumps. Bubble King and Deltec make cylinder skimmers costing over $1000 for the same size.

So now those manufacturers have proven the merits, other companies are jumping on board. Octo Extreme put theirs out at $400. And Octo Ex is a upscale brand in their line. I'm sure eventually Octopus will put one out in their line for $200. It's all relative. Don't just blame the cone.

 

Great explanation, Powerman. I recently picked up a cone myself, and the bubble elevator example is spot on. Not only is there a thick, opaqe column of bubbles, but they do move up continuously. Seeing the cone in action, I feel that the design, irrespective of manufacturer--is a winner and is surely here to stay.

 

bump for the recirculating answeR?

 

I agree

 

I have thought about those recirculating skimmers too. I hope some people have some good perspective pointers on your question.

 

I have a modded ASM G3 that is recirculating and I love it. It's fed by a manifold off my return line . . . only had to tweak the inlet/outlet flow on a couple ball valves once and its been skimming strong ever since.

~Will.