EV 120 VS. Bullet 1

[wyw]

I can't postpone this decision any longer my 50 gal. +sump need a new skimmer. I've avoided buying one for a few years because making a choice was too daunting of a task.

SO....
comparing the EV120 with the Bullet:
The Bullet is considered a somewhat better skimmer
The Bullet does not come with a gate valve / EV 120 does
Bullet used Mag 12 / EV 120 uses a Mag 5

QUESTIONS????????

Does the EV 120 use less energy and produce less heat than the Bullet 1?

Which skimmer is more quiet?

Are there any other important differences I have forgotten?
Thanks
wendy

 

[Ben1]

The only real question is which one will do the job better? Yes the one will use less energy and produce less heat but it wont do as good as a job, IME.

The trick with a becket skimmer is to use a strong pump, I would forget the Mag 12 and get a external that way it wont heat the water and provide you with more sump space.

Here is a pic of my Bullet 3, years old now the new one a bit nicer. I am selling mine soon and going to a Barr Aquatics skimmer.

 

[wyw]

How is the noise with the Bullet?

I agree that more skimming power is better however if all the corals die because I can't keep the temperature under control in the tank then a great skimmer won't be much help.

I am looking for balance between performace/heat/ electricity/noise a more complex formula but one that well work out better for me in the long run.

 

[Len]

I've had both. They're about the same volume, with the AquaC being a little more quiet. If you want quiet, get a needle wheel type skimmer (ASM or Euroreef). If heat and electricity is an issue, get a needle wheel. For a 50g, you probably don't need the brute force of a beckett.

 

[Ben1]

The heat issue was why I said try an external pump, and if electric is too expensive for ya then this hobby may not be for you! I hate paying my electric every month!

Len is right on that a better option for you may be a ER though if noise is an issue. Although you could keep the becket quite by running a airline away from the area.

 

[wyw]

Ben - I did notice your suggestion of keeping the pump out of the sump to reduce heat I just wasn't sure It would reduce the heat enough. my closed loop added a fair amount to the tank.

Maybe I should have gotten out of the hobby when I moved back to CA, electricity is expensive here. but after 15 years and moving reef equipment to 3 countries I just can't cure my addiction.

Thanks for the suggestions of ER and ASM they sound like good choices.

 

[Ben1]

Ahh yes CA is up there for electric. I would hate to see my bill there!

my closed loop added a fair amount to the tank

Depends on the external pump. If you use a nice cool pump it should be a small amount. I have a old mak4 on my 40 breeder it adds a bit of heat to the tank.

Euroreefs also have very little clearance needed to take off the cup which can be helpful in some setups.