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Post by Suzie Q (Lori) on Oct 22, 2008 8:45:30 GMT -5
What is your opinion on DAS tanks? Any good? Do you know anything about the new "in tank" filters they are using?
I have a tax ID # for grooming...so I can buy directly from them (my 150g went from $5,000 for the entire unit [tank, stand, canopy/lights, built in filter]...to $1170).
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Post by Carl on Oct 22, 2008 9:43:56 GMT -5
What is your opinion on DAS tanks? Any good? Do you know anything about the new "in tank" filters they are using? I have a tax ID # for grooming...so I can buy directly from them (my 150g went from $5,000 for the entire unit [tank, stand, canopy/lights, built in filter]...to $1170). This company supplies Pet Store Fixtures, not home fixtures. They are generally higher end albeit rather generic in design usually about 15 years behind in aquarium technology IMO. I built ALL my Pet Store Fixtures from scratch (from aquarium displays, to indoor wooden pond, to animal displays. Carl |
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Post by thatguy on Dec 4, 2008 9:15:21 GMT -5
The only product DAS makes that i think is any good for the home aquarium are their protein skimmers. Otherwise i will have to agree with Carl with his statement about them being "rather generic... 15 years behind in the industry" The commercial systems they install in retail stores are rather "cookie cutter" so to speak and my experience working on these systems i can give you a laundry list of common problems they encounter. Anyway going back to the skimmers they make for the home aquarist and what Carl said about their product being generic in design.... This is what i like about these skimmers. I have found that people now a days like to get these crazy over complicated skimmers (a bubble king for example) Granted that these crazy skimmers are really good but more parts always means more maintenance. So for me a "genericly designed" skimmer is a quality i look for  I have a DAS EX-1 on my reef tank and ill be happy to put it up against the more expensive Deltec AP 600 anyday! (deltec sold the design to DAS so they are basicly the same product minus the deltec logo and the price) |
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Post by Carl on Dec 4, 2008 11:10:21 GMT -5
Great input, thanks  I have not used nor have have my colleauges (such as American Aquarium Design in LA) used the DAS EX-1, so I guess I have to ask what features do you like, or is it just the simplicity of this unit that you like? For me, especially since most of my Skimmer experience was in the maintenance business, reliabilty/simplicity was VERY important as time spent "messsing" around with adjustments on "fussy" skimmers was time I could be at another service client's aquarium. Many of the skimmers that were used 25 years ago in particular were more trouble than they were worth in nitrate control, but many have improved of late (I personally like the V2 Skim). Although this is not the case with all the new ones, such as the Remora. Carl |
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Post by thatguy on Dec 4, 2008 19:12:51 GMT -5
There are a fw things i like about the DAS skimmers but keep in mind they are only good to a certain point. I would only use them on smaller tanks (maybe up to a 125-180 gal) but when dealing with large tanks there are much better options. The nice thing with DAS skimmers is the simplicity of it....Just set it once and thats it! If you notice it isnt pulling nasty skim-mate like normal than it most likely means that there is salt creep on the needle valve. So, just wash it off with some FW and you are good as new! I also like how the collection cup goes on and off with ease (same design as the Deltec external skimmers). For larger systems i have had good luck with the precision marine skimmers. They work great are very reliable and get the job done. As long as you have it matched up with an appropraite pump they are awesome. Anyway, I dont wanna get to off topic |
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I have a DAS EX-1 on my reef tank and ill be happy to put it up against the more expensive Deltec AP 600 anyday! (deltec sold the design to DAS so they are basicly the same product minus the deltec logo and the price) 
