A few questions regarding equipment

[TheReefGeek]

The ASM does not have as high a build quality, and they are NOT meant to be run out of a sump, because most do leak some water from various connections and joints. But if run in a sump, this is not a problem.

The makers of the Euro-reef and ASM used to be the same company, the technology is identical, they use the same pumps. The ASMs are cheaper because a different (cheaper) plastic is used. To me it is worth the cost savings because I think the risk of breaking the skimmer is very minimal.

A gate valve mod is an excellent additions to an ASM (I have this on mine), as is a re-circulation mod that improves efficiency of the skimmer. If you have a single pump model, you will need a powerhead and to drill a hole to feed water to the skimmer, but with a multi-pump then you can re-circ quite easily. I have yet to do this on mine, but 2 out of my 3 sedra 9000's will soon be re-circed, with one left to feed water in.

With these VERY CHEAP mods (all it is is PVC parts), an ASM is a fantastic deal, IMO.