1st Impression: CAD Lights Skimmers TIA-1150 Model

[RaysReef]

Right out of the Box *Fully Assembled* Small, clean, seamless but a heavyweight feel once I carried it. Cast Acrylic is thick and durable.

Bottom of the Collection Cup

Inside of the Collection Cup

Side of the Collection Cup *Here is what impressed me is the seal from the cup to the body* Dual rubber seal ensures a solid seal/leak proof. I shook it around enough that other skimmers would easily fall off, it can easily hold its own weight and still easy to take off for maintenance.

Topdown View *Just a clean finish throughout*

Built-in Silencer *Not sure on this one, I typically like to be able to take it apart, but its located in a spot that it doesn't get in the way, but salt creep can be an issue in the future* Only time will tell...

Bubble Plate/ Pump Mount

TIA Pump Impeller *Needlewheel*

TIA Pump Impeller side view w/Pump Specs

Here is CAD Lights Description for the TIA-1150 Model:

The New 2012 CAD Lights 2nd Generation Conic protein skimmers has many features that reef hobbyists of all types desire: High quality materials and components, professional craftsmanship, energy efficiency, aggressive performance, complete silence, durability etc.. These were all major factors during our designing of all 3 sizes of our Conic skimmers. All of our Protein skimmers are also Made In the USA. Our Conic skimmer bodies are liquid extruded mold formed into solid seamless tubes that are incredibly durable. Comes already fully assembled so it is ready to use the moment you receive it!

Features:
*Perfectly insulated to feature silent operations, only 5 Decibels of audible sound.
*High quality water pumps for long lasting high performance, minimal vibrations and silent operation.
*Flex-Plastic injection molded pin-wheel impellers for extended life and designed for high volume air draw.
*Liquid extruded Cell-Cast Acrylic body, Solid seamless with no joints. Extra thick Acrylic construction.
*Attractive Semi-gloss Porcelain color Acrylic.
*Newest built-in micro-bubble trapping mechanisms eliminates the micro-bubbles in the exhaust.
*Laser cut bubble plate dramatically reduces turbulence and improves direction of foam production.
*Easily disassembles completely for simple maintenance and cleaning.
*Each Conic skimmer come already fully assembled for simple installation the moment it arrives!
* 1 Year Warranty covers the entire skimmer from top to bottom (including pump, impeller, fittings etc).
*Dimensions: 9.75" x 6.5" x 18.5"
*GPH: 375GPH
*Wattage: 20W
Load recommendations:
Light bio-load (150G)
Medium bio-load (120G)
Heavy bio-load (90G)


I am also receiving the other 2 models for testing *TIA-1250 and TIA-1350 Model*
I will be posting more later this month w/SCFH meter.

 

[RaysReef]

It does run quieter than any of my skimmers, I'm guessing its the thickness of the acrylic that helps quiet it down, the rubber feet to reduce vibration and ever fitting its a very tight fit other than the dialer.
I just received the rest of them and tested the scfh *air flow* for each pump and here are the results:

1150 model- 10 scfh *realistic bioload* just from initial numbers (70G High-Bioload, 100G Mid-Bioload & 120G Light-Bioload)
1250 model- 16 scfh *realistic bioload* just from initial numbers (110G High-Bioload, 135G MId-Bioload & 155G Light-Bioload)
1350 model- 25 scfh *realistic bioload* just from initial numbers (150G High-Bioload, 175G Mid-Bioload & 225G Light Bioload)

The rating is my opinion on TOTAL WATER VOLUME including DISPLAY and SUMP.

I haven't actually used the skimmer yet in a aquarium setting, I could be off once I actually see them in action, but from previous measures and what I've seen I should be close.