AquaMaxx C01...............is it worth it??

[SPSREEFS]

Hello fellow reefers,
I just switched over to the new Eshopps R-100 refugium/sump and I really like it! I currently run the Reef Octopus 110 skimmer, and it has impressed me. Just curious if you guys think the AquaMaxx is that much better of a skimmer? If so, why??
I know I would bet a smaller footprint with the AquaMaxx, as its pump is beneath the body. This would free up more room in my skimmer compartment. But would I see any performance differences?
Thanks

 

[Reefing Madness]

IMO, the AquaMaxx is a much better skimmer. It has a better pump, and I like the space savers also.
The contact time nubs are better imo also, instead of just having the water flow through the bubble plate, they have more contact time with the water to collect more.

 

[SPSREEFS]

Thank you for the reply. Was wondering if I would ever get one for this post. Have you owned the Reef Octopus 110 Classic also? I know the Aquamaxx looks very Impressive from what I have seen.
I am pretty impressed with the build quality of my Reef Octopus. Its built well, and so far the pump has been excellent. It pulls very nasty dark skimmate from my tank water.
My tank is 65 gallons and mostly all SPS corals. Would you happen to know the inside diameter of the neck of the Aquamaxx?
I have noted that too large of a skimmer actually decreases efficiency. Thank you very much. If you have any pics of the skimmer PLEASE post them here.
Thanks!

 

[Reefing Madness]

No, I don't own either one of those skimmers. My opinions are based of design and the pumps, which basically make the skimmers. they are basically all the same, but for the pumps. The AquaMaxx takes it further by using a larger gph pump and the nubs as a bubble plate. Creating more contact time in the foam/water mixture before being released upwards.
Your idea of to large a skimmer being less efficient shouldn't ring true, they will overpower a tank when it needs it, and other times won't make a bunch of skimmate. But if you were to dump in a bunch of nitrates all at once, you would see that it indeed could clean them out relatively fast in comparison to a much smaller skimmer.

 

[SPSREEFS]

Thanks. I have owned over sized skimmers on smaller tanks. Not good. The dry bubble column ends
up running too low in the neck when it runs out of organics to skim. This in turn coats the neck at too low of a level, making it much less efficient. It also makes constant fiddling/cleaning necessary to keep it running at optimum.
The theory of running the largest skimmer you can to get the best results is incorrect. I am a engineer by trade and I nitpick pretty much everything apart. Which is probably bad, just the way I am I guess.
But Thank you very much for the input. I value every ones and try to learn all I can!
Thanks!

 

[human]

I had the CO-1 on my 75g with 35g mixed reef refugium and it worked great. Not sure the inside diameter of the neck, but the outside where the cup attaches is around 4.5 inches. I never owned any of the other skimmers you mentioned so I can't compare them. I did have a Reef Octopus Bh-2000 hang on before and the CO-1 skimmate was much darker the first few weeks I had it.

 

[Reefing Madness]

up running too low in the neck when it runs out of organics to skim. This in turn coats the neck at too low of a level, making it much less efficient. It also makes constant fiddling/cleaning necessary to keep it running at optimum.

Umm, I clean my Skimmer once a week anyways, to keep it at optimum levels. Leaving it go can only end badly.

 

[SPSREEFS]

human,
Thank you for the input. Yes, most people that own that aquamaxx seem to love them. I have not really heard anything negative about them. And the pump being underneath but "open" seems to be the best of both worlds! I would love to try one. And hey, it looks like a NASA rocket too........

 

[SPSREEFS]

reefing madness,
So do I. Usually twice a week. What I mentioned may have just been my experiences too. I may be wrong, just larger skimmers did not work well for me on smaller tanks. I am pretty happy with the Reef Octopus. Actually, it still impresses me. And the aquatrance pump seems to be working excellent thus far. And it uses very little electricity.
The pinwheel is nice too. Narrow sharp pins with holes in the back plate. Seems to be well made so far.
I had a ETTS Sump buddy in it before. Great skimmer, but this Reef Octopus is way more efficient, and does it on less wattage.
I'm trying to find a used aquamaxx. I may jump on it for the right price. However, you could hardly find them new in stock much less used. Was just curious as to peoples opinions on them......

 

[Reefing Madness]

Got ya.

 

[SPSREEFS]

Good Morning guys,
I actually found a article last night comparing a Octopus 110 to the Aquamaxx co1! Wow, the guy was not that impressed with the Aquamaxx, and ended the article with saying he may have a new collection cup made to replace the factory one. He stated the factory collection cup was not easy to clean, and noted he thought it lost efficiency! That really surprises me. He said he could not figure out why they chose the collection cup design, and stated it was probably more of a novelty then anything else.
Just one guys opinion, but I was really happy I found that article. As the guy has actually owned both skimmers! I think for now I will stay with my Octopus. Its a little beast, and built extremely well.