AquamaxxHOB 1.5... GARBAGE????

[Klyle]

Any thoughts or suggesting are much appreciated. Got the Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 two days ago. I installed it on my im nuvo 40. It was sucking in air bubbles through the intake and making an awful gurgling noise. I decided to extend the inlet farther down into the "sump" using a piece of 1/2 pipe and coupler. Genius!!! NOPE. It started leaking all over my floor, but I caught it quick so no big deal there. Other than the fact I just bought a $250 skimmer that has the potential to ruin my floors. Any thoughts, ideas, or encouraging words? I'm beyond disappointed at the moment.

 

[xCry0x]

Did it overflow with water?

I had that skimmer for years and the only issue I had was that I had to use plumbers tape to seal up all the pipe fittings so that it would draw water in.

Only reason I upgraded was because it was a bit under sized for my 65g tank.

 

[Klyle]

Did it overflow with water?

I had that skimmer for years and the only issue I had was that I had to use plumbers tape to seal up all the pipe fittings so that it would draw water in.

Only reason I upgraded was because it was a bit under sized for my 65g tank.

Yes. But I'm fairly certain I figured out why... it was my fault. Hate to admit it. Although in my defense this is probably the 10th skimmer I've owned and I've never had to do so much to get a skimmer to work like I wanted it to. It's still a little loud but I suppose I'll get used to it

 

[Joj]

Love mines. Easy to prime, works quiet, and skims awesome. I did have regret the first 2 weeks because of microbubbles, but once it broke in, it’s been great since (2+ years ago) on my 10 gal nano nem tank

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I love mine, but it is a little noisy. I found some hacks online, basically I put a rubber ball (from my sons toy) into the tube coming out of the water, and plastic thing into the silencer tube, it cut the gurgling down a lot.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

^^^^ I love the rubber ball hack, I have only heard good things about his skimmer, much better than the WS-1.

 

[Char.toombes]

Have been running this skimmer in my 40g cube and love it. I run the collection cup at highest setting as I only want dry skimmate since I run 24/7 and fear of stripping out all nutrients. I infact just stopped running filter floss and will only be using this skimmer in conjunction with my bio balls as a form of filtration to see how it fairs. Very simple to take down and clean as well for quarterly maintenance!

 

[Klyle]

Its been a month since I set up the Aquamaxx. Like others have said, the microbubble situation seems to have cleared up on its own. Unfortunately I have not been able to get this thing to collect any skimmate. I've tried adjusting the collection cup height. The only thing this skimmer is doing for me is building up gunk in the neck. Anything that makes it into the cup is pretty much just water. I hope one day I'll be able to say some positive things about my $250 investment but right now it's not looking like it!

 

[reefiniteasy]

I’ve been using it over a year and it’s an excellent skimmer. I run the yellow tubing to a second piece of yellow tubing using a 1/4” one inch piece of RO tubing to link them. That then goes to an IceCap medium CO2 scrubber.

The skimmer has never once overflowed. I also use the Hydros skimmer sensor just under the intake. If the skimmer ever clogs and the water rises, the sensor will shut it down but I’ve never had that happen.

The only negative is the skimmer needs to be cleaned once a month. One I see large air bubble going out the outlet I know it’s time to clean the pump.

 

[Klyle]

I’ve been using it over a year and it’s an excellent skimmer. I run the yellow tubing to a second piece of yellow tubing using a 1/4” one inch piece of RO tubing to link them. That then goes to an IceCap medium CO2 scrubber.

The skimmer has never once overflowed. I also use the Hydros skimmer sensor just under the intake. If the skimmer ever clogs and the water rises, the sensor will shut it down but I’ve never had that happen.

The only negative is the skimmer needs to be cleaned once a month. One I see large air bubble going out the outlet I know it’s time to clean the pump.

I think I mentioned earlier in the post the overflowing situation was totally my fault... once I figured that out I felt pretty dumb. As far as I'm concerned it's broke in quite nicely, so that only leaves me with one issue to still figure out. I can't get it to collect anything except water in the cup. The gunk builds up on the neck, so if i lower the cup any amount it collects pretty much water. This isn't my first skimmer by a long shot, but it's definitely been the most temperamental one I've dealt with! That being said I think it's very well made and I can see it's potential... if I can figure out the collection cup issue I'll be home free. Good to know about the maintenance part... maybe I'll clean it out. Thanks

 

[reefiniteasy]

if I can figure out the collection cup issue I'll be home free.

Mine collects the solid waste in the neck of the cup as well. Then the cup itself fills with a dark disgusting thin liquid. I think it’s the nature of this skimmer.

 

[MtnDewMan]

I replaced my Tunze 9001 with the Aquamaxx. Works better in my opinion. I too added a length of pipe on the outlet to get it further into the water. I prevent the gurgling noise using a cap from a Red Sea Foundation Alkalinity bottle

 

[ShoalSister]

I have one on one of my tanks and really like it, although I hated it for the first 3 weeks. In the first 3 weeks, it kept overfilling the cup. I used a metal clip on the air hose, Loosening it bit by bit as the days went by until finally, at 3 weeks, removed the clip completely.

Mine also made that gurgling noise until I rotated the outflow 90 degrees.

Had never had such a long break in period with a skimmer before, but after that, no problems and I only take it apart and clean it every 5 months or so. I appreciate that it looks better than most others and is effective. (My octo skimmer works great too, but in my opinion, is hideous to view)

 

[reefiniteasy]

When it gurgles it’s time to clean the skimmer. That means air is escaping through the output. If you briefly pinch the airline, you’ll raise the water in the body causing the air bubble to disappear. If it comes right back, the pump needs to be cleaned.

 

[Klyle]

I've reached my final conclusion for this skimmer. It kicks butt...if you're prepared to deal with a lengthy, underperforming break in period. Totally worth it, imo.