E170 aio skimmer upgrade

[jopo4343]

hi
I have had my e170 aio up for almost 9 months still just finding the skimmer to be a pain.
I can’t seem to get it to skim the way I want just not really what I am looking for Not skimming enough have tried to dial it in but….
I am looking for a skimmer that will fit in the spot of the redsea one and a better skimmer.
Has anyone replaced the skimmer with something else?
thank
joe

 

[blaxsun]

What are the dimensions you have to work with? (l x w x h)

 

[jopo4343]

6“ length
3.75” width
12“ deep

 

[blaxsun]

Although I haven't personally used them myself, a few reefers I know use the Tunze skimmer line and are fairly impressed with the performance/operation. The Comline 9004 is rated for 15-65 gallons and measures 4.3" x 3.5" x 12" (but the width is 4.3" so you'd probably have to mount it sideways (not sure if this is feasible - I couldn't tell how the E170 skimmer mounts).

Comline® DOC Skimmer 9004 - Tunze

Hi-Tech für Aquaristik

www.tunze.com

 

[jopo4343]

Just an update I went with the icecap k1-50
I have been really impressed so far skimming real well dark tea.
It was tough to fit in the e170 max aio
I have it by the first chamber. Sure wish redsea would not have put the glass piece in the back for the skimmer that came with it.
I again am very impressed with the icecap and the tank seems clearer than ever. I have had this tank up for just over 9 months.
Its easy to adjust and see the adjustment not like the redsea skimmer it came with.
I have always felt the redsea was just not skimming enough probably to big for the e170.

 

[jopo4343]

One other thought it should be easier to clean as the redsea one was a real pain to get out of the back of the aio!!!

 

[Brian E]

I'm in the same boat and with a Red Sea Max E170 and looking to upgrade the skimmer with either the Ice Cap K1-50 or the Comline 9004. My main complaint with the stock skimmer is that it is too loud for my living area. I already upgraded the return pump with a DC model so half of my system is quiet. I'm currently leaving the skimmer turned off during the day so I don't have to listen to it. Are you happy with the K1-50 sound level?

Also, would it be possible to post another picture, maybe zoomed out a little more to show how you installed your new skimmer? I'm wondering how high the cup will be compared to the sump screen.

 

[jopo4343]

Yes the sound level is better not silent but better than the stock skimmer.
The K 150 skims so much better.
If these don’t work let me know and I will try and get better ones.
Joe

 

[Brian E]

Thanks! Those are very clear pics showing how it sits.