MRC-MR2 skimmer, and MORE!!!

[W.Glint]

Hey everyone.

So, i got a deal on some dry live rock from a local guy who is finishing tearing down his system: 80# for 75 bucks! i almost wet myself anyways, he was selling a bunch of other stuff too: a near brand-new RO/DI unit with new chambers, and a MRC-MR2 skimmer with Genx pcx 55 Hp pump, and he would throw in a few extra filter socks and a heater that i need. for the lot he wants 250$. my jaw hit the floor when i read the email!

Anyways, what are your opinions on the skimmer? does anyone have one? im not too familiar with Beckket Skimmers, so if anyone would elaborate, that would be sweet. Also, i read around and apparently this skimmer is rated for a 300 gallon system (i think thats a bit out there) and i plan on putting it on my 90g DT with a 40g sump,, which will have a little bit of a heavy stocking level (i have a messy eating eel :xd. anyone think this is too big / too small? Once again, im not familiar with this type, but its in **** good condition, a great offer, and i dont want to pass it up!! Also, if anyone has one, how are the usualy plumbed in? im used to a simple in sump applications.

Speedy replies much appreciated!

 

[mcarroll]

Hey everyone.

So, i got a deal on some dry live rock from a local guy who is finishing tearing down his system: 80# for 75 bucks! i almost wet myself anyways, he was selling a bunch of other stuff too: a near brand-new RO/DI unit with new chambers, and a MRC-MR2 skimmer with Genx pcx 55 Hp pump, and he would throw in a few extra filter socks and a heater that i need. for the lot he wants 250$. my jaw hit the floor when i read the email!

Anyways, what are your opinions on the skimmer? does anyone have one? im not too familiar with Beckket Skimmers, so if anyone would elaborate, that would be sweet. Also, i read around and apparently this skimmer is rated for a 300 gallon system (i think thats a bit out there) and i plan on putting it on my 90g DT with a 40g sump,, which will have a little bit of a heavy stocking level (i have a messy eating eel :xd. anyone think this is too big / too small? Once again, im not familiar with this type, but its in **** good condition, a great offer, and i dont want to pass it up!! Also, if anyone has one, how are the usualy plumbed in? im used to a simple in sump applications.

Speedy replies much appreciated!

The price compared to what you'd pay retail is great and that skimmer will skim like a beast, but I can't recommend these skimmers due to difficulty in cleaning and the power consumption vs performance.

If you count them, there are 9,257 thumb screws that will need to be removed and then re-tightened every cleaning. :wink: I kid, but in seriousness there's no excuse for someone putting themselves through that just to clean the neck of a skimmer. Not in 2012 anyway. (Unless you need to plumb the skimmer externally...Boo!) For in-sump installations there doesn't need to be anything more than a slip fitting, or at most a bayonet fitting involved at the neck. Most vendors get this pretty close to "right" (aka easy) these days.

If you must take the skimmer to get the rest of the deal, I would resell the skimmer+pump and hold out for a nice, standard cylinder-body needle-wheel skimmer. An old Euro Reef/H&S or similar would be my target - add your favorite pump if you feel the need. Look at Reef Dynamics (was Euro Reef) if you'd like to buy new instead of used. (Just not too many on the used market yet.) Lots of other good options out there too.

Another I'd recommend is among the easiest to maintain and probably one of the least expensive on the used market would be the AquaC Urchin Pro (or Remora Pro), operated with your favorite ~700 gph pump. Skim wet, with a shut-off bucket and your tank will be set. (Done it.) Only slightly less on the "easy scale" are their EV series skimmers, and you have a lot more sizing options if you go with that style. All at least a little more expensive than the Urchin Pro, of course.

Good luck! Patience is usually rewarded when you're shopping used!

-Matt