Replacing a skimmer pump with a non OEM brand?

[Swingline77]

Is it possible to replace a skimmer pump, assuming it will fit, with a pump not meant for it?

Particularly, I'm looking at the Reef Octopus INT150. On this skimmer, the pump is attached to the outside of the body. It's an Aquatrance AQ2000s pinwheel pump, with a max water flow of 198 GPH, Max air 720 L/H (25.2 SCSH), 5.3" x 2.7" x 5.7".

The Sicce PSK1000 has a max water flow rate of 264 GPH. The Sicce site lists the air flow as 8800 GPH (33,311 L/H). I'm guessing that this is a misprint, and the actual air flow is 880 GPH (3,331 L/H).

The pump can be threaded into the INT150 body easily enough, even if an adapter is needed. Would this work? The main reason to do it would be increased pump life. A secondary reason would be increased performance. The only real concern I have is the difference in air rate, though this might not be an issue.

So, is this a good idea?

 

[ndrwater]

I don't see why not. As an example, I know that Bubble Maggus skimmers come stock with a Chinese brand as OEM, but offer an upgrade to Sicce pumps that dramatically increase performance.
As long as the pump fits, the flow can be handled by the skimmer body/outlet, I see no reason why increased air flow should be a problem.

 

[Swingline77]

I don't see why not. As an example, I know that Bubble Maggus skimmers come stock with a Chinese brand as OEM, but offer an upgrade to Sicce pumps that dramatically increase performance.
As long as the pump fits, the flow can be handled by the skimmer body/outlet, I see no reason why increased air flow should be a problem.

Good to know. Also, I know Sicce has a great reputation. How do the Aquatrance pumps compare? My impression is that they're prone to breaking down far sooner than the Sicce.

 

[ndrwater]

Good to know. Also, I know Sicce has a great reputation. How do the Aquatrance pumps compare? My impression is that they're prone to breaking down far sooner than the Sicce.

Not 100% sure to be honest. I do happen to have a RO 150 Classic laying around that was given to me by another reefer. When I looked up the replacement pump direct from CoralView (RO distributor) the cost was $60. For the $60 it's probably worth replacing. Maybe even getting a spare to ensure many years of a functional skimmer. I also have a SRO 5000 INT that has been running in my main display for about 4 years. It's a different pump with a Bubble Blaster 5000. Runs like a champ and I have cleaned it MAYBE twice..
Sicce pumps are very good, but I would weigh the cost differential between the OEM and the Sicce knowing that the skimmer was designed to use the Aquatrance. If the OEM pump is as cheap as the replacement for the Classic I have, personally I might opt for the OE and just get 2 and save $. Less chance of a hickup with flow rates, adaptor parts etc...

 

[Swingline77]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

 

[ca1ore]

Tweaking skimmers can yield unexpected results, some good some bad. The pSK1000 is an excellent pump and ive used it as an OEM replacement twice. Once, on an ASM3 it proved too much; on an ASM4 it was much better.

 

[Swingline77]

Tweaking skimmers can yield unexpected results, some good some bad. The pSK1000 is an excellent pump and ive used it as an OEM replacement twice. Once, on an ASM3 it proved too much; on an ASM4 it was much better.

What's "the bad"? The sicce doesn't put out that much more volume than the AQ. Why couldn't it just be dampened down?

 

[Mark Bianco]

Just my .02 worth, but the better companies spend thousands of dollars working on development of a skimmer all the parts including the motor / pump they will need to use. Everything is tuned to get the maximum performance out of a skimmer. More flow, more air CAN be detrimental If you can find a way to "dampened" it down did you dampen down the flow and increase the air flow or visa versa. Yes you can do it and yes its been done before with success and some have gotten lucky and found a winning combination, but I am sure many other have failed. Unless you understand all the workings of a skimmer and a vast knowledge of how it will be effected by the change. Then it best to go with something designed for the skimmer...

 

[dylanst.onge]

I've tried swapping pumps on s couple different brand of skimmers like ro,bubble magus,skims, and found that they did not work nearly as good as the stock pump even when matching gph and air flow as best I can. If you can try and stick with a skimmer with a quality pump and you should be good to go for years