RLSS R5-i protein skimmer?

V4Vendetta · Nov 13, 2016

Any one have any experience with RLSS R5-i skimmer or the RLSS brand in general?
How is the quality compared to other brands and most importantly does it perform?
Are you happy with the skimmer or would you get something else if you had to do it over again?

Wrasse · Nov 13, 2016

I can't comment on the skimmers however I've used the two larger Waveline DC pumps from RLSS. No complaints from me. Quality was the same if not better compared to other brand name DC pumps. If I did it over again... which I did... ended up trying out the Vectra pump and the Waveline from RLSS sits on a shelf as a backup. I'm not really a huge into EcoTech but if I change out my skimmer pretty sure it's going to be a NYOS.

Acroporaaddict · Nov 18, 2016

I've owned the 5i and the db5i, amazing skimmers and wouldn't hesitate to get one again

Wrangy · Nov 18, 2016

Currently running my beloved R6-i that has never missed a beat in 4 years of operation

highly recommended!
Easy to clean, silent and maintenance is a breeze! I would happily buy another!

MrSkumfrog · Nov 20, 2016

I have the DB8-I (look at you tube review) skimmer. It works great and the construction is solid. I had one issue with a snail the got sucked in and broke some teeth at the impeller. No worries though, that can happen to any skimmer. I would highly recommend RLSS skimmers.

mr70ss · Nov 23, 2016

Well i just pulled the pin on a RLSS r5-i, not sure if you saw this sale but i could not pass it up 279.99 marked down to $140.00.

https://www.saltysupply.com/rlss-r-5i-internal-skimmer-with-dc2500h.html

I used their online chat, as i had a question about the included pump being apex ready, and it turns out that the included pump is not apex ready. The person i was chatting with said all i would need is the new 2500 controller to make it apex ready, and that the motors are the same between the older version (non apex) and the current apex ready version. They did not sell just the controller seperaetly, but they do sell the pump and the new controller as a set. It was also on sale for $55.00down from $109.00 . I searched for 2500h apex ready controller and they were $45.00. So i added the new controller and pump set. After i applied a 5% off coupon i was out the door for 185.25 + free shipping for a rlss r5-i, spare pump, spare controller, spare power supply, and it's controllable via my apex so i wont need to stop and start it once a day to feed, just ramp down the power during the feeding cycle. Just wanted to pass it along to anyone on the fence.

Iballhog · Nov 23, 2016

mr70ss said:
Well i just pulled the pin on a RLSS r5-i, not sure if you saw this sale but i could not pass it up 279.99 marked down to $140.00..

Wow that's a good deal. So many deals on equipment my head is spinning.

choss · Nov 25, 2016

mr70ss said:
Well i just pulled the pin on a RLSS r5-i, not sure if you saw this sale but i could not pass it up 279.99 marked down to $140.00.

https://www.saltysupply.com/rlss-r-5i-internal-skimmer-with-dc2500h.html

I used their online chat, as i had a question about the included pump being apex ready, and it turns out that the included pump is not apex ready. The person i was chatting with said all i would need is the new 2500 controller to make it apex ready, and that the motors are the same between the older version (non apex) and the current apex ready version. They did not sell just the controller seperaetly, but they do sell the pump and the new controller as a set. It was also on sale for $55.00down from $109.00 . I searched for 2500h apex ready controller and they were $45.00. So i added the new controller and pump set. After i applied a 5% off coupon i was out the door for 185.25 + free shipping for a rlss r5-i, spare pump, spare controller, spare power supply, and it's controllable via my apex so i wont need to stop and start it once a day to feed, just ramp down the power during the feeding cycle. Just wanted to pass it along to anyone on the fence.

I tried the link, landed on the product page and then couldn't get past Add to cart button. Page just won't load. Did you use paypal or how were you able to check out? Also, In looking at the spec, is the rlss r5i actually taller than the r6i?

mr70ss · Nov 25, 2016

Hmm I too just tried again and it must be their site, it does the same for me now also. I paid via a card, if you have a paypal account maybe try that, when I try paypal it appears to work. I too noticed the height, I think it has to due with the smaller 5" chamber.

choss · Nov 25, 2016

I was able to get it to work after a few tries. I'm really on the fence because I just ordered the R6i but it was backordered. I think the price was $349 -$62 discount at another retailer. But it was backordered. I'd like to get the r5i at this amazing price but not sure it will be enough on my system which is about 110-120 gallons. Were you able to get any info on how big a tank it will support? I appreciate the help. I'm swept up in black friday madness!

mr70ss · Nov 25, 2016

Well that's a good question.. on most if not all the sites selling it say "Tank size: 70 gal Reef, 90 gal FOWLR". but I also found this article on reef builders that states 200 gal..

https://reefbuilders.com/2015/08/12/rlss-r5i-smallest-controllable-dc-pump-protein-skimmer/

choss · Nov 25, 2016

yeah that is why I'm conflicted. I read the same article and was told 70 reef/90 FOWLR by their customer support. I'm not a huge believer in over skimming but at the same time I want to make sure this puppy can handle the load.

mr70ss · Dec 5, 2016

Got my rlss r5i in today..

Well it's been running about 6 hours and already pushing gunk up the tube, and is almost dead silent! There are almost no micro bubbles in the sump either. I am very happy with this purchase so far.

Wrangy · Dec 5, 2016

You'll love it!

choss · Dec 6, 2016

I ended up biting the bullet and Ordering the R6i. Really killed me because the r5i was such a great deal. But in the end I wanted to make sure it could handle the volume and I thought I might be a little stretched with the r5i. It will be a few months before I can set up the new system (waiting on a reef savvy tank) but will post some pics and a review once I have everything in place. Mr70SS looking forward to some updates as you break this sucker in.

Roberto CRC · Dec 6, 2016

The skimmer aesthetically looks good.

What difference does it make that the pump is inside the body of the skimmer or outside?

The mine that is Octopus has it outside and I would have liked to have it inside to save space, but in performance is there any difference?

mr70ss · Dec 6, 2016

choss said:
I ended up biting the bullet and Ordering the R6i. Really killed me because the r5i was such a great deal. But in the end I wanted to make sure it could handle the volume and I thought I might be a little stretched with the r5i. It will be a few months before I can set up the new system (waiting on a reef savvy tank) but will post some pics and a review once I have everything in place. Mr70SS looking forward to some updates as you break this sucker in.

Smart choice on going up to the r6i, i think you will be happier, and it's always nice to have some headroom on how much you can stock your tank. I'll make sure and post my thoughts as to how it works after break in.

mr70ss · Dec 6, 2016

Roberto CRC said:
The skimmer aesthetically looks good.

What difference does it make that the pump is inside the body of the skimmer or outside?

The mine that is Octopus has it outside and I would have liked to have it inside to save space, but in performance is there any difference?

To be honest I'm not real sure, and I never really looked into it as the skimmer chamber in my sump is only 8"x 8", so I was only able to fit a space saver style.

DukeOfSavoy · Dec 16, 2016

The pump being in the body just saves space. I think the only real reason that the larger models have the pump outside the body is just due to manufacturing difficulties/expense.
I have two of the R5i skimmers and they both run fabulously. I am actually thinking about adding one to my 20g sps tank, but am not sure if there would be enough load to allow effective skimming. At $140 there's nothing else that can touch the R5i.
Other than the nifty "pause" button for feeding, I dont think that the controllable function is all that much of a needed feature. So far mine have always been running at 100% setting. JMO

mr70ss · Dec 16, 2016

I have to agree with you I'm very happy thus far with how it's working. I also have mine set at 100%. The main reason i wanted to try a dc pump is the ability to ramp the power down during a feeding and it works great. I also upgraded the dc2500h controller to the "apex ready" version, and also setup a float switch on the sump so if the sump level rises it will trigger the skimmer to ramp the speed down and not overflow.