skimmer damaged or made better?

Aaronreef · Feb 22, 2021

Hello everyone.

I'm currently looking at getting a new skimmer.
I've found one that suits my needs, but it's had a slight modification that I've never seen or heard of before.
So I'm asking the people with more experience than me to help.
This is what the seller has said about the item

"rubbed with a scathing pad to allow better collection (sticking) of protein/waste."

If anyone could advise me if appreciate it

Alexreefer · Feb 22, 2021

kinda sound like the person scratched the inside of the skimmer with sandpaper

Dont seem how it would help as proteins stick to the air bubbles.

Mical · Feb 22, 2021

Unless it's a "super bargain price" I would pass. There's a ton of advice out there and there are a ton of DIYers trying said advice. I highly doubt scuffing the surface improves skimming or manufacturers would've jumped all over it and jacked their prices. Whether it works or I not I couldn't tell you, but my gut says it didn't work for the seller...

Aaronreef · Feb 22, 2021

Looks that way doesn't it.

I've never seen anyone else do this, but I'm pretty new and wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a trick

It's not really a bargain price to be honest it's more than half price of a new unscratched version

Mical · Feb 22, 2021

You were smart to ask here & NOTHING IS A DUMB QUESTION. We're all here to enjoy reef keeping and there's volumes of excellent info here, so NEVER be afraid to ask.

Aaronreef · Feb 22, 2021

Think I'll give that one a miss then
I do like the look of the reef octopus so might just have to dig deep and get a new one.
I'm slightly limited on space otherwise I'd of got the reef octo elite
I did look at red sea bit have read some bad reviews

Thanks for the help I'll keep looking

Mical · Feb 22, 2021

Aaronreef said:
Think I'll give that one a miss then
I do like the look of the reef octopus so might just have to dig deep and get a new one.
I'm slightly limited on space otherwise I'd of got the reef octo elite
I did look at red sea bit have read some bad reviews

Thanks for the help I'll keep looking

Reef Octo makes some good skimmers, I have the -> https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-bh50-multi-mount-protein-skimmer.html on a 65gal because stand/sump height and it works awesome. It was one of very few that would fit (it's really tight) But I wouldn't hesitate a moment on a reef octo skimmer.

Ippyroy · Feb 22, 2021

That is a horrible idea. Algae would a super easy time of getting ahold and growing like crazy. It would then be almost impossible to clean out the algae because you would not be able to get the roots out. It also creates a great place for bacteria to grow.

Viking_Reefing · Feb 22, 2021

Ippyroy said:
That is a horrible idea. Algae would a super easy time of getting ahold and growing like crazy. It would then be almost impossible to clean out the algae because you would not be able to get the roots out. It also creates a great place for bacteria to grow.

Agreed, that thing is going to get funky in a hurry!

Ippyroy · Feb 22, 2021

MichaelE said:
Agreed, that thing is going to get funky in a hurry!

That thing will cause a tank to crash. I'd take it if it was cheap enough. Back up pumps and an extra cup would be nice.

Aaronreef · Feb 23, 2021

I'm going to leave this one.
I might get a nyos 160, or I have found a reef octopus elite 200 int. It's slightly oversized for what I need and the pump is on the outside of the skimmer body making it a tight fit for my sump.