skimmer on a budget??

[tom reilly]

I have the coralife 220 on a 135 gallon system and am pleased with the performance.

 

[ntsekov]

My BM5 ceases operation for quite a while after feeding (some times hours with PE Mysis freshwater). While I feel it is worth the money, it certainly has its own issues as well.

It's normal, but even washing the frozen food breaks the foam for a long time. Didn't had to wait as much with the BM.

 

[twilliard]

@twilliard that was very informative, but what would the maintenance consist of on a skimmer

Maintenance
That is an excellent question about skimmers.
I like to see it as ease of access to all components. Lets start with the body. There are skimmers for instance where you have to try to reach your hand in through the neck for cleaning. What if the neck is 2.5" and the body is 10" tall and 8" in diameter? Getting a wrist in is difficult let alone reaching 10" down for cleaning. Now if the bottom is removable then the task of cleaning can be done with ease.
Next lets move to the pump.
Where is it located and how is it connected.
Ever had a pump connected by unions on both the intake and the output? How many times has a person over tightened the unions just to find they are not easily removed (especially on larger unions).
How is the impeller cover made for removal?
Ever had the type where they twist lock in place having to match up the shaft while lining op the cover tabs? Now that is a task within itself.
Take this pump for instance
https://www.amazon.com/Ph2000-Skimmer-Needle-Impeller-Sca-302/dp/B00HP0XO8I
Next I would move on to the venturi
Everyone knows calcium/salt deposits are a pain in the air intake on venturies.
Look closely at how they are made. Some are easier than others to clean this deposit out.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/repla...JBX6x47e8o2kfgY41B5SRoZXTeZ_TKHN34aAt8f8P8HAQ

These are just a few of the most important features a skimmer should include for ease of maintenance.

 

[madweazl]

Ease of maintenance is one area I'll give the Curve series serious props; it is a piece of cake to disassemble and clean (without tools with the possible exception of the bubble plate). I tear mine down every time I do a water change (every two to three weeks).

 

[twilliard]

Innovation has come a long ways when it comes to skimmers.
Remember the turboflotor 1000's
Cleaning nightmare
http://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Med...immers-Aqua_Medic_USA-AQ1115-FIPSHONW-vi.html
You will call this one a lot of names by the time you fire it up again

 

[Reefing Madness]

On a budget and want your skimmer to work like the big boys, SCA Skimmers are hands down, the way to go.
http://www.scaquariums.com/SCA-302-180-Gallon-Protein-Skimmer-p/sca-302.htm

 

[scabbedwings616]

I have a curve 7 on my 90 and I love it. No issues ever and cleaning is a breeze. There are better ones but I really like this one and haven't had an issue yet with them.

 

[tvu]

Get an Aquamaxx. 25% off from Marinedepot right now for some excellent skimmers

 

[thewbell]

I had a Curve 5 and was happy with it (first skimmer) but it was always very finicky and required frequent adjustment. When I moved up to a 120 gallon I decided to go with the Coral Box D700 and I have to say it has performed better than the Curve 5 ever did on my 75. It is also much easier to adjust and requires much less attention than the Curve 5 and a friends RO 150INT. Overall I am glad I cheaped out and it has paid off so far.