Skimmer Pump Replacement

[swimfest]

I have an swc xtreme 250 protein skimmer. I feel as if its not pulling out as much as i could. I have been dry skimming and the skimate is dark, just is not producing very much. I was considering getting better pumps. I heard the red dragon and askolls are good, but the red dragon is a bit too pricey for me. Any suggestions?

 

[divewsharks]

i've not used one, but i have heard good things about bubble blaster pump.

 

[Paul_N]

I have the same skimmer. What size tank do you have it on? The newer 250A comes with one askoll 1500 pump. You would have to remove the two sicce pumps plug their holes and drill another one for the askoll.

 

[ThaBeast]

I have the swc 300 that came with 2 sicce pumps. I removed them and retrofitted the askoll 1500--made this thing a skimming beast! A note though, my last house had a co2 issue and I ran 3/4 inch line outside for air intake while my new place doesn't need the outside air. The skimmer/askoll combo works much better now that it is just pulling air thru 12 inches of 3/8 id line instead of 8 ft of 3/4 inch line