Daniel@R2R
Living the Reef Life
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Good info in here. I'm still checking into options myself.
What makes a skimmer good or not
- Thread starter ncfishguy
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JasPR
Active Member
Aqua Maxx is my favorite . Looks of very fine bubble mist and key--- a very sensitive/responsible adjustment wheel. For me there is nothing more inportant than internal water level. If you can't get control of that no skimmer can perform efficiently
You should call up the owner of lifereef or mtc and tak to them about what makes a good skimmer. Seriously not much have changed in 10 years other than marketing and hype.
My suggestion is to look at two of the companies above. If you decide against going with the suggestions then spend a good amount on a high quality commercial unit. Get something built to last
My suggestion is to look at two of the companies above. If you decide against going with the suggestions then spend a good amount on a high quality commercial unit. Get something built to last
renato120
Valuable Member
Im getting this skimmer on Friday.
I heard good reviews of it
The lfs near my house has one in one of the tanks.
You cant even hear the skimmer running.
Very quiet. So far He is very happy with and ordered two more for the store.
I heard good reviews of it
The lfs near my house has one in one of the tanks.
You cant even hear the skimmer running.
Very quiet. So far He is very happy with and ordered two more for the store.
Looks like a rlss knockoff....with that said it should perform well. Only issue I can see is that pump. If it goes out you maybe paying for this skimmer twice. Cost to replace dc pumps can get pricey...and trust me on this they normally don't have the best track record. My last skimmer pump was replaced three times in one year. It had a dc pump. Luckily the store I got it from covered me really well on the warranty so no money out of my pocket....just multiple weeks without a skimmer.
Just make sure the pump has at least a one year warranty. If it does you should be good to go!
Just make sure the pump has at least a one year warranty. If it does you should be good to go!
bayoupr
Active Member
Decent warranty, should be good.
OP
OP
ncfishguy
Valuable Member
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Who makes itIm getting this skimmer on Friday.
I heard good reviews of it
The lfs near my house has one in one of the tanks.
You cant even hear the skimmer running.
Very quiet. So far He is very happy with and ordered two more for the store.
Singlefin
Valuable Member
I'm kinda Leary about internal pumps since my SWC160 pump went out and they stopped making the pump. Replacements are still available on eBay, but can only use that exact pump. Next tank I went with reef octopus. I like supporting the small companies, but Didn't want to risk another small company that might go out of business.
DMan
Active Member
Ive been using a Bubble Magus Curve7 on a 90g plus 30 gallon sump. I think the skimmer is oversized for the system. I dont run it all day and it works great. I also have the auto neck cleaner for it all for about 400.
Most important is height and bubble size. Most skimmers can get other things ok, but those two will effect:
-turbulence
-time for organics to coat the bubble
Next important if not equally is the pump. If the pump doesnt perform (create constant small bubbles and water suction) it will fail to remove organics efficiently. An efficient skimmer wont produce tea colored skimmate, it will produce dark water, unless set to skim wet.
The most efficient skimmer ive used was an 8ft tall skimmer, with wood airstones injecting ultra fine bubbles. The foam was dry and black. The skimmate was a dryish black sticky sludge.
Also consider if it is an ozone safe skimmer. If you want clarify the water acrlyic skimmers yellow over time from ozone.
What makes a bad skimmer is a poor quality pump, such asones made in china. They may use smaller copper winding in the motor which can produce electric flux, drawing power less or more, thus the skimmer chamber will fluctuate up and down. This will collapse the foam constantly and produce poor skimmate.
Skimming is almost a science
-turbulence
-time for organics to coat the bubble
Next important if not equally is the pump. If the pump doesnt perform (create constant small bubbles and water suction) it will fail to remove organics efficiently. An efficient skimmer wont produce tea colored skimmate, it will produce dark water, unless set to skim wet.
The most efficient skimmer ive used was an 8ft tall skimmer, with wood airstones injecting ultra fine bubbles. The foam was dry and black. The skimmate was a dryish black sticky sludge.
Also consider if it is an ozone safe skimmer. If you want clarify the water acrlyic skimmers yellow over time from ozone.
What makes a bad skimmer is a poor quality pump, such asones made in china. They may use smaller copper winding in the motor which can produce electric flux, drawing power less or more, thus the skimmer chamber will fluctuate up and down. This will collapse the foam constantly and produce poor skimmate.
Skimming is almost a science
Last edited:
Rjramos
Valuable Member
Currently using, MRC MR-1. On a 120 gal.I like the thick acrylic plastic construction, and their becket air induction system. The main questions are how much system volume and how much space you got for a skimmer? Then matching the recommended pump or volume. I personally don't like my skimmer in the sump if I have the space outside along with an external pump, thats what I recommend. It makes it easier to do short and long term maintenance, and keeps the growth off the outside.
Harold Green
Well-Known Member
First thing to consider as someone mentioned is the water depth in the sump. The skimmer must work at that depth or less. Second is what you can afford. Many of the cheaper skimmers will do the job at half the cost of the more expensive brands. Get a skimmer rated for double the water volume of your system. You can always set it to run dry if it removes too much water. I own several of the bubble magus skimmers(one of the lowest cost skimmers) and am satisfied that they are doing a great job of skimming. Each has a cup drain that I find to be a time saver on larger skimmers. A large cup is always a good option. Plenty of choices out there.
ATB USA
Active Member
Andy told me you needed a skimmer. What size skimmer are you looking for?
Daniel@R2R
Living the Reef Life
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2012
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- Fontana, California
- What state or country do you live in
- California
You got pm, sir!
Aquageek
New Member
I look for value. I've owned several mid range brands: Reef Octopus, AquaC, Aquamaxx. Aquamaxx is good but my favorite hands down for price and function is Bubble Magus or their clone Seaside Aquatics. I have a 75 mixed reef and run the Bubble Magus Curve 5.
beadlocked450r
Active Member
I have access to doug the origanial distributor of deltec in the usa. Pm me and i will contact him. He has boxes and boxes and more boxes of deltec parts in his basement and more boxes of stuff
SeahorseSmile
New Member
need help........
we bought a red sea skimmer and the bubbles won't make it all the way into the neck?? do we need a bigger pump??
we bought a red sea skimmer and the bubbles won't make it all the way into the neck?? do we need a bigger pump??
