Hang on Skimmer Suggestions

[Rodney]

I just purchased a new Oceanic 30gal Cube. I was hoping someone had some suggestions on a good Skimmer. I was thinking about the CPR Bak Pak 2r. The only thing that worries me is all of the negative feedback on their Forum. :? Thanks

[manny]

I like my CPR Bak Pak 2R. Haven't had any bad experiences with it yet *knock on wood*. The only thing is that sometimes it will put out bubbles when you have changes in water tension but will usually go away in a couple of days if it even gets that bad. It also comes with a sponge that you can use but I don't bother messing with that since the bubble problem always fixes itself

[TexasState]

I've tried many, and I do mean many skimmers. A remora HOT is about the most trouble free skimmer you can own. If you can't afford it, then get the Bak Pak 2R.

[adamRS80]

I totally agree with Vinh. I've heard nothing but good things about the Aqua C skimmers...particularly the Remora, but I've used CPR BakPaks for a long time and been satisfied. The only drawback is that the Rio pumps aren't the best in the world but they do work, and the venturi gets clogged with calcium and junk but as long as you clean it every month or so you should be pleased. If you don't want the bubbles get the bubble trap/preskimmer which also works well and keep scum/film off the surface. The Prizm works good too but I find myself having to adjust mine pretty frequently.

[TexasState]

Yeah, I bought into the Prizm hype and pre-ordered one b4 they even come out. They skim good, but the adjustment is a royal pain in the you know what. I end up flooding the skimmer more often then not.

[Rodney]

Thanks you all for the great advice. I'm going to shoot for the Aqua C Remora.

[Jimnorris]

IMO the Remora is the best!
Jim

[prof]

I have never used the Remora so I can't compare...

I have 2 BakPaks. I run one, trouble free on my 20L. I really like it. I have cleaned the powerhead once in the year that it has been running. It is slim and I never adjust it.

[matt]

I have to disagree somewhat on the remora. I had an urchin, which is the in sump version. It was really weak; the maxijet upgrade makes it a little better, but I didn't think it was any more effective than the prizm, which is almost exactly half the price. Now that I think about it, though, maybe the remora works a little better because the cup is fairly even with water level; with the urchin in a sump, the cup is at least 12" above water level. This puts a little load on the powerhead. Definitely the aquaC stuff is made better than the prizm, but it is $80 more, so. For a 30 gallon, either one will pull about the same amount of crud out.

[TexasState]

Having use Remora, Urchin, Prizm, the Remora is easier to setup and keep running. CPR's manufacture support suck. They wants you to pay for replacement part, as well as to pay for the shipping. Other then CPR, I had been getting free replacement part, as well as free shipping by other manufactures. CPR used clear acrylic, Remora used smoked acrylic. Smoked acrylic prevent algae gunk growing inside the skimmer better.

[Andrew]

My bakpak is like a little refugium. I put some tiny rubble in the return side bottom months ago and pods are reproducing, and all kinds of tube worm and other critters are growing on the acrylic.


Andrew