Skimmer

[KyleV]

My skimmer just crapped out. In your experience what is the best HOB skimmer.

[dirtyruss83]

have you seen the hang on tank refuge with the skimmers built on from CPR, havent used one but they look sweet!!

[KyleV]

No but checking them out now! thanks

[aprilmayjune]

I have been looking at those for a while, but they are so expensive. I found a guy on eBay that makes them, almost identical, for $200 less. I'm thinking about trying one out on my 20g.

Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AME WA%3APIC&viewitem=&item=160080107193&rd=1&rd=1

[KyleV]

Getting better!

[caferacermike]

Deltec M300 is considered the best, not only because it is a Deltec but it actually works. Chect out Coralife like the on eyou had on your 20g. I've heard you need to get at least the 220 (?) as the smaller ones have poor pumps.

[Bill S]

I have a Bakpak and wouldn't buy another one...

[caferacermike]

Bill I've heard that hundreds of times. That and the Prizm, Seaclown, and AquaC remora. I had a remora and was completely unsatisfied with it. Then again I run Euroreefs and may have been asking to much of it.

[KyleV]

Did you have the remore pro with the mag3? that is what I'm leaning towards with the overflow box

[JimD]

I have a Bakpak and wouldn't buy another one...

I have one too, IMO, it works better than my Remora with a Mag3. I did the airstone mod on it and it works great, I have to empty the cup every two days and the skimmate is a dark brown. 20 gallon anemone/clown tank...

[caferacermike]

I had teh Remora pro with the Maxi 1200 mod and overflow box. They need daily cleanings of the tower throat or, IMO, they don't work. The throat is so narrow that the slightest hint of dried skimmate makes it so that it quits skimming properly.

http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/mce300.php

Kyle, if'n I was you, you should take a long honest look at the Deltec MCE300. It is a bit more money but is 10 times the skimmer available. I went to Kingfish today and specifically asked how much the unit is (oh and they actually have one) and it is a fair price. PM me and I'll tell ya. Better yet arrange to visit them tomorrow on yer lunch break, it's close enough to your work. The shop isn't really up and running yet but I swear you'll be impressed by what is going on in the place.

www.kingfishaquarium.com

[Bill S]

Jim, what is the airstone mod? I'd be interested. I still have the bakpak on my 55.

[KyleV]

I've always swore by his tank that I oringinally fragged from so I can only imagine!

[JimD]

Bakpak on a 55 is pushing its capacity unless you dont have much of a load. Basicly, you drill a small hole thru the cup lid in the center, run a length of rigid airline with a limewwod airstone at the end and place it at the bottom of the reaction chamber, put the airline thru the lid hole, then hook up an airpump to it and thats it! Very easy and very effective,. If you need more info just let me know.

[hobogato]

Bakpak on a 55 is pushing its capacity unless you dont have much of a load.

you know, not everyone is crazy enough to put a 30" tall beckett skimmer on a 60 gallon tank like you jim :lol :P sorry, i couldnt resist :)

[JimD]

lol, especialy with a Mag12! Guess I need more fish.....

[Ross]

can you do it on the remora? or should i try doing the fishing line through the impeller blades?

[JimD]

The fishing line mod looks like a pita to me, I dont see why the airstone mod wouldnt work on a Remora.

[caferacermike]

Since the remora is an injection, oh wait since my Remora LOL, skimmer the bubbles come AFTER the impeller. You'd see no difference in quality, except maybe a decline.

[JimD]

Huh? :wacko

[caferacermike]

Bigun Jim. First I was laughing at the fact that Ross now has my Remora. I was sayign that since the pump is before the injector on the remora there is no point in trying to improve the impeller. All of the action is behind the impeller.

[Bill S]

Hmm. Sounds JUST like those original skimmers we ran 35 years ago! I'll probably take me Kent and put it on the tank when I reconfigure it.

[KyleV]

I ended up getting the remora off RC for practically nothing. The deltec was sweet but out of my price range. I'll prob upgrade to a mag 5 if it fits in the surface box. If not I guess Ace will be making me a new one.