Skimmers

[z28pwr]

I've owned several Skimmers through the years and I'm very happy with my current choice due to the high performance, low wattage and value they provide. For the 144 half circle I run an SWC 160 and for my 600 I run an SWC 300, both are powered by Sicce PSK-2500 pumps, but the 300 has two pumps and the 160 has one. These Skimmers do an awesome job and the only thing I do is empty the cup every other week or so. You can get more info at WWW.swcskimmers.com

[Europhyllia]

Got my Aqua-C running now and I have to say I love it!
The Elos was well made and beautiful but not the perfect match for the BP set up. The Aqua-C is more than what I had hoped for. I like it a lot. Can't get myself to cough up the extra 80 bucks for a waste container so I am just using a plastic cereal container right now. Maybe later on the waste container. It would make it look very clean and snazzy but who's going to look in the stand other than me anyway.

So quiet, so low maintenance, so reliable. And instant production for me (no break in period). Like, like, like

[cbianco]

With regards to HOB models...

I love my AquaC Remora. It cleans my tank and has never "talked back" to me. I can't remember ever having to clean it only clean the pump.

With that said...

I don't think that the Remora is the best skimmer you can buy for $150-200 at this time. If I were to purchase another skimmer in this range, I would probably buy an AquaMaxx (rebranded whatever).



JMO

Christopher

[ReefOne]

This is what i'm going to try to build:

http://glassbox-design.com/2010/atb-...all-footprint/

[txg8gxp]

That looks like a fun build, I want one...

[RayAllen]

I like Texas Todd am a Reef Octopus fan. Actually quite a few on the board have or have had a Reef Octopus skimmer. Ive had 4 since being in the hobby, have never let me down. I currently have a needel wheel and love it. Im not concerned about plankton so its not an issue for me to use a needlewheel pump.

[RayAllen]

Hats off to anyone skilled in acrylic work that can build their own.

[txg8gxp]

I really like the look of the reef octopus super xp cone skimmers. I have the NWB110 and it does it's job, I can't say anything bad about it.

[StevenSeas]

Just an observation, but doesnt it seem like the contact chamber/time on the newer "higher end" skimmers seems to be DECREASING? I know they are trying to conserve space and avoid it from looking ugly but really I mean the lack of contact time seems to bother me some. just my thoughts

[Europhyllia]

I am one who believes in skimming just not as much as others.

I used to completely agree with you on that topic (and still would be if it wasn't for the BioPellets).
My pH has been on the low side since using the pellets and I've been dripping kalk at night whenever it drops below a certain point to counteract the CO2 that is a byproduct of the pellets converting nutrients.
Of course I know the pellets are converting a lot of nutrients because I am putting in a lot of food but hey that's why I got the pellets: to let me feed like I want to.
Not everybody using pellets will have such a big nutrient conversion.

If it wasn't for the pellets I would still be very happy with an undersized skimmer.

But I think with the pellets and especially with how much I feed and the resulting CO2 production by the pellets a very effective skimmer is a must now for me.

I am even more excited about the spray injection method this morning than I was before. I usually go through 2 gallons of kalk a night to keep pH where I want it. This has been the first night with the AquaC on and I just checked on it: I used only 1 gallon (half of the usual) and my pH still is perfect.

I assume the difference must be one of two things (Or both):
- fantastic aeration capacity compared to my correctly sized ventury Elos and undersized needlewheel AMS skimmers
- faster, more effective waste removal so the pellets have less to chew on