Aqua-C Remora Vs CPR Bak Pak

[happyface888]

Which is better and why? Whats the difference between these two? And which sets them apart from one another? But when I look at these two skimmers they are both boxes but what are the difference? Is it the power head? I would like some reviews on both pros and cons of these.

 

[blink*]

CPR BakPak is a venturi driven model. I think they're out of business, but you can still find some around in LFS.
AquaC is a "patented air injection" model. I have had both.
Both are ok for smaller tanks, I'd say 50g or less.
I liked CPR better myself.
In sump skimmers have more choices and perform better, IMO.

 

[arthurlo]

As blink* said, the two skimmers differ in design as to how the bubbles in the main chamber are generated.

The CPR uses a T connection and airhose to draw in air at the pump outlet (venturi driven).

The AquaC squirts/sprays the water from the tank into the chamber (like spraying a garden hose into a bucket).

Both work fine for smaller tanks. I've had both and found that they both work fine once they are set up and tuned. It does take a while for them to "break-in", and for adjusting the height of the collection cup. I think that the AquaC makes slightly better skimmate with fewer readjustments. The AquaC (with the paper towel mod) is also quieter than the CPR. However, it seems to be commonly accepted in the forums that the CPR needs to be cleaned regularly (bimonthly?) to maintain optimum results. I think I had fewer microbubbles with my CPR too.

Again, as blink* said, go for the in sump skimmers if you can. They can be cheaper (CSS) and work heads and tails better than the hang-on-back skimmers.

Hope that helps.

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

I have a Deltec MCE600 and I would rather have a sump skimmer. I find that I have to constantly mess with the height of the collection cup. I often think I have it set perfect, then 3 hours later I come back and the collection cup has overflowed ( Luckily it overflows into itself).

Speaking of overflow, be sure whatever HOT skimmer you get has some sort of failsafe for overflowing....other than a bucket below it.

I'm not really sure how much adjusting you have to have for sump skimmers; as I have never used one, but it has to be less than the amount I have had to do with HOT skimmers.

I find the majority of time spent daily on my tank is fiddling with the protein skimmer. It does pull out some nasty nasty gunk daily though.

 

[glee]

my cpr skimmer put out a ton of bubbles back into my tank. i had to buy the preskimmer/bubble trap. just something for you to consider.

 

[Reefer_Addickt]

what size tank do you need a skimmer for?

The ps75 is supposed to be pretty damn good for 70 and below, and hella cheap. Do some searches on RC about all the people using it.

Dont buy the ps160 for HOT. http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=245