davidfrances
New member
I spent the entire day yesterday installing AquaMaxx's ConeS CO-3 skimmers on both of my 250G Marineland DD display tanks. These replaced a couple of Skimz SM251's whose feeder pumps become unreliable.
I use 40G breeders for the sump, and given the diameter of the old Skimz, I had to first pull my ATO reservoir out, then pull the sump completely out to remove the Skimz body, what a PITA!. On the bright side, I was able to clean behind my tanks, and do a thorough cleaning of my sump. I was also able to "pimp" my sump and ATO reservoir with lights, and it looks good!
My initial review of the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-3 is very positive. To begin with, it only uses one feeder pump, so it will consume less energy. The pump is external, as opposed to internal with the Skimz, so that should make maintenance easier.
The diameter of the ConeS is smaller, and the collection cup holds less (not a big deal, as I have the overflow plumbed to an external collection container).
The feature I like best on the ConeS is that the adjustment valve on the AquaMaxx is exponentially better than Skimz, allowing one to easily dial the skimmer in. I was never able to fine tune the Skimz. After approximately 24 hours, I had a good half gallon of dark skimmate. That tells me my old Skimz were woefully inefficient and underperforming.
Photos follow of the ConeS installed:
Right side tank:
Left side tank:
Full sump shot, Left side tank:
I use 40G breeders for the sump, and given the diameter of the old Skimz, I had to first pull my ATO reservoir out, then pull the sump completely out to remove the Skimz body, what a PITA!. On the bright side, I was able to clean behind my tanks, and do a thorough cleaning of my sump. I was also able to "pimp" my sump and ATO reservoir with lights, and it looks good!
My initial review of the AquaMaxx ConeS CO-3 is very positive. To begin with, it only uses one feeder pump, so it will consume less energy. The pump is external, as opposed to internal with the Skimz, so that should make maintenance easier.
The diameter of the ConeS is smaller, and the collection cup holds less (not a big deal, as I have the overflow plumbed to an external collection container).
The feature I like best on the ConeS is that the adjustment valve on the AquaMaxx is exponentially better than Skimz, allowing one to easily dial the skimmer in. I was never able to fine tune the Skimz. After approximately 24 hours, I had a good half gallon of dark skimmate. That tells me my old Skimz were woefully inefficient and underperforming.
Photos follow of the ConeS installed:
Right side tank:
Left side tank:
Full sump shot, Left side tank: