AquaMaxx skimmers -- anyone use them?

[D-Nak]

Just checking to see if anyone local is using an AquaMaxx skimmer. I'm considering purchasing a ConeS Q-3, but I'm a bit concerned about build quality. I couple of reviews mentioned that the quality is just so-so.

My last two skimmers were ATB (love it) and Vertex Omega (built like a tank) so I'm looking for a high quality skimmer. Unfortunately, their models won't fit in the location I'm trying to use.

I know that the seams on the AquaMaxx aren't welded like ATB or Vertex, so I'm wondering what other people think. I don't want a skimmer that's going to fall apart or requires me to be gentle with it. TIA

 

[swk]

I don't have aqua max, but I have a jns skimmer. They make the aquamaxx line for marine depot. Only difference is the label. I have the u2 which is the same as the em2000. GREAT skimmer. Set and forget, quiet sicce pump and inexpensive to boot. Love it

 

[scuzy]

i have a aquamax cones q1 and it's been going strong in my smaller tank.

 

[D-Nak]

How's the build quality guys? Does it look or feel flimsy? How easy is the collection cup to remove?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I don't want a skimmer that's going to fall apart or requires me to be gentle with it. TIA

Since this is a concern I would not buy one. I had an Aquamaxx skimmer and it can get scratched pretty easily everywhere from skimmer body to collection cup lid. More so than other skimmers I had owned in the past. Thus I think it could probably crack easier than others as well. Otherwise it performs well and pulls out lots of waste. I don't think I would buy their skimmers again.

 

[650-IS350]

I purchased this beast to replace my old deltec MCE600. I've owned Deltecs for years now and have just decided to try something new.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...quariums_Reefs-AquaMaxx-UJ1191-FIPSHO-vi.html

This skimmer is actually quite larger than the MCE600, pulls more gunk than my old MCE's and emits much less noise if any than previous skimmers i've owned my whole reefing career. I have to be standing right beside it to hear it. I actually think the build quality is pretty good and solid.

 

[D-Nak]

Thanks for the input guys. If you're wondering why I'm looking at AquaMaxx, it's because they use the Sicce pumps. I've only had bad luck with DC pumps so I was hoping to avoid using one on my new skimmer, even with the control available.

I'm still on the fence. I like both ATB and Vertex because I can completely pull them apart (titanium screws are nice) to clean them and I can be a bit rough on them knowing that they'll go together in a snap. I don't mind scratches so much as I worry about a part snapping off if I accidentally bang it on my sump while removing it to clean it.

Too bad Royal Exclusiv skimmers are so expensive.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Let us know what you end up getting. I placed an order for a new tank at Reef-a-palooza and will need a skimmer for it soon. Reef Octopus is on my list. I had an HOB skimmer by RO years ago and it didn't seem that bad. I am sure their in-sump skimmers are even better. Nothing wow like ATB or Bubble King. ATB nano looks decent and price point isn't too bad. LOL.

 

[D-Nak]

Let us know what you end up getting. I placed an order for a new tank at Reef-a-palooza and will need a skimmer for it soon. Reef Octopus is on my list. I had an HOB skimmer by RO years ago and it didn't seem that bad. I am sure their in-sump skimmers are even better. Nothing wow like ATB or Bubble King. ATB nano looks decent and price point isn't too bad. LOL.

I think it depends on the tank size. If it's for a smallish tank, I personally would spend the extra cash for a Vertex Omega (I really like the welds and customer support is great). For a larger system like mine, it looks like I'm leaning towards saving some cash (over say, an ATB) and getting an AquaMaxx. At this point, I may try to squeeze in a ConeS CO so that there is extra contact time. The Q series skimmers are shorter, but with the pump inside the skimmer, there is less contact time.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Don't you love how ATB's nano skimmer is rated up to 150 gal? Lol. Mine is going to be a 100 gallon tank dominated by fairy wrasses.

 

[D-Nak]

Don't you love how ATB's nano skimmer is rated up to 150 gal? Lol. Mine is going to be a 100 gallon tank dominated by fairy wrasses.

Don't let the name fool you. I bet it could handle a 100 gallon tank. However, if it were me, I'd go with an 840. They now come with DC pumps (not sure if this is a good thing or not). The photo on the site hasn't been updated yet, as the new skimmer also comes with a double bubble plate.

My 840 came with a Sicce pump and it's been working for 4 years now. The impeller does need to be replaced periodically.

On a side note, I haven't been keeping tabs on ATB, but they are now distributed out of Virginia (a guy name Paul, no longer Chad in Simi Valley) and they stock white skimmers, which used to be special order only.

Here's the nano next to a salt bucket for size comparison:

And here's the 840:

And here are both next to each other:

Wow... I think I am slowly talking myself into buying another ATB.

 

[swk]

Ha! Mine is very durable and easy to take apart entirely and clean.

 

[mavjoy]

I have a aquamaxx and so far it's pulling good skimmate. It does get scratched easily and compare to a ATB, the build is not as solid. It's quiet and works great and that's good enough for me

 

[_divad]

Have had two different Aquamaxx Skimmers. Loved them. One of the resides at Diablo Corals now. I wouldn't hesitate purchasing another one if I needed it.

 

[D-Nak]

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a ConeS CO-3. I prefer to have the pump outside of the skimmer body so that I can get more contact time and better access to the pump in case I want to clean it. I will need to forgo the welded seams and better overall quality, but I am saving a few hundred dollars over an ATB. If it breaks then I guess I have a reason to get the ATB later. LOL

 

[shred5]

I have a coneS skimmer they do skim very well but are cheaply made. Matter of fact mine came busted in different places. They are pretty cheaply made and are nothing like some of the high end skimmers but they are not priced like a high end skimmer either. I mean they use cheap plastic screws and if they aint exactly right water drains out the body on mine. Pumps are sicce which is good. They are not modified with special volute and are not processing lots of air. I also think there rating are way too high.

They skim better than most mid priced skimmers at a lower end price.
They thing is they skim very well but there is no way they do as good as my ATB or RLSS. The RLSS is the skimmer I would use if you can fit it or dont want to spend the money on a ATB or something a little higher up. .

 

[D-Nak]

I have a coneS skimmer they do skim very well but are cheaply made. Matter of fact mine came busted in different places. They are pretty cheaply made nothing like some of the high end skimmers but they are not priced like a high end skimmer. I mean they use cheap plastic screws and if they aint exactly right water drains out the body on mine. Pumps are sicce which is good. They are not modified with special volute and are not processing lots of air. I also think there rating are way too high.

They skim better than most mid priced skimmers at a lower end price.
They thing is they skim very well but there is no way they do as good as my ATB or RLSS. The RLSS is the skimmer I would use if you can fit it or dont want to spend the money on a ATB or something a little higher up. .

I think if the ATB was 100 bucks less, I'd get it in a heartbeat. Paul said I can get it with an AC pump too, which I think I'd opt for since I hate the Jebao pumps they now come with (even though he said they don't have any issues with them)

I looked at RLSS skimmers to but like I said I hate DC pumps -- I just haven't had luck with them. And I also prefer the pump on the outside of the skimmer.

 

[shred5]

I think if the ATB was 100 bucks less, I'd get it in a heartbeat. Paul said I can get it with an AC pump too, which I think I'd opt for since I hate the Jebao pumps they now come with (even though he said they don't have any issues with them)

I looked at RLSS skimmers to but like I said I hate DC pumps -- I just haven't had luck with them. And I also prefer the pump on the outside of the skimmer.

I know the ATB skimmers go on sale at times, that is how I got mine. Last sale was macna.


DC pumps are becoming much better. The dc pump on the ATB is modified too from what I read somewhere. I believe most are based of the RLSS originally. The sicce pump ATB used to use on the 840 I would bet is more reliable though. I do have a sicce pump that has had a few issues with start up though.
Dc pumps are the future and eventually you will have to get one. The gyre is DC, the new ecotech pump is DC.

 

[nly04]

Do you take a look at the Nyos quantum serries skimmer? Look nice too.

 

[muhli]

Not a in sump aquamaxx, but I have the HOB model. I like it. Pulls out so much gunk. Only thing I dont like about it is the small collection cup. I have to empty it out every so often.