Bak-Pak vs. Remora

[LBCBJ]

Hey guys,

Starting up an 18 gallon nano reef and am torn between the Bak-Pak and Remora, which seem to be the top of line HOB skimmers. I would just like to see what everyone else thinks about these 2 skimmers. Thanks.

 

[bennerkla]

Both great skimmers, can't go wrong IMO. I'd go with the Remora if I had to pick.

 

[dgin]

Another one to consider is the skimmer by Coralife (Super Skimmer?) which can be in sump or hang on back.

 

[acidlittle]

I have a remora on my 29gal, it's rated up to 75 gal and pulls out a ton of gunk. I love it, but it is a tad noisy...

Josh

 

[odstar]

I have a Remora on my 24 gal AP. Works just fine.

 

[oddiseus]

I think the remora is good if you stay under 25 gals. and go with the upgraded pump. I ran a 55 gal on this same setup with almost no problems for about 2 years and no other filtration besides biological.
-Odd

 

[Jiddy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7426222#post7426222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bennerkla
Both great skimmers, can't go wrong IMO. I'd go with the Remora if I had to pick.

Amen

 

[Agu]

I haven't used a Remora but based on the noise reported from them I have no inclination to try one. The bakpak with the stock pump is pretty quiet. IME the bakpak is a reliable skimmer.

 

[fantastic4]

I have the bakpak, here's my take...

bakpak with standard pump does not make enough bubles. The froth is not that great. I added a wood bubbler with air-pump and it's running much better. some people have modified the propeler to needle wheel design to create better micro bubles. The skimmer box is very hard to get just right (not to wet and not empty). I like the build quality and the design of it, it just needs a better pump and or modification to create better froth.

I had it on a 65 gallon... now it's on a 10 gallon nano I just started.

I'm buying the Remora Pro for my 65 gallon after reading so many compliments. Called the company to ask what the deal is with the hot water treatment prior to use. Steve stated that the oil from manufacturing is a big issue with bubles poping. I just like the reviews stating that this unit is easy to use, just turn it on!

you should be fine with either in my opinion. although I would choose the remora based on user reviews and my experience with the bakpak.

 

[bcoons]

I have had the Bakpak 2R with the MJ 1200 pump on my 20L for about 8 months.. I had to add a limewood airstone and an airpump in order to get it to do anything at all. I wouldn't buy another one.

 

[flameangel88]

First let me say that I don't have the Bak Pak.

I've the CSS 65 and Remora (with MJ 1200 and drain plug):
Remora very easy to install just like plug and play, great customer service.
CSS65 (I had this first but read so much good reviews on it that I also got the Remora and was going to put the CSS in the QT) is much more difficult to install and adjusting the flow was a nightmare in the begininng. Also had a slight flooding after adjusting and not watching. But once you fine tune the thing it works better than the Remora imo.

If you have the open top and care more on the appearance then the Remora will fit that very nicely and will do the job on skimming. The problem with the Remora is if you move this thing around it will forget how to skim and it will take a couple of days to get going again but didn't have this problem on the CSS65. If you are on a budget then the CSS 65 fits the bill and it's almost $100 less and if you can or find someone to drill a drain hole then you are all set--I've a pretty heavy bio load and every 3rd or 4th day I've to dispose the skimmate.

I'm starting up a 75g and just placed an order for the CSS 220.

If you have time you can take a look at some pictures here about half way down:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=840466&perpage=25&pagenumber=2

 

[shilo_1]

I have a Remora pro and think its great. Mine is on a 20g at the moment (was on my 46g) and I've used it with the bigger and smaller pumps. Currently using the MJ1200 to reduce pump noice and its not bad at all.

I previously had the CPR Bak-pak and it was ok...Remora produces more skimmate though.

 

[Blazindrgn]

I have a Bak pak 2 on my 55g, I have a wood airstone with a strong air pump ( I don't know exact model ) and It pulls out alot of gunk, its important to clean the intake on the MJ 1200 regularly, I also filed the three slits in the intake piece to give more flow (the water flow part, not the air opening).

With the airstone mod I am very happy with the output.


I have a Remora C pro coming for my 37g which is going to be FOWLR, Im going to be intrested in the comparision to my modded bak pak2.

 

[Feather Duster]

I had a Bak Pak 2 modified airstone on my 20 gallon. I tried all sorts of configurations with it, it never pulled anything out.

I would not buy one again.

 

[LBCBJ]

Thanks guys