:headwalls:
To all my reef keeping community. Please be aware that Aquamaxx Skimmers use altered Sicce Italy pumps on some/all of their skimmers. They alter them with aftermarket products (confirmed by Viktor, aquamaxx tech support) which can result in impeller failure. I've had to replace the Aquamaxx impeller 3x. One time I got for free from Marine depot and the other 2 times I paid $80+ per impeller. I spoke in great length with Sicce, the manufacturer and they were adamant that they do not promote the use of aftermarket impellers as they cause damage to the housing, which is what happened to me. They also went ahead and informed me that they see the same type of damage my pump sustained due to this aftermarket practice. Essentially the original impeller damaged my pump and the subsequent impellers failed due to the original damage. What's more interesting is that the SICCE needle wheel impellers are significantly less expensive then what Aquamaxx charges for the cheaply made aftermarket knock offs from Taiwan. It's concerning to think Aquamaxx not only installs an inferior product to make higher profit margins. Because they know sooner or later someone will brake the ceramic shaft while doing cleaning and maintenance and it gives them an opportunity to gouge the user. Reminds me of printer ink; the home printer is a good deal but the cost you'll spend running it is ridiculous.
I have been in the hobby for over 10 years. I have a 450 gallon display reef system with almost 1000 gallons of total water volume. The skimmer itself seems to get the job done but beware of the pump and the associated cost for a cheaply made supplied needle wheel impeller. It could eventually damage your pump in addition to the garbage impeller leaving you to have to buy another one. BTW best Aquamaxx was willing to do is offer me 10% off a new one. What a joke!
Hope this review helps. :headwalls:
To all my reef keeping community. Please be aware that Aquamaxx Skimmers use altered Sicce Italy pumps on some/all of their skimmers. They alter them with aftermarket products (confirmed by Viktor, aquamaxx tech support) which can result in impeller failure. I've had to replace the Aquamaxx impeller 3x. One time I got for free from Marine depot and the other 2 times I paid $80+ per impeller. I spoke in great length with Sicce, the manufacturer and they were adamant that they do not promote the use of aftermarket impellers as they cause damage to the housing, which is what happened to me. They also went ahead and informed me that they see the same type of damage my pump sustained due to this aftermarket practice. Essentially the original impeller damaged my pump and the subsequent impellers failed due to the original damage. What's more interesting is that the SICCE needle wheel impellers are significantly less expensive then what Aquamaxx charges for the cheaply made aftermarket knock offs from Taiwan. It's concerning to think Aquamaxx not only installs an inferior product to make higher profit margins. Because they know sooner or later someone will brake the ceramic shaft while doing cleaning and maintenance and it gives them an opportunity to gouge the user. Reminds me of printer ink; the home printer is a good deal but the cost you'll spend running it is ridiculous.
I have been in the hobby for over 10 years. I have a 450 gallon display reef system with almost 1000 gallons of total water volume. The skimmer itself seems to get the job done but beware of the pump and the associated cost for a cheaply made supplied needle wheel impeller. It could eventually damage your pump in addition to the garbage impeller leaving you to have to buy another one. BTW best Aquamaxx was willing to do is offer me 10% off a new one. What a joke!
Hope this review helps. :headwalls:
