Cadlights PLS-50 nano skimmer review

my9ysy8u.jpg
 
I feel like the bubbles are still too high. You can tell by the condensation on the cup. Be delicate, turn to open the drain a hair.
 
Whenever I try to turn the body clockwise or counter clockwise, either way just by a tiny, tiny bit, the bubbles begin rising even more. I had the skimmer in 6" and it was worse so now I have it at 5 1/2". I'll rise it to 5" later on and try that.
 
LinkinReef said:
Yeah I got some crazy bubble coming out of the bottom of the body and there's also a very LOUD gurgling noise coming out of the skimmer's chamber. I already tried almost every possible tight and loose position on the pump lock and it's all the same. I'll try the teflon tape mod see if that makes a difference.

The first video is of the LOUD sound and the second is of the crazy bubbles.

http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/linkinreef/media/IMG_1378_zps5cc6e399.mp4.html

http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/linkinreef/media/IMG_1380_zpsd1f0a83b.mp4.html
Click to expand...

Likinreef:

Did you ever get this issue resolved? I just got a PLS-50 and it's EXACTLY as you describe. Due to the threading on the acrylic plate, I cannot tighten the pump to fully seat the o-ring. As a result, I have micro bubbles pouring out the bottom plate and excessive noise. Did the teflon tape fix it? Sounds like you never really got yours 100% dialed in like the others in the thread. If the teflon band-aid doesn't fix it 100% I want to make sure I return it before messing with it for 2 weeks.
 
LandShark 99 said:
Likinreef:

Did you ever get this issue resolved? I just got a PLS-50 and it's EXACTLY as you describe. Due to the threading on the acrylic plate, I cannot tighten the pump to fully seat the o-ring. As a result, I have micro bubbles pouring out the bottom plate and excessive noise. Did the teflon tape fix it? Sounds like you never really got yours 100% dialed in like the others in the thread. If the teflon band-aid doesn't fix it 100% I want to make sure I return it before messing with it for 2 weeks.
Click to expand...

The teflon tape didn't work for me as it made the skimmer water level raise pretty badly and therefor I was getting a very VERY wet skim so I ended up removing that. Almost a month later this skimmer is performing very well. The microbubbles are still there a tiny little bit but not as crazy as it used to be. The noise has completely stopped as the skimmer got broken in.

I recommend just setting it up and not touching it for a couple of weeks or so. I'm actually quite happy with this skimmer once broken in. I do still feel that I might have gotten one with quality issues but I have ended playing around with it a little too much and the skimmer is now actually sitting in 4 1/2" of water level and I'm getting better results.
 
I got a message from CAD that by removing the red gasket, it seals better and gets smoother turns. I tried it on mine last week and its so much looser and the bottom 2 plates stay put. no micro-bubble leakage and I can turn with just 2 fingers now.

they say by removing the red gasket, its very much like the way the larger PLS skimmers are. those don't use the red o-ring.
 
you never had a CAD pipeless skimmer huh? not for $220 and 2X the size on the aquamaxx. my PLS-50 is only 3.5 x 3.5 and skims amazing. I rather buy the PLS-100 and save $40 or get the PLS-150 for a bit more.
 
I'd like to add my 2 cents. I own the large 100PLS. It started off great, good fine bubbles, skimming well. Then the skimmer body started popping off, or it would overflow. I got the 'mod' (an acrylic screw) to hold the body on. After that the skimmer pump crapped out on me and stopped producing bubbles. After some back and forth with cadlights they sent me a new pump. It did the same again. I ended up modding the volute on the venturi to get it skimming again. It works but I'm far from happy with my experience. It's also impossible to clean inside the skimmer body as its blocked by the bubble plate.
Great concept, very poor execution. Wouldn't buy this Brand again, nor would I recommend it.
Actually looking for recommendations for a replacement. Must have a small footprint 7x8 and be able to handle 50 gallons volume heavy stocked. Looking in the $200 range.
 
Smiless said:
I'd like to add my 2 cents. I own the large 100PLS. It started off great, good fine bubbles, skimming well. Then the skimmer body started popping off, or it would overflow. I got the 'mod' (an acrylic screw) to hold the body on. After that the skimmer pump crapped out on me and stopped producing bubbles. After some back and forth with cadlights they sent me a new pump. It did the same again. I ended up modding the volute on the venturi to get it skimming again. It works but I'm far from happy with my experience. It's also impossible to clean inside the skimmer body as its blocked by the bubble plate.
Great concept, very poor execution. Wouldn't buy this Brand again, nor would I recommend it.
Actually looking for recommendations for a replacement. Must have a small footprint 7x8 and be able to handle 50 gallons volume heavy stocked. Looking in the $200 range.
Click to expand...

I have the NAC7 and it skims with no breakin period and holds the level I place it at. Quality is excellent as well on fit and material used.
The NAC 3.5 should fit and cover your volume and more.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Bubble_Magus_NAC_Series_In_Sump_Needle_Wheel_Protein_Skimmers_w_Bubble_Plate_In_Sump_Venturi_Needle_Wheel_Protein_Skimmers-Bubble_Magus-4W03002-FIPSISNW-vi.htmlhttp://

NAC 3.5 Cone Protein Skimmer

Bubble Magus NAC3.5 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer w/ Bubble Plate Information

The Bubble-Magus NAC3.5 Cone skimmer is practical and highly efficient. This skimmer offers innovative features at an affordable price: which makes it a great value.

NAC3.5 Features

cone skimmer body to allow smooth transition of skimmate to the collection cup
needle wheel pump with venturi intake that produces just the right amount and size of air bubbles
bubble plate to reduce the turbulence in the reaction chamber
collection cup drain to reduce maintenance frequency
compact footprint that allows easy installation

NAC3.5 Specifications

Tank Capability: 25G-80G
Pump: ph1100
Air intake: 300L/H
Pump power: 8W, 110V 60Hz
Max Chamber Diameter: 4"
Dimensions: 4.7"L x 7.08"W x 17.3"H
Water Level: 8"-10"
 
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