How good are Top Fathom skimmers?

[djcool563]

Hello i was wondering how good of a brand the Top Fathom skimmers are. I have a chance to get one and wanted to know if its worth it. Thanks
DJ

 

[Blown 346]

I have one on my 125 gallon and the thing kicks ***, it does a awesome job. I would reccomend it.

 

[djcool563]

Thanks anyone else?

 

[djcool563]

bump

 

[djcool563]

anyone?

 

[djcool563]

Doesnt anyone else have experince with these?

 

[Jeffie]

I've used them in the past and have been very happy with them. They are a little older now so you should be able to get one for rather cheap. If that's the case I say go for it!

 

[justinzimm]

I've used them allot. Both the large and small sizes. I currently use them on 2 aquariums that house corals. Both seem to be doing well and I've had no problems with the skimmer. As said above they aren't the newest of design but seem to work well. One mod you can make is to remove and update the venturi on the skimmer. The one that comes with it is not the best.

Justin

 

[Shoestring Reefer]

I have used one on my 125. I got it for frww because the bottom was busted up, and it was missing a few pieces. I got it to work ok, it definately skimmed some crud. But I'm just using macro algae for export, now.

IMO the three things that may be "better" with a newer skimmer:
-Newer skimmers have better venturis (as Justin mentioned) but you could also use a needle wheel pump, and if you go that route then the venturi doesn't matter that much anyways.
-Newer skimmers have clear bodies so yo can see the skimming goodness. TopFathoms have white PVC bodies.
-The better new skimmers have a recirc pump. Because of the TopFathom's PVC body, adding a recirc line would be pretty easy.

I agree with jeffie, if it's cheap then you should buy one.

 

[cw150]

I have a TF300. I have about 220 total gallons in my system and it seems to do the job. The only bad thing about the skimmer is the collection cup, which is poorly designed IMO. The drain outlet is a POS that easily cracks and leaks.