Is this a GOOD or BAD deal on a Curve 5?

[plecoco]

I've been in the market for weeks now researching skimmers. I was about to pull the trigger and buy a brand new Bubble Magus Curve 5, but then I started browsing craigslist and found one for CHEAP.

The problem is that I have no idea if it's worth it, as it's not in perfect condition.

The price is $150. The problem? The internal pump is weak. It'll work according to the seller, but not efficiently. It'll need to be replaced. I have no idea if I can use a generic third-party pump, or if it has to be OEM Bubble Magus. Or if it just needs to be cleaned from gunk.

Based on all the reading I've done, I think this is the right skimmer for me.

http://skimmergeek.com/bubble-magus-curve-5-protein-skimmer-review/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdTQNiReNIo



Anyone with experience on this? I also don't know how much a pump would cost...:mad2:

 

[GimpyFin]

$150 is only about $50 or so off what a brand new Curve 5 would cost. If it needs a new pump, it looks like the Curve 5 uses a Rock Sp1000 pump, which runs about $60-70. Impellers only usually run about $35-$40. Either way, I'd say you're better off buying a new one if that's the skimmer you want.

 

[vhuang168]

If you are going to replace it, do it with a Sicce pump. Essentially turning it into a SSA skimmer


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[SkullV]

That is a bad deal. The Curve 5 generally sells for $80-$100 used in perfect working condition.

I did swap in a Sicce SK200 pump into mine though effectively turning it into an SSA ES5. The air draw is significantly higher.

 

[plecoco]

Thanks for the input all!

I've managed to talk to the seller based on all your inputs. The seller lowered the price by half. I'm considering if it's worth it now, although I have to drive quite a distance to pick it up.

I've tried looking for cheaper ones, but didn't come across any, or they're way overpriced or non-working which I have no idea how to fix.

Is it difficult to swap the pump? Does anyone have a link to where I can buy a replacement pump?

 

[Bagabaga]

Just google the model for a replacement pump or order the sicce pump. My eshopps uses the sicce and runs silent and really well.

My friend just bought a curve 5 in perfect working condition for 80. You may want to pass and keep an eye out for a better working model.

 

[Bpb]

Decent skimmer for the money. Been using one for a few years. Nothing wrong with the bubble magus pump.


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[Bent]

I took the hose attachment point on the Venturi, put a drill bit in it and bored it out some. It sucks much more air now.

 

[dendrite]

try seasideaquatics.com for replacements. I think the owner is Tom. The SICCE pump should be a straight fit.

 

[plecoco]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I think I'm gonna wait on it, as it costs more for the pump and Curve 5 than just buying a new one.

Curve 5 is worth it.

 

[Scsmith2002]

Ditto


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[SkullV]

try seasideaquatics.com for replacements. I think the owner is Tom. The SICCE pump should be a straight fit.

The Sicce is not a direct fit, The base of the Sicce SK200 must be modified to fit in the skimmer base.

 

[GinoV84]

Pump

Pump

How do you mod it? Thanks!

 

[GinoV84]

How do you mod the Sicce sk200 to fit in the standard Bubble Magus Curve 5? Thanks!

 

[GinoV84]

The Sicce is not a direct fit, The base of the Sicce SK200 must be modified to fit in the skimmer base.

How's it done? Thanks!