Today is the first time that I hit a top ORP number two mornings in a row. I hit 417 yesterday and today. Maybe it's hit it's top number? Maybe this could be a way to know when to pull out the ATS and clean off the screen? That would be cool.
On another front I couldn't pass up a deal on an Aquamaxx EM300. I came across one in the used selling section of this forum but there was some delays in communications and I came across an even better deal for the same skimmer from someone else. lol I feel bad for the original seller to move on to a second one so if anyone is interested there's a listing I bumped earlier for the em300.
I've been eyeing a few skimmers and looking out in the used market for them like the life reefs, mtc, and the aquamaxx line. Possible try out a different reef octopus or if a really good deal on an ATB showed up. There is a nice reef octopus up for sale in the sale section too for a decent price.
I like the EM300 as it's similar to the SRO 3000 with a little smaller height but with what I think are some improved differences and I hope turn into better consistency which I didn't have with the SRO.
The outlet pipe on the SRO had to be modified so it didn't have a jet of water streaming out it's pipe and that was an easy fix with a pvc T and vent pipe up the top. The EM300 (btw looks like the Seasside ES2 is made by the same people which would be JNS possibly) has a low at the base outlet with a tall vent pipe and water level adjustment. It works really well with my current Seaside ES2. This improved outlet design also allows for a much improved smaller footprint in the EM300 over the SRO with the same body diameter which is 8" in both.
The SRO is slightly taller in the overall height which is desperately needed as the air draw with the hy3000 is about 100 lph higher then on the shark 3 at the recommended setup. Which is why I was thinking of trying the SRO out again with a neck extension. But I got the EM300 for cheaper then I would purchasing the neck extension and new hy3000 pump. With the shark 3 producing slightly less air I'm hoping to make for a better balanced skimmer. Also, the recommended water height is lower with the EM300 at 8-9" compared to the 6-7" with the SRO which I did not like. I hope this also helps create more stability.
The other thing I just hated with the SRO is the press fitted bottom that easily fell off. The EM300 much like my current seaside skimmer and looks like exactly the same kind of base uses thumbscrew attachment.
I'm glad I got a hold of one the EM300's. I don't know if I exactly like the new cones Q series that looks to possibly replace the EM series which replaced the AM series. Big thing I don't like is the neck tapering in the Q's which ATB did in their Elegance line but I think the ATB design of that tapering is much better by being tapered along the entire neck. The Q series "hybrid" cone starts lower in the body then the EM series reducing total volume in the body, steps straight up which the ATB design tapers right away in the neck(more compatible for neck cleaners btw), and then half way up the neck steps to a taper again.
I just feel the EM series is better balanced with body volume and neck sizing with the same pump. I could be totally wrong and time will tell. But I've already seen some mixed reviews on the Q series though which I've seen much MUCH more positive then negative on the EM series. I wouldn't mind seeing if I can get the bubble plate used in the Q3 and trying it out on the EM300 since they are the same exact pump and main body diameter.
I am very very very happy with the Seaside Aquatics ES2 and will keep it around in case I don't see the same kind of performance and consistency with the EM300. They are actually very similar in looks besides the ES2 being a full cone. The EM300 will provide about 300 lph of more air draw and a bigger body to hopefully be at least slightly more productive. I should have the EM300 next week and will look forward to side by side shots with the SRO 3000 and ES2.
