Renton's Upgrade

[Renton777]

I just upgraded to a new fat skimmer. Went from a Super Reef Octopus 3000INT (8" chamber) to a Aqua Maxx ConeS CO-6 (12" chamber) .

After adding the frag tank and adopting Frank the giant snowflake eel my nitrates were creeping up and I was maxed out with the SRO 3000.

Frank:
https://youtu.be/VxheiRfXPiM


So, here is the new skimmer, initially I had my doubts that it would fit in the sump in the stand.



Aqua Maxx ConeS CO-6 compared to the SRO 3000 INT

 

[Renton777]

A few features I really like about the Aqua Maxx ConeS CO-6:

1. The collection cup has a quick and easy slight turn-to-lock connection to the body





2. The skimmer can be completely taken apart. The bottom can be removed and the bubble plate and internal ring can be taken out for easy cleaning.



3. The skimmer body has 2 different pump input ports, to allow 2 different foot print configurations.



4. The pump connects to the skimmer with a soft flexible silicon tube. Very easy to connect and probably helps reduce vibration noise.



5. The skimmer is relatively quite. I found it pleasantly surprising considering its size.

 

[Renton777]

Some pictures of the Aqua Maxx ConeS CO-6 in action:

 

[Renton777]

And here is video of the Aqua Maxx ConeS CO-6 for all you equipment geeks:

https://youtu.be/Lfps0HDrmp4

https://youtu.be/LXkOdUASkag

https://youtu.be/NjOGDg_Ae6w

https://youtu.be/HfmrBRQeJzs

 

[Renton777]

Any updates?

lol, I didn't even see this until just now.....

 

[Renton777]

I would also like to thank Big E, Purple Reef and Howdydoody for their input and suggestions.

Also thanks I guess to Wspangler for leaving me alone and not bugging me long enough for me to install the skimmer.

 

[Renton777]

I would also like to thank my children for falling asleep early this evening.

 

[Gunner2012]

Have your Nitrates dropped yet? :lolspin:

 

[purplereef]

That thing is a monster!

 

[msr224]

You've had the new frag tank up for a month. How is the new light doing for you?

 

[Renton777]

You've had the new frag tank up for a month. How is the new light doing for you?

The light is working very well. I have a variety of corals in there and all seem to be doing well. I am getting good growth and color out of acros - Strawberry Shortcake, Blue Tort, Pink Panther, Acro, Pink lemonade all have very nice color. I am looking to add a millepora and see how that does.

I have a variety of lps, encrusters and mushrooms lower in the tank and they appear happy as well.

 

[biecacka]

looks good! what light is that on the frag tank, the Orphek? Also in the video on the last page, you mentioned your ATO does about 7 gallons a day, which is about your system volume a month, is that correct? why so much? do you think with that new beast of a skimmer you will cut that back a bit?
I ask because I am looking into ATO on my 240 and was checking out different methods.

Corey

 

[Renton777]

looks good! what light is that on the frag tank, the Orphek? Also in the video on the last page, you mentioned your ATO does about 7 gallons a day, which is about your system volume a month, is that correct? why so much? do you think with that new beast of a skimmer you will cut that back a bit?
I ask because I am looking into ATO on my 240 and was checking out different methods.

Corey

I still have my automatic water change set at about 7 gallons a day. It is a cheap easy way to help maintain calcium, alk, mag, trace elements in addition to exporting nutrients. I have so many corals that my system has a very high demand for all of those elements.

 

[Renton777]

Speaking of having a lot of corals............here is some of my haul from the LEAR swap!

Orange Passion:

 

[Renton777]

At this time of year my frag tank gets some late morning sun:

 

[markalot]

Nice, that orange passion is fantastic looking, I hope it does well for you.

 

[rburns24]

-
Money aside, would you every consider switching to Orpheks on your main tank?
-

 

[Renton777]

-
Money aside, would you every consider switching to Orpheks on your main tank?
-

Yes. If I was given 2 free units I would use them on the display tank. I just can't justify paying for 2 units to replace lights that still do very well for me.

 

[rburns24]

Yes. If I was given 2 free units I would use them on the display tank. I just can't justify paying for 2 units to replace lights that still do very well for me.

-
I can't argue with that. The Orpheks are quite dear. Glad you like the one on your frag tank.
-

 

[Renton777]

I took a some pictures a couple weeks ago, but never got around to posting them. I intend to correct that now: