Skimmer Q&A Thread

Thornbreaker said:
If I have a sump where the water level is set and not adjustable, is there a common method to adjust the skimmer height?

Do y'all just set something underneath the skimmer to raise it an inch or 2 as needed?

Thank you
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Yes you can raise it by using a stand or putting egg crate etc under it for sumps with set water level.. If it is set less than the skimmer is made for your kind of screwed. Most of the time as long as it is close you are ok.
 
shred5 said:
Yes you can raise it by using a stand or putting egg crate etc under it for sumps with set water level.. If it is set less than the skimmer is made for your kind of screwed. Most of the time as long as it is close you are ok.
Click to expand...
Thanks. In other words if the sump is at 10" water height and the skimmer is rated for 7" to 9", I would need to raise it at least 1"?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
Guys,

For a 220g gross system, 160g net. Bacterial driven system, let's say biopellets or zeovit/aquaforest related do you suggest ATB 840 v2 or 1050a?

I really like the ATB cone approach but am not that confident on the pump they use, do do you recommend any other skimmer pump? Btw, I've two ATB Flowstar 1500 on the shelf and will really enjoy mod them as skimmer pumps for one of these skimmer.

Am all ears to other suggestions (skimmer and pumps :lol2:)
 
I would suggest 1050a.

I would not use a 840 on anything over a 150 gallon unless really lightly loaded.

I believe you can still get most ATB skimmers with a paired Sicce pump. I would if I did it over again especially with the problems of leaching with all these Chinese parts.. Paul will probably chime in on alternate pump.

A skimmer I am really starting to like is the Ultra Reef Akula Protein skimmers. They use a Sicce dc pumps.
I have been using a ac model and it to me is the top or very close to the top. They are so well built and not over priced.
Hard to beat them.

JBNY is running the 200 (rated for 225) on a 270 gallon tank and it aint even rated that high and he says it has been great.

But Ultra Reef and ATB they are my favorite in performance with just a little nug to ATB.

Ultra reef is just so easy to use and so well built.
 
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Hey David, thanks for chiming in. Never heard about Ultra Reef Akula before but now i'm scratching my head on URA 200 vs ATB 1050a :debi:

Seems UniqueCorals are the only one carrying Ultra Reef skimmers, correct?

Another question, which DC pump model should be paired with URA 200? It comes with an AC Sicce PSK 1200.

PS: i have an aquac ev 180 (perfect conditions) and another KZ Revolution S (loud/noisy aquabee 2000 & 3000) but I don't know if they can handle this new setup. :hmm2:
 
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Yea UniqueCorals unless you bring one in yourself.

They are Italian.

http://www.ultrareef.it/eng.ultrareef.it/

I thought they had the DC model in. I guess not.

They are so well built and easy to adjust, Even can adjust the air if need be.


AquaC was good in their day.. Still perform ok just inefficient.

KZ were great skimmers and still would be. I like Aquabee pumps, pretty reliable.
Aquabee has brought out their own skimmer line now called Cove, might be worth a try. Coralvue is bringing them in.
 
So uniquecorals is the way to go. I'm gonna call them just to chat and tried to decide. May Paul chime in and provide some feedback on ATB 1050a pump alternatives.
 
Looking for input on the RO Regal 170Int. I know it's retired, this would be a used purchase if I went that route. Anyone have/have experience and feedback? Or just opinion of those in the know about skimmers welcome.

Second, is it suitable for a 66g (around 75g total system) sps dominant tank?
 
KJoFan said:
Looking for input on the RO Regal 170Int. I know it's retired, this would be a used purchase if I went that route. Anyone have/have experience and feedback? Or just opinion of those in the know about skimmers welcome.

Second, is it suitable for a 66g (around 75g total system) sps dominant tank?
Click to expand...

No one has any input?
 
Setting up my new 80g + 40g sump and considering the SRO Regal 200EXT, is this too oversized?

Going to be SPS dominant with a heavy bioload...
 
James404 said:
Setting up my new 80g + 40g sump and considering the SRO Regal 200EXT, is this too oversized?

Going to be SPS dominant with a heavy bioload...
Click to expand...

Yea that is allot of air. Probably will put allot of gunk in the neck but not much in the cup or on and off unless you feed very heavy.
 
KJoFan said:
Looking for input on the RO Regal 170Int. I know it's retired, this would be a used purchase if I went that route. Anyone have/have experience and feedback? Or just opinion of those in the know about skimmers welcome.

Second, is it suitable for a 66g (around 75g total system) sps dominant tank?
Click to expand...
 
Does anyone know how to get the rubber seal back on the Eshopps skimmer? I can't find anything online and have tried everything. It seems like something so simple.

There's an elbow piece that goes inside and a rubber seal that goes on the outside that you put the pump into but unless your hands are small enough to enter the chamber, you can't get the part in with the seal.

Any suggestions?

psk100.jpg
 
Currently building a 120 gal tank with 28 gal sump. Will have a fairly heavy bio-load and be predominantly sps. Looking at several skimmers, please help me decide between the following : Deltec 1455, aquamaxx FC180, quantum 160 and ultra reef akula180... Don't want to spend more than $500... Anyone have any of these ?
 
cboberg said:
Currently building a 120 gal tank with 28 gal sump. Will have a fairly heavy bio-load and be predominantly sps. Looking at several skimmers, please help me decide between the following : Deltec 1455, aquamaxx FC180, quantum 160 and ultra reef akula180... Don't want to spend more than $500... Anyone have any of these ?
Click to expand...


Ultra reef 180 if you can get one then maybe quantum and Deltec.
The ultra reef is far higher quality then the rest especially aquamaxx.
I am Leary of Deltec right now. This is the second time they pulled the line from someone who made them popular in the states and went with Marine depot. We remember last time with Marine depot they stopped carrying the line after a while.
 
shred5 said:
Ultra reef 180 if you can get one then maybe quantum and Deltec.
The ultra reef is far higher quality then the rest especially aquamaxx.
I am Leary of Deltec right now. This is the second time they pulled the line from someone who made them popular in the states and went with Marine depot. We remember last time with Marine depot they stopped carrying the line after a while.
Click to expand...

I agree with you about Deltec. Their customer service track record isn't too good. Anything I'm overlooking in this price range?
 
KJoFan said:
Looking for input on the RO Regal 170Int. I know it's retired, this would be a used purchase if I went that route. Anyone have/have experience and feedback? Or just opinion of those in the know about skimmers welcome.

Second, is it suitable for a 66g (around 75g total system) sps dominant tank?
Click to expand...

It would be enough easily.. I have not personally tried this skimmer, I have had others.
My luck with RO is one skimmer is friggen awsum while the next is real touchy. For the most part they are good skimmers though
and in the past they have been a great cheap alternative to expensive skimmers while still being decent quality.
 
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