Skimz skimmer club

[kegogut]

Skimz SM203 leaks for me. Leaks where cup meets body. I've replaced the O-ring and no change. This is the worst skimmer I've purchased. Doesn't skim well for me either. I've tried water height from 7 to 10 and everything in between. Not to mention the micro bubbles it puts in my DT. I've had this for 5-6 months ugh...

Thats not good, Im getting the SM201 at the beginning of next month and am looking forward to it. Hope I dont have this problem.

 

[jackson6745]

My skimz sm203 pump died with 5 days of warranty left (last week). My friends sm203 pump just died on him today, also under warranty. Anyone else having problems with the dc pumps? I really like the performance of these skimmers, but if the pumps don't last than I have to move on.

 

[Reeftub]

I have a sm253 an I'm worried it won't last. I do k ow they came out with a new dc pump but don't know if it's any better. I wish these guys would put a good dc pump in and stand behind their product as it is the best instead of putting crap in just to last the warranty or less. I know there are better dc pumps out there. They should be proud of a product but instead they jump on what's selling just to make a profit. No pride, and if there was they would have the best dc pump in their skimmers. Love everything but the fact of the worry of when my pump will take a ****.my skimmer skims like a mofo but I will prolly end up like everyone else with a dead piece of acrylic. Not what's expected after paying over $700

 

[FirstContact]

I have an SK222. Been running about four years no issues. I like it a lot compared to other skimmers in that price point four years ago.

 

[Reeftub]

I get that the skimmers with regular pumps last but just stating the dc should last longer. It's not just Skimz but everyone who sells the cheap dc motors.

 

[FirstContact]

Sorry to get that now. That is a problem if they are failing early. Just had a DC return pump fail a few months before warranty and it was replaced, but it was another brand. Good luck on yours lasting!

 

[Mike S]

My skimz sm203 pump died with 5 days of warranty left (last week). My friends sm203 pump just died on him today, also under warranty. Anyone else having problems with the dc pumps? I really like the performance of these skimmers, but if the pumps don't last than I have to move on.

My DC pump on my SL253 just died today. The controller is lit up bump the impeller just makes a few rotations then stops. I have a little over a month on my warranty so if it had to go now was the time. I sent the retailer who I purchased it from (Aquacave) an email asking them for assistance in figuring out how to make a claim. They are closed so it will probably be a few days before I get a response. Was your issue resolved?

Can't say that I'm thrilled about the reliability of the pumps. Hopefully they've gone to something more reliable. I may start researching alternative pumps.

 

[myram]

Does anyone use the air adjustment screw, or just leave it wide open?

 

[jackson6745]

Does anyone use the air adjustment screw, or just leave it wide open?

I keep the adjustment screw open a little bit. The bubble are much smaller, and more uniform, when the airflow is restricted somewhat.

 

[myram]

I have mine set right now to about 1/2-3/4 of a turn open, just to where the pump goes silent. If I close it too much, the pump gets very loud and doesn't like it. So I open it to just where it gets silent and left it, then adjusted the level with the star knob.

 

[MRCYCS805]

Im running a skimz dc leopard sl-183 and luv it its been in action for about 4-5 months now no probkem skimz like a champ i have it in 9" of water thinking i need to raise it cause if i turn the speed all the way up to 6 it wet skimz like crazy and i get alot of micro bubbles so i run it on 5 as of now its on a 120long with a 60gal sump its the quietest skimmer I've ever owned no doubt i find the air adjustment valve a lil tricky too some say a 1/4 open some say all the way i try to make adjustments but fear I'm going to close it too much and lower the efficiency

 

[Reeftub]

6months running and still love this sm-253
It's a big skimmer for a 190g but I use bio pellets so works great.

 

[oh207]

I'm thinking of getting a Skimz Oval SV203 DC for a 120g. This is the oval shape design. Does anyone have any experience or feedback on this one?

 

[MRCYCS805]

Heres my badboy when i got it ohhh yeah so sexy lol!!!!

And after settin it up im luvin this skimmer !!!!!

2nd day of skimmer nog mmm mm mmm lol skimz dc leopard sl183

 

[Eric Boerner]

I've had a SKIMZ SM253 Monzter for 5 months and so far (knock on wood) it's been the best skimmer I've owned. Adjusting for skimmate quality is great. I can get a nice thick black sludge without getting too thick, or too thin. The massive 2 gallon collection cup is necessary. I'm not using as much bio-pellet as I though I would with the amount of nutrients I have in the tank, so I know the skimmer is killing it big time. The DC pump is nice on the Apex, slowing it down during feed times, then ramping it back up 30 minutes later.

 

[myram]

That's my SM-161 in my 30 breeder sump

That's 3 days of skimmate, still dialing it in but I think I'm pretty close now.

 

[indyjaco]

BRS has the Skimz 203 DC on sale for a good rate. How would it do on a 180? What DC pump does it use? I read above there has been some issue with them.

Thank you.

 

[Reeftub]

I saw that also,
Six RPM presets
Feed mode with shut off timer
Air Draw: 238-476 GPH (900-1800 LPH)
Power Consumption: 13-35 Watts
I have the sm253 cd on my 190

It does good only thing is my tank isn't completely stocked and so it doesn't put the nasty dark stuff yet. Tank is less than a year old. I would run the 203 cuz it's less space and will cover the 180 just fine.

 

[kegogut]

Ive got the SM201 and now that its on a platform i made and in my 225 w/ 225 sump its pulling out the nastiest gunk Ive ever seen.

 

[Reeftub]

How deep do you have in the water?