Your Choice Aquatics DC-16 Skimmer Review- WOW!

[hipertec]

So I upgraded to a SCA Aquarium 50 Gallon PnP tank that came with stand, tank, sump, skimmer, and return pump. Its a great plug and play setup and works really well.

The sump is nice but small being that the 50G tank is a cube. With that said, the supplied SCA301 skimmer works good but I wanted to "upgraded" as I know a good and BIG skimmer is a must for any reef tank. My footprint on the skimmer section is only 7"x8" - so my choices was very limited and I wanted a quiet skimmer.

I came across Your Choice Aquatics skimmer DC13 (smaller footprint) that has a DC pump and controller. When looking deeper into the models they carry, they have a DC 16 skimmer (rated up to 250G) that uses a max of 7"x7" - so took a chance on this skimmer that it will fit in my limited space AND cross fingers that it will not vibrate and make noise.

All I can say is WOW!!! - this DC16 skimmer kicks some BUTT! IT fit perfectly into my sump AND super quiet since it is a DC pump with controller! The controller allows the adjustment of power and even has a cool feature that pauses for 30 minutes and turn back on automatically, for feeding my corals.

Now I have a huge skimmer- producing AMAZING skimming in my 50G Cube Tank. The pictures speak for themselves:

They pull alot of crap out of my tank that my old skimmer wasnt even able too and SUPER QUIET. I know this may be overrated for my tank but I can always turn down the power of the pump, if needed and my old skimmer wasnt able to perform as well is this one.

If you want a powerful, small footprint and quiet skimmer, the DC16 is a monster and highly recommended!

 

[hipertec]

Looks like the pictures didn't upload.

Hope this works:

 

[mcgyvr]

Looking good man...
Great price on that too..

 

[hipertec]

Looking good man...
Great price on that too..

Thanks! I was so impressed with the price and the quality of this skimmer! Most skimmers with DC pump and controller costs double what the DC16 goes for. And the footprint is so small for such a large skimmer.

 

[kzaveri19]

What kind of pump does it use? Is it available after-market?

 

[hipertec]

Kzaveri19-
Sorry- didnt take a picture of the actual pump itself but its much bigger than the stock SCA301 skimmer. I think this pump is specifically made/tuned for this skimmer.

Here is a picture of the actual controller in action-

And here is how much bigger the DC16 is compared to the SCA301 Skimmer:

 

[farfromsea]

Awesome I need an inexpensive upgrade for my cube. Running an ancient Berlin skimmer and it is as effective as me blowing bubbles into a Dixie cup with a straw. PS love the label maker

 

[Superpuma]

Looked at these earlier.... How's the controller on these when you have a power cut to the house? Does the skimmer come back on or do you have to physically turn it on at the controller when power is back to the house? Bought a Bubble Magus D8, with a power loss you have to physically turn the skimmer on at the controller when power comes back to the house, not much use if the power goes when you're not home.....

 

[tassy]

Do you know who makes the pump? Also can you tell me what level your sump water height is plz.

Thnx

John

 

[mr70ss]

I too would like to know what the pump does after a power outage, and if it would be able to be controlled via an apex. Thanks

 

[hipertec]

Sorry for the delay guys. Been busy at work. I just tested the power off at the AC adapter and it does come back on automatically, to the same setting on the controller.

As for water depth, I have my about 7 inches in water. The recommended is 7-9 inches, if I remember right.

 

[mr70ss]

Thanks for the info. I'm shopping for a new skimmer and this is on the short list, along with an icecap k2-120, and DC-13.

 

[hipertec]

Awesome I need an inexpensive upgrade for my cube. Running an ancient Berlin skimmer and it is as effective as me blowing bubbles into a Dixie cup with a straw. PS love the label maker

Lol.. Yes went overboard with the label maker but gives specific information for my kids, just in case anything goes wrong when I'm traveling. Hahhaa

 

[kzaveri19]

What kind of pump does this use? And do they sell replacement pumps?

 

[moondoggy4]

Did you leave the bubble plate off?

 

[hipertec]

The bubble plate is on. The pic was me assembling it really quick to see the size of the new skimmer.
Not sure about the pump as it's already in the sump and the controller has not info but I don't think you can purchase separately.

 

[EvenFurther]

OP, hows this skimmer been, any update on performance?

 

[hipertec]

The skimmer is performing like a champ. I did have have to put a new rubber band on the bottom valve opening that controls the level of bubbles. But this was a $1 fix. Very happy with this skimmer.

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