Aqua C urchin skimmers: Old model not good?

Newreeflady · 05/29/2006, 08:27 PM

Ok, I did some searches and someone mentioned they had an older one and had problems with it. Has the design been updated, then? If so, when did this happen and what is the difference?

I am planning to use one of these as an in-sump skimmer on my new 36g tank.

Thanks,
Angela

psyrob · 05/29/2006, 10:11 PM

I don't know about older models, but I have a 1 year old Urchin and it has performed inconsistently. Currently it is doing well, pulling out half a cup of gunk every two days. It works better if I clean out the blow hole frequently ( the white screw thingy in the injector tube). IMHO, I think the urchin is good for a tank with softies or LPS at best.

HTH

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 11:23 AM

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

The reason i'm looking at this model is the very small footprint, I am working with a small space in my sump. I don't see any skimmers with similar footprint.

Anyone know if there was a (recent?) design change?

-A

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 02:22 PM

^^

jafoca · 05/30/2006, 02:28 PM

I have an urchin pro and am not impressed with it at all.

I ran it for a while with a rio 1400 pump, which it came with, and that was not sufficient. I upgraded to a hydor pump that is a bit stronger than a mag 3 (the reccomended choice pump) and it was a little better, but still not as good as I want. I hear of others running mag5-7 on them, but AquaC does not reccomend that, so i got an ASM mini, which also is crap.

Theres my input, for what its worth....

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 05:28 PM

:/

unmc2001 · 05/30/2006, 06:26 PM

I too had limited space in my sump. I used to run a remora pro hanging off the side of my sump then I found the deltec MC500. it is very compact and works great. all you need is 3.5" x 8.5" and water depth can range from 5" to 12" or if your sump is deeper than that you can hang it off the side. This is a very versitile skimmer that pulls out some of the nastiest smelling skimmate. I have one on each of my tanks. I picked up one of them off the selling forum from a fellow member.

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 06:56 PM

Whoa, $400+... way out of the acceptable range, imo. Even if I had a buttload of extra money, I could not justify this cost for a skimmer.

-A

sjm817 · 05/30/2006, 07:22 PM

Take a look at the Tunze Doc skimmers

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 07:35 PM

I just looked at it. At $255 the DOC Skimmer 9005 could be justified IF I don't find the Urchin used for cheap. If I buy new, this is a consideration for sure.

It says it requires accessory placement if sump-level is not between 9-11". Mine should be there, but of course until I get it tweaked i'm not certain it wouldn't be higher. One fear is that the water level is higher, causing me to raise the skimmer with accessories and then I have problems removing the skimmate cup due to the limited height of the cabinet in which the sump resides. Of course, if my sliding sump design works this won't be an issue, but if it doesn't it may be a problem.

Why is this one so much better than the other? Do you use it? Have you used both? How much better would you say it is?

Thanks!
Angela

sjm817 · 05/30/2006, 07:55 PM

Never used the Doc, but had a Remora Pro which is the same as an Urchin Pro. Highly unimpressed. You can go to the Tunze forum and ask for more info there.

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 08:18 PM

Hi. I checked out the Tunze forum and after reading all of the posts about these I found the following and my reply is copied below:

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by rvitko
Hey Doug, they are delivered for use in tank or in sump, and include the parts for both installs. The 9005 is the only exception- the sump kit is an optional accessory.

Quote:

posted by Newreeflady:
This is too bad. The 9005 was in my price range, but with no sump kit it is not even possible. After adding the sump kit it doesn't seem to be worth it, then you need to upgrade to the 9010 only a few $ more. Then you realize how much you're spending to skim 40 gallons of water and decide it isn't worth it. Well, this was what happened with my research anyhow.

My suggestion, include the sump kit with the 9005. It comes with all of the others, and the lack of it makes the 9005 not worth purchasing.

Back to square one. I feel the 9005 isn't worth it after adding the sump kit and i'm not willing to shell out the $325 for the 9010. Thanks, though, for your recommendation.

Best,
-Angela

unmc2001 · 05/30/2006, 09:40 PM

I got my MC500 used for $335 shipped. With skimmers you want to get the best you can afford. I started off with an aquaC remora then upgraded to an AquaC remora Pro. Then upgraded to a Deltec MC500. I was able to sell the remoras for a good price as they have good resale value so I wasn't out too much, but if I would have just gotten the deltecs from the start I would have saved money in the long run. My deltec is starting to get my year old algea problem under control and it has only been on the tank for 1.5 months. Who knows I may even upgrade again in the future.

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 09:43 PM

I was reading that the Deltecs are finicky, needing constant adjustment, and that they are loud. Would you like to comment on those problems?

I don't do loud. Everything must be quiet. I don't like noise. I also don't want to be under the tank every day. I get very busy once semester is in and some days I don't get home until i'm going to bed, constant adjustment is out of the question.

thx,
-A

sjm817 · 05/30/2006, 09:47 PM

Aqua-C spray injection is not exactly what I would call quiet either.

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 09:55 PM

Really... i'm listening. What IS quiet then? I need a list, lol!

-A

Newreeflady · 05/30/2006, 10:32 PM

Ok, for now i'm going to try to mod my Bakpak II to sit in the sump. I already have it so I don't have to spend $$. It sounds like the Urchin is not worth shelling out the money for new, especially when I have a similar box sitting right here.

Thanks to all,
Angela

unmc2001 · 05/31/2006, 07:03 AM

I have 2 of the MC500 and neither one is loud. they are both quiter than my remora skimmers. The overflow is louder than the skimmer. Mine were easy to adjust. I had to do a little adjustment to get the foam I wanted but after it was dialed in I haven't touched it.

ste6168 · 05/31/2006, 07:10 AM

what about the CSS 65... that could hang on the side of your sump with just the pump and modified return PVC in the sump which would be a very small area needed. I have the 125 CSS and it works awesome for me...

Mike

*edit- i didnt realise, but you may not know that the CSS stands for Coralife SUper Skimmer.

Newreeflady · 05/31/2006, 12:10 PM

Nothing would fit hanging off of my sump, it takes up the whole area in the stand.

No worries, like I said for now i'm going to modify the CPR Bakpak II.

Thanks,
Angela

RichConley · 05/31/2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by unmc2001
I have 2 of the MC500 and neither one is loud. they are both quiter than my remora skimmers. The overflow is louder than the skimmer. Mine were easy to adjust. I had to do a little adjustment to get the foam I wanted but after it was dialed in I haven't touched it.

The only thing decent about hte MC500 is the pump. These skimmers are a very simple design, that isnt any different than other skimmers out there. Theyre not worht the money.

unmc2001 · 05/31/2006, 01:46 PM

Another good thing about the MC500 is you can fit it into sumps where other skimmers will not fit. it is one of the smallest footprints of any skimmer out there at 8.25"x3.25". The design is simple. The thing pulls out more skimmate than the two remora pro's I had hanging off the side of the sump and the cost for them was $454. I got my MC500 for $335 so for me it was worth it. I was able to sell each of my remora pros for around $170 shipped. Plus my algea problem is finally going away since the MC500 was added to the tank.

05/29/2006, 08:27 PM	#1
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Aqua C urchin skimmers: Old model not good? Ok, I did some searches and someone mentioned they had an older one and had problems with it. Has the design been updated, then? If so, when did this happen and what is the difference? I am planning to use one of these as an in-sump skimmer on my new 36g tank. Thanks, Angela __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 11:23 AM	#3
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Thanks for sharing your experiences. The reason i'm looking at this model is the very small footprint, I am working with a small space in my sump. I don't see any skimmers with similar footprint. Anyone know if there was a (recent?) design change? -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 02:22 PM	#4
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	^^ __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 05:28 PM	#6
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	:/ __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 06:56 PM	#8
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Whoa, $400+... way out of the acceptable range, imo. Even if I had a buttload of extra money, I could not justify this cost for a skimmer. -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/29/2006, 10:11 PM	#2
psyrob Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 508	I don't know about older models, but I have a 1 year old Urchin and it has performed inconsistently. Currently it is doing well, pulling out half a cup of gunk every two days. It works better if I clean out the blow hole frequently ( the white screw thingy in the injector tube). IMHO, I think the urchin is good for a tank with softies or LPS at best. HTH

05/30/2006, 02:28 PM	#5
jafoca Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 154	I have an urchin pro and am not impressed with it at all. I ran it for a while with a rio 1400 pump, which it came with, and that was not sufficient. I upgraded to a hydor pump that is a bit stronger than a mag 3 (the reccomended choice pump) and it was a little better, but still not as good as I want. I hear of others running mag5-7 on them, but AquaC does not reccomend that, so i got an ASM mini, which also is crap. Theres my input, for what its worth....

05/30/2006, 06:26 PM	#7
unmc2001 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 301	I too had limited space in my sump. I used to run a remora pro hanging off the side of my sump then I found the deltec MC500. it is very compact and works great. all you need is 3.5" x 8.5" and water depth can range from 5" to 12" or if your sump is deeper than that you can hang it off the side. This is a very versitile skimmer that pulls out some of the nastiest smelling skimmate. I have one on each of my tanks. I picked up one of them off the selling forum from a fellow member.

05/30/2006, 07:22 PM	#9
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Take a look at the Tunze Doc skimmers __________________ - Scott

05/30/2006, 07:35 PM	#10
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	I just looked at it. At $255 the DOC Skimmer 9005 could be justified IF I don't find the Urchin used for cheap. If I buy new, this is a consideration for sure. It says it requires accessory placement if sump-level is not between 9-11". Mine should be there, but of course until I get it tweaked i'm not certain it wouldn't be higher. One fear is that the water level is higher, causing me to raise the skimmer with accessories and then I have problems removing the skimmate cup due to the limited height of the cabinet in which the sump resides. Of course, if my sliding sump design works this won't be an issue, but if it doesn't it may be a problem. Why is this one so much better than the other? Do you use it? Have you used both? How much better would you say it is? Thanks! Angela __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 07:55 PM	#11
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Never used the Doc, but had a Remora Pro which is the same as an Urchin Pro. Highly unimpressed. You can go to the Tunze forum and ask for more info there. __________________ - Scott

05/30/2006, 09:40 PM	#13
unmc2001 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 301	I got my MC500 used for $335 shipped. With skimmers you want to get the best you can afford. I started off with an aquaC remora then upgraded to an AquaC remora Pro. Then upgraded to a Deltec MC500. I was able to sell the remoras for a good price as they have good resale value so I wasn't out too much, but if I would have just gotten the deltecs from the start I would have saved money in the long run. My deltec is starting to get my year old algea problem under control and it has only been on the tank for 1.5 months. Who knows I may even upgrade again in the future.

05/30/2006, 09:43 PM	#14
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	I was reading that the Deltecs are finicky, needing constant adjustment, and that they are loud. Would you like to comment on those problems? I don't do loud. Everything must be quiet. I don't like noise. I also don't want to be under the tank every day. I get very busy once semester is in and some days I don't get home until i'm going to bed, constant adjustment is out of the question. thx, -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 09:47 PM	#15
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Aqua-C spray injection is not exactly what I would call quiet either. __________________ - Scott

05/30/2006, 09:55 PM	#16
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Really... i'm listening. What IS quiet then? I need a list, lol! -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/30/2006, 10:32 PM	#17
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Ok, for now i'm going to try to mod my Bakpak II to sit in the sump. I already have it so I don't have to spend $$. It sounds like the Urchin is not worth shelling out the money for new, especially when I have a similar box sitting right here. Thanks to all, Angela __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/31/2006, 07:03 AM	#18
unmc2001 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 301	I have 2 of the MC500 and neither one is loud. they are both quiter than my remora skimmers. The overflow is louder than the skimmer. Mine were easy to adjust. I had to do a little adjustment to get the foam I wanted but after it was dialed in I haven't touched it.

05/31/2006, 07:10 AM	#19
ste6168 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,066	what about the CSS 65... that could hang on the side of your sump with just the pump and modified return PVC in the sump which would be a very small area needed. I have the 125 CSS and it works awesome for me... Mike *edit- i didnt realise, but you may not know that the CSS stands for Coralife SUper Skimmer. __________________ Mike "algae free is the way to be" Current Tank Info: 75g AGA RR, 29g DIY sump, Coralife 260w PC fixture, CSS 125, Kent Phos-Reactor, QuietOne 4000 return, 2x Modded MJ900's, 45lbs Fiji LR, 40lbs Base Rock, 75lbs HD Playsand

05/31/2006, 12:10 PM	#20
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Nothing would fit hanging off of my sump, it takes up the whole area in the stand. No worries, like I said for now i'm going to modify the CPR Bakpak II. Thanks, Angela __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

05/31/2006, 01:46 PM	#22
unmc2001 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 301	Another good thing about the MC500 is you can fit it into sumps where other skimmers will not fit. it is one of the smallest footprints of any skimmer out there at 8.25"x3.25". The design is simple. The thing pulls out more skimmate than the two remora pro's I had hanging off the side of the sump and the cost for them was $454. I got my MC500 for $335 so for me it was worth it. I was able to sell each of my remora pros for around $170 shipped. Plus my algea problem is finally going away since the MC500 was added to the tank.