Cadlights PLS-50 nano skimmer review

[Gwall30]

you never had a CAD pipeless skimmer huh? not for $220 and 2X the size on the aquamaxx. my PLS-50 is only 3.5 x 3.5 and skims amazing. I rather buy the PLS-100 and save $40 or get the PLS-150 for a bit more.

[Tron_954]

You've never had this one, so you can't say, just like I haven't owned that one so I can't say either...

[LinkinReef]

Originally Posted by Tron_954

You've never had this one, so you can't say, just like I haven't owned that one so I can't say either...

+1

I'm definitely happy with this skimmer overall.

[Smiless]

I'd like to add my 2 cents. I own the large 100PLS. It started off great, good fine bubbles, skimming well. Then the skimmer body started popping off, or it would overflow. I got the 'mod' (an acrylic screw) to hold the body on. After that the skimmer pump crapped out on me and stopped producing bubbles. After some back and forth with cadlights they sent me a new pump. It did the same again. I ended up modding the volute on the venturi to get it skimming again. It works but I'm far from happy with my experience. It's also impossible to clean inside the skimmer body as its blocked by the bubble plate.
Great concept, very poor execution. Wouldn't buy this Brand again, nor would I recommend it.
Actually looking for recommendations for a replacement. Must have a small footprint 7x8 and be able to handle 50 gallons volume heavy stocked. Looking in the $200 range.

[Tek]

Originally Posted by Smiless

I'd like to add my 2 cents. I own the large 100PLS. It started off great, good fine bubbles, skimming well. Then the skimmer body started popping off, or it would overflow. I got the 'mod' (an acrylic screw) to hold the body on. After that the skimmer pump crapped out on me and stopped producing bubbles. After some back and forth with cadlights they sent me a new pump. It did the same again. I ended up modding the volute on the venturi to get it skimming again. It works but I'm far from happy with my experience. It's also impossible to clean inside the skimmer body as its blocked by the bubble plate.
Great concept, very poor execution. Wouldn't buy this Brand again, nor would I recommend it.
Actually looking for recommendations for a replacement. Must have a small footprint 7x8 and be able to handle 50 gallons volume heavy stocked. Looking in the $200 range.

I have the NAC7 and it skims with no breakin period and holds the level I place it at. Quality is excellent as well on fit and material used.
The NAC 3.5 should fit and cover your volume and more.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Bubble_Ma...vi.htmlhttp://

NAC 3.5 Cone Protein Skimmer

Bubble Magus NAC3.5 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer w/ Bubble Plate Information

The Bubble-Magus NAC3.5 Cone skimmer is practical and highly efficient. This skimmer offers innovative features at an affordable price: which makes it a great value.

NAC3.5 Features

cone skimmer body to allow smooth transition of skimmate to the collection cup
needle wheel pump with venturi intake that produces just the right amount and size of air bubbles
bubble plate to reduce the turbulence in the reaction chamber
collection cup drain to reduce maintenance frequency
compact footprint that allows easy installation

NAC3.5 Specifications

Tank Capability: 25G-80G
Pump: ph1100
Air intake: 300L/H
Pump power: 8W, 110V 60Hz
Max Chamber Diameter: 4"
Dimensions: 4.7"L x 7.08"W x 17.3"H
Water Level: 8"-10"

[6-line]

Does anyone have any idea if this will fit in a nano-cube 28? If so would you still be able to open the hood?

TIA

[Tron_954]

Fitment thread on nano-reef
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/34017.../#entry4622830

[ClownBubbaJoe]

Originally Posted by sonoma2nv

u never had an aquamaxx hob1 .best nano skimmer out there

Are they really $220 ?

[ClownBubbaJoe]

I'd like to know more details of this skimmer. I did see a video and it released bubbles, did not seem to be micro's though. How does the skimming compared to other lower cost skimmers ?
Any issues with adjusting ?

Will appreciate your opinion.

[Tron_954]

When you consider size, cost, performance... There's no other skimmer on the market that is comparable. This skimmer is one of the smallest on the market yet due to its traditional skimmer design still outperforms most skimmers of its kind. I've owned Tunze skimmers that were very inconsistent and mostly due to design...

To talk a bit about the bubbling, I experienced severe micro bubbling during break in, then they are nearly non existent once tuned in and skimming properly. It can be touchy at first but mainly until broken in. And if bubbles occur, anyone with a brain who knows how to place a skimmer in a sump won't allow that bubbled water to reach the display...


I've had one of the very first to be released and have had great success with it for months now. I even met with cad at macna this year and we toured booths who had the skimmer in action.

The results speak for themselves...

Skimmate by J.L Photography, on Flickr

[Hentz]

Would this fit in a Solana 34 chamber?

[Tron_954]

Originally Posted by Tron_954

Fitment thread on nano-reef
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/34017.../#entry4622830

[Hentz]

Awe man

[6-line]

That fitting thread is great if they mention your specific tank... Which they don't. I have found nothing on the jbj nano cube 28

[kellerexpress]

Still having good luck with this little skimmer!

[LinkinReef]

Originally Posted by Hentz

Would this fit in a Solana 34 chamber?

You need to remove the overflow chute in the first back chamber. That's what I did with mine.

[blakefoster]

I have an innovative marine sr-60 on the way, do you think the cadlights pipeless 100 would work? It is 4.75 x 4.75 x 20. I know it will stick out the top but i am really wanting a powerful skimmer for it. I read the PLS50 is great but could it handle the sr-60 with a fairly "medium" bio load? Thanks for your advice.

[Tron_954]

Originally Posted by blakefoster

I have an innovative marine sr-60 on the way, do you think the cadlights pipeless 100 would work? It is 4.75 x 4.75 x 20. I know it will stick out the top but i am really wanting a powerful skimmer for it. I read the PLS50 is great but could it handle the sr-60 with a fairly "medium" bio load? Thanks for your advice.

This is from CAD:

"Thanks so much for the information relaying from RC. we aren't there as much as here on NR. the PLS-50 should work fine for the SR-60. the PLS-100 will of course give it much more skimming power, but I don't think it will fit in there. many customers have been using the PLS-50 for much larger tanks like even the IM 80g shallow AIO. one good thing is that it can possibly fit 2 of them on the back chambers."

[Tron_954]

This was also on nano reef discussing best nano skimmers etc:

+2 on the Cadlights PLS-50. I have one on my Nuvo SR-80 and it's awesome.

I have a Tunze 9002 in my 29G biocube. eh. I could take it or leave it. Its not very consistent. I'll be replacing it with a PLS-50 as well.

[6-line]

I'd really love to try one of these but I just don't know if it's going to fit in a the NC. 28. I've seen nothing in regards to anyone trying it

[Endy0430]

Just got mine and I'm very impress with the skimmer so far. How long did it take for you guys for it break in?

[Tron_954]

About 10 days. Be patient with the micro bubbles and adjustments... As soon as it breaks in, you'll know it's ready!

[kellerexpress]

Mine took about a week

[Socratic Reef]

Originally Posted by 6-line

I'd really love to try one of these but I just don't know if it's going to fit in a the NC. 28. I've seen nothing in regards to anyone trying it

It won't fit the JBJ Nano 28, with the hood on or off. I had to sent it back and get a different skimmer.

[6-line]

Thanks Socratic. Guess I'm going HOB