SeaClone Skimmers - What's the big deal

Don424 · 01/02/2007, 08:58 PM

I've read some threads/comments on the SeaClone skimmer that aren't very favorable.

I've seen first hand at several locations where these skimmers are being used and taking out some really nasty stuff.

Is this thing really that bad?.........I've read plenty of other threads on this and others boards where people had trouble with Remora's, ASM's and others!

So why is this one so bad?

aninjaatemyshoe · 01/02/2007, 09:10 PM

Yeah, I had one and it is so horribly wimpy at pulling stuff out. Only if you have a system completely overriden by dissovled organics will you see any real skimmate. One of the biggest problems is adequately controlling the water level. The little piece they use to impede the outlet flow is nigh useless. Without good control you either have the problem of having no skimmate or skimmate that is way too wet. For what you get, they are way overpriced.

I think alot of people go overboard in their desire for a skimmer that will pull every last nanogram of organics out of their system. You don't need a thousand dollar piece of equipment for the job. That being said, a good skimmer goes a long way... and the SeaClone is not that. I don't think you'd find too many people who'd give them a good rating.

Take the same money and buy a Coralife Super Skimmer. You have to toy with it a bit to get proper skimmate, but at least you have the ability to control it!

kaptken · 01/02/2007, 11:22 PM

just replace their air filter valve with an air line valve, and tune it to your hearts delight. with something like this air valve.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...41aquarium.jpg
seaclones work fine for me. they make lots of dark, crusty scum.

Fishbulb2 · 01/02/2007, 11:50 PM

I wonder if this skimmer could be made to work much better though with the meshwheel mod?

trigger05 · 01/02/2007, 11:55 PM

i personally am happy with my sea clone
My seaclone on my 75 pulls out skimate similar to that of ASM skimmers i clean out at an aquarium i volunteer at. But thats just my experience.

kaptken · 01/03/2007, 12:01 AM

the mesh wheel mod just might make a big diference. just like on all the other skimmers and pumps it has been tried on. sure!!
but still the seaclone is a decent low cost skimmer for small tanks.like up to 75 gallons. that is the extent of my use. all the mods on the internet have been incorporated in the new seaclones. mostly just shortening the central tube . to allow more bubble hang time. i have been using two. one old and one new. they both work fine for me. make crusty dry skimate coming out of the top vent hole when the cup is near full. just dont clean them too virorously, once broken in. just a finger scrub on the inside of the cup under tap water. and keep the venturi clean too.

Don424 · 01/03/2007, 01:11 AM

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Has anyone ever used the Typhoon hang on? or know of anyone who has?

kodyboy · 01/03/2007, 08:59 AM

I have a typhoon and love it! You can get one from drfosters for $68! Built like a tank and it really works. MUCH better than a seaclone, and at least equal to a remora pro/coralife super skimmer. Get one, you won't be dissapointed.

Don424 · 01/03/2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kodyboy
I have a typhoon and love it! You can get one from drfosters for $68! Built like a tank and it really works. MUCH better than a seaclone, and at least equal to a remora pro/coralife super skimmer. Get one, you won't be dissapointed.

Thanks kodyboy...........sounds like you really like it. Any problems with that drain tube that attaches to the top?

kodyboy · 01/03/2007, 05:39 PM

No problem so far. It is odd not having a removable skimmer collection cup, but it drains to a gallon jug easy enough. The whole internal collection unit (a acrylic cylinder inside the main body) comes out for easy cleaning as well. I was pleasently surprised with the quality of this unit, and somewhat baffled by how they can sell it for such a low price.

dga · 01/03/2007, 06:56 PM

those that own a seaclone: how far above the water level does the skimmer protrude. (including the collection cup) i may try this skimmer "in" the tank as oposed to HOB.

addicted_2_reef · 01/13/2007, 12:02 PM

I did a couple of mods to my seaclone and it is really working good now. I was ready to trash it but, its working so good I'm going to wait and see how it does!

bobbyb323 · 01/23/2007, 12:22 AM

Is a SeaClown a skimmer or a circus prank?

army67romeo · 01/23/2007, 12:32 AM

i had a 100 it worked good got a 150 and its trash

Don424 · 01/23/2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by addicted_2_reef
I did a couple of mods to my seaclone and it is really working good now. I was ready to trash it but, its working so good I'm going to wait and see how it does!

What mods did you make? I got a 100 about 2 weeks ago and its producing squat..............ready to send it back.

addicted_2_reef · 01/23/2007, 09:52 AM

I cut the tube in the center and added the shutoff valve from home depot.

BrokeColoReefer · 01/23/2007, 09:55 AM

I had good luck with my 100 when it was in the sump, and the pump was hooked directly to the bottem.
Like this:

Don424 · 01/23/2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by addicted_2_reef
I cut the tube in the center and added the shutoff valve from home depot.

You mean you cut the riser tube in the center?.........how much did you cut and what kind of shutoff valeve are you refering to?

steri · 01/23/2007, 11:47 AM

I hated my Seaclone. It overflowed like 5 times onto my carpet. The last time it overflowed there was about a gallon of water on my floor. Not awesome!

It just seemed to be constantly irratic. I never felt I could trust what it was going to do one day from the next. For a few days, it was pulling perfectly dark brown skimmate. I was so happy, but then eventually, I would get a wet floor again for reasons I could just not understand.

I gave up on the thing after many mods and a month of a wet floor. These things stink! I don't care how many people like them. I couldn't trust them worth a darn!!!

luke33 · 01/23/2007, 11:59 AM

I'm not sure they are worth anything, but know of a mod. You just do the fishing line or mesh mod like the CSS, but also you get a wood air stone from petco, or where ever and take the stone to the bottom of the seaclone and add a air pump to add more tiny bubbles, i've actually seen this done and was impressed by the scum, but like i said, all the mods you have to do to it, just get a coralife ss to start.

BrokeColoReefer · 01/23/2007, 12:07 PM

mine had no mod's.
Im not saying it was my favriot skimmer, it was one of my first skimmers, and it worked. I upgraded to a CSS 90 and that was a mistake. The little old seaclone out skimmed it. My next upgrade was a ASM g4x, and that was a disapointment too. My next upgrade was to a aqua c ev180 and that was the best so far.. and last, but not least, my final upgrade is my current MRC MR-2R, and its fantastic.
So lets see.. i spent $1700 total to finaly get a skimmer that im totally satisfied. I wish i would have dumped the $600 the first time. $1100 buys alot of corals

BurntOutReefer · 01/23/2007, 12:14 PM

Have a 150 running for almost 3 years now.....no mods (except take the sponge from the intake out).....using it HOB...thinking about getting another one to run in the sump also now......
pulls out alot of junk....just my 2 cents....

Don424 · 01/23/2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BurntOutReefer
Have a 150 running for almost 3 years now.....no mods (except take the sponge from the intake out).....using it HOB...thinking about getting another one to run in the sump also now......
pulls out alot of junk....just my 2 cents....

How far open is your air control valve?

BrokeColoReefer · 01/23/2007, 12:19 PM

Im not going to answer for burnt out reefer, but the air intake setting is going to be unique on every set up. thats why its adjustable

BurntOutReefer · 01/23/2007, 12:39 PM

agree with Broke.......
mines only 1.5 turns....(after months of fiddling with it).....

01/02/2007, 08:58 PM	#1
Don424 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hillsborough, NJ Posts: 365	SeaClone Skimmers - What's the big deal I've read some threads/comments on the SeaClone skimmer that aren't very favorable. I've seen first hand at several locations where these skimmers are being used and taking out some really nasty stuff. Is this thing really that bad?.........I've read plenty of other threads on this and others boards where people had trouble with Remora's, ASM's and others! So why is this one so bad?

01/02/2007, 09:10 PM	#2
aninjaatemyshoe Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,333	Yeah, I had one and it is so horribly wimpy at pulling stuff out. Only if you have a system completely overriden by dissovled organics will you see any real skimmate. One of the biggest problems is adequately controlling the water level. The little piece they use to impede the outlet flow is nigh useless. Without good control you either have the problem of having no skimmate or skimmate that is way too wet. For what you get, they are way overpriced. I think alot of people go overboard in their desire for a skimmer that will pull every last nanogram of organics out of their system. You don't need a thousand dollar piece of equipment for the job. That being said, a good skimmer goes a long way... and the SeaClone is not that. I don't think you'd find too many people who'd give them a good rating. Take the same money and buy a Coralife Super Skimmer. You have to toy with it a bit to get proper skimmate, but at least you have the ability to control it! __________________ You are not brought upon this world to "get it"

01/02/2007, 11:22 PM	#3
kaptken Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: New castle, De. Posts: 1,419	just replace their air filter valve with an air line valve, and tune it to your hearts delight. with something like this air valve. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...41aquarium.jpg seaclones work fine for me. they make lots of dark, crusty scum. __________________ Bend To Fit...Paint To Match...Kick To Start. Current Tank Info: 75 reef and several smaller

01/02/2007, 11:50 PM	#4
Fishbulb2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 1,807	I wonder if this skimmer could be made to work much better though with the meshwheel mod? __________________ Just getting back in, but trying to do it right! Current Tank Info: 40 gallon tank. SPS, LPS, few softies

01/03/2007, 12:01 AM	#6
kaptken Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: New castle, De. Posts: 1,419	the mesh wheel mod just might make a big diference. just like on all the other skimmers and pumps it has been tried on. sure!! but still the seaclone is a decent low cost skimmer for small tanks.like up to 75 gallons. that is the extent of my use. all the mods on the internet have been incorporated in the new seaclones. mostly just shortening the central tube . to allow more bubble hang time. i have been using two. one old and one new. they both work fine for me. make crusty dry skimate coming out of the top vent hole when the cup is near full. just dont clean them too virorously, once broken in. just a finger scrub on the inside of the cup under tap water. and keep the venturi clean too. __________________ Bend To Fit...Paint To Match...Kick To Start. Current Tank Info: 75 reef and several smaller

01/02/2007, 11:55 PM	#5
trigger05 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 390	i personally am happy with my sea clone My seaclone on my 75 pulls out skimate similar to that of ASM skimmers i clean out at an aquarium i volunteer at. But thats just my experience.

01/03/2007, 01:11 AM	#7
Don424 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hillsborough, NJ Posts: 365	Thanks everyone for the feedback. Has anyone ever used the Typhoon hang on? or know of anyone who has?

01/03/2007, 08:59 AM	#8
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	I have a typhoon and love it! You can get one from drfosters for $68! Built like a tank and it really works. MUCH better than a seaclone, and at least equal to a remora pro/coralife super skimmer. Get one, you won't be dissapointed.

01/03/2007, 05:39 PM	#10
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	No problem so far. It is odd not having a removable skimmer collection cup, but it drains to a gallon jug easy enough. The whole internal collection unit (a acrylic cylinder inside the main body) comes out for easy cleaning as well. I was pleasently surprised with the quality of this unit, and somewhat baffled by how they can sell it for such a low price.

01/03/2007, 06:56 PM	#11
dga Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: MI Posts: 360	those that own a seaclone: how far above the water level does the skimmer protrude. (including the collection cup) i may try this skimmer "in" the tank as oposed to HOB. __________________ Got Salt?

01/13/2007, 12:02 PM	#12
addicted_2_reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Levittown PA Posts: 434	I did a couple of mods to my seaclone and it is really working good now. I was ready to trash it but, its working so good I'm going to wait and see how it does! __________________ -Brian 25 gallon cube

01/23/2007, 12:22 AM	#13
bobbyb323 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 13	Is a SeaClown a skimmer or a circus prank?

01/23/2007, 12:32 AM	#14
army67romeo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Glendale AZ Posts: 690	i had a 100 it worked good got a 150 and its trash __________________ Glendale and 75ave Current Tank Info: 150 peninsula lee-Mar 35gal fuge with G4 ASM 2x175se MH's. Tank 2 40 gal cube with a 250watt Mh phx bulb. Tank 3 120 two 250DE hqi with 4 t-5s and kent skimmer...

01/23/2007, 09:52 AM	#16
addicted_2_reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Levittown PA Posts: 434	I cut the tube in the center and added the shutoff valve from home depot. __________________ -Brian 25 gallon cube

01/23/2007, 09:55 AM	#17
BrokeColoReefer Hermit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mountains of Boulder County. Posts: 2,289	I had good luck with my 100 when it was in the sump, and the pump was hooked directly to the bottem. Like this: __________________ Stay fishy my friends. Current Tank Info: 300 gallon built in plumbed to the basement. 30 gallon surge for flow, GEO protein skimmer, litermeter 3's for continuous water change (1 gallon per day), calc reactors, kalk reactors, 600w MHx2, 6" DSB, 1000 lbs of live rock (300 display, 700 sump)

01/23/2007, 11:47 AM	#19
steri Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aurora, IL. Posts: 2,361	I hated my Seaclone. It overflowed like 5 times onto my carpet. The last time it overflowed there was about a gallon of water on my floor. Not awesome! It just seemed to be constantly irratic. I never felt I could trust what it was going to do one day from the next. For a few days, it was pulling perfectly dark brown skimmate. I was so happy, but then eventually, I would get a wet floor again for reasons I could just not understand. I gave up on the thing after many mods and a month of a wet floor. These things stink! I don't care how many people like them. I couldn't trust them worth a darn!!! __________________ 220g: French Angel, Emperor Angel, Passer Anger, Blue Tang, Yellow Tang, Snowflake Moray Eel, Lunar Wrasse Current Tank Info: 220 with T5HO lighting. ETSS skimmer.

01/23/2007, 11:59 AM	#20
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	I'm not sure they are worth anything, but know of a mod. You just do the fishing line or mesh mod like the CSS, but also you get a wood air stone from petco, or where ever and take the stone to the bottom of the seaclone and add a air pump to add more tiny bubbles, i've actually seen this done and was impressed by the scum, but like i said, all the mods you have to do to it, just get a coralife ss to start.

01/23/2007, 12:07 PM	#21
BrokeColoReefer Hermit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mountains of Boulder County. Posts: 2,289	mine had no mod's. Im not saying it was my favriot skimmer, it was one of my first skimmers, and it worked. I upgraded to a CSS 90 and that was a mistake. The little old seaclone out skimmed it. My next upgrade was a ASM g4x, and that was a disapointment too. My next upgrade was to a aqua c ev180 and that was the best so far.. and last, but not least, my final upgrade is my current MRC MR-2R, and its fantastic. So lets see.. i spent $1700 total to finaly get a skimmer that im totally satisfied. I wish i would have dumped the $600 the first time. $1100 buys alot of corals __________________ Stay fishy my friends. Current Tank Info: 300 gallon built in plumbed to the basement. 30 gallon surge for flow, GEO protein skimmer, litermeter 3's for continuous water change (1 gallon per day), calc reactors, kalk reactors, 600w MHx2, 6" DSB, 1000 lbs of live rock (300 display, 700 sump)

01/23/2007, 12:14 PM	#22
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	Have a 150 running for almost 3 years now.....no mods (except take the sponge from the intake out).....using it HOB...thinking about getting another one to run in the sump also now...... pulls out alot of junk....just my 2 cents....

01/23/2007, 12:19 PM	#24
BrokeColoReefer Hermit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mountains of Boulder County. Posts: 2,289	Im not going to answer for burnt out reefer, but the air intake setting is going to be unique on every set up. thats why its adjustable __________________ Stay fishy my friends. Current Tank Info: 300 gallon built in plumbed to the basement. 30 gallon surge for flow, GEO protein skimmer, litermeter 3's for continuous water change (1 gallon per day), calc reactors, kalk reactors, 600w MHx2, 6" DSB, 1000 lbs of live rock (300 display, 700 sump)

01/23/2007, 12:39 PM	#25
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	agree with Broke....... mines only 1.5 turns....(after months of fiddling with it).....