Once Again Lookng for efficient Skimmer for 75

Buzz1329 · 01/21/2016, 05:22 PM

I have an Aquamaxx ConeS CO-2 skimmer on my heavily stocked 75. The Aquamaxx generally produces a fair amount of foam, but the pump craps out monthly, requiring too much of my time to get it running again, and it overflows about once a month. So I'm in the market for a replacement skimmer.

I have an SRO3000INT on my 180, which IMO is the perfect skimmer for a 180. So, initially, I was thinking about an SRO 1000INT, but was advised that the SRO Diablo 150 was the way to go. I start checking prices, and saw that the Diablo series has been replaced by the RO Regal line, which in my case would mean the RO Regal 150.

(I posted a separate thread looking for info about this skimmer, but the purpose of this thread is to solicit opinions abut other skimmers I should consider as a a replacement.)

So, if you have an in-sump skimmer that's doing well on your 60-90 gallon tank, I'd love to hear about it. Also interested in hearing about skimmers that did not do well.

Thanks,

Mike

Drae · 01/21/2016, 05:44 PM

Unfortunately it sounds like you got a bad pump on your aquamaxx. It happens. Try to get a replacement sicce shark pump. I bet it would solve the issue. That skimmer is a lil large for a 75 gallon tank. If you're dead set on getting a new skimmer look into sea side aquatics. The sro skimmers can be hit or miss imo. The 3000 is probably the most balanced in that line. Your aquamaxx is the equivalent to the sro 2000. The 1000 would be a great fit I'm just not a fan of the pumps. Jmo

Johnic · 01/21/2016, 05:51 PM

I like my RLSS 6i.

Buzz1329 · 01/21/2016, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drae

Unfortunately it sounds like you got a bad pump on your aquamaxx. It happens. Try to get a replacement sicce shark pump. I bet it would solve the issue. That skimmer is a lil large for a 75 gallon tank. If you're dead set on getting a new skimmer look into sea side aquatics. The sro skimmers can be hit or miss imo. The 3000 is probably the most balanced in that line. Your aquamaxx is the equivalent to the sro 2000. The 1000 would be a great fit I'm just not a fan of the pumps. Jmo

Thanks!

1. I have a Sicce shark pump on the skimmer and it takes me days to reassemble/get it working again after cleaning it. I'm happy to admit I'm a klutz, but I don't have this problem with other pumps.

2. Looked at some of the Seaside skimmers, but again I'm not going near another Sicce pump.

3. I tried the SRO 2000 a few years back and it did not work. Overflows followed by days of no skimmate and repeat.

4. Maybe the SRO1000 is the way to go.

Mike

Buzz1329 · 01/21/2016, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnic

I like my RLSS 6i.

Yikes. Reviewed the threads on this skimmer and looks like a keeper. I'll do more due diligence but right now it looks like a good fit for my tank.

Thanks,

Mike

Buzz1329 · 01/21/2016, 08:23 PM

Duplicate post

Buzz1329 · 01/21/2016, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnic

I like my RLSS 6i.

What size tank are you using it on?

In your opinion would it be too powerful for a 75 gallon well stocked tank?

Mike

Buzz1329 · 01/21/2016, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz1329

What size tank are you using it on?

In your opinion would it be too powerful for a 75 gallon well stocked tank?

Mike

Apparently not.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2308798

dkeller_nc · 01/21/2016, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz1329

Looked at some of the Seaside skimmers, but again I'm not going near another Sicce pump.

That's unfortunate. Because unless you wish to consider the rather spendy Bubble Kings, you're not going to find a better skimmer pump. The R.O. pumps do the job, but in my experience they're exceptionally noisy after the first 6 weeks. And I won't comment on all of the dc-controllable pumps on most skimmers other than to say they're all mass-produced in china at a low price point. Not the greatest in terms of reliability and build quality.

There's good reason that many of us would tell you to get whatever brand of skimmer that you want, so long as it has a Sicce pump.

Jade5051 · 01/22/2016, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz1329

...2. Looked at some of the Seaside skimmers, but again I'm not going near another Sicce pump...Mike

I had to re-read this sentence 3 times to make sure I was reading it correctly.

You have had a bad experience with a pump that is regarded as one of the very best skimmer pump on the market today. I highly recommend you get a replacement pump. There is a reason almost every skimmer on the market is using a Sicce. Here is a quick list of all the skimmer manufactures' that use Sicce pumps. Many of these companies are recognized worldwide because they make great skimmers. They can't all have it wrong.

Eshopps
Aquamaxx
Bubble Magus/Seaside
ATB
Vertex
Avast
Reef Octopus
Aqua Excel
LGM Aquari

shifty51008 · 01/22/2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jade5051

I had to re-read this sentence 3 times to make sure I was reading it correctly.

You have had a bad experience with a pump that is regarded as one of the very best skimmer pump on the market today. I highly recommend you get a replacement pump. There is a reason almost every skimmer on the market is using a Sicce. Here is a quick list of all the skimmer manufactures' that use Sicce pumps. Many of these companies are recognized worldwide because they make great skimmers. They can't all have it wrong.

Eshopps
Aquamaxx
Bubble Magus/Seaside
ATB
Vertex
Avast
Reef Octopus
Aqua Excel
LGM Aquari

you forgot lifereef wich IMO is one of the best skimmers out there

edit: sorry just noticed you were posting skimmers that use a certain pump. I need to sleep so I can read better lol

Johnic · 01/22/2016, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz1329

What size tank are you using it on?

In your opinion would it be too powerful for a 75 gallon well stocked tank?

Mike

Its been a work horse for my 75 gal. Solid pump esp with the new pump they have on it. It's a perfect size skimmer for a well stocked 75. The key on sizing a skimmer is the neck size and the 6i is a good fit. Made real well, solid feel.

Devaji108 · 01/22/2016, 03:22 PM

when I had my 75 I LOVED my reef octopus 150...might fire it up on my new 90 rimless in fact.

Buzz1329 · 01/22/2016, 06:05 PM

Jeez, struck a nerve there when I put down Sicce pumps. I apologize for making sweeping value judgments based solely on my own experience. Let me explain my experience and maybe I can be schooled on what I'm doing wrong.

I have used 2 Aquamaxx skimmers (CO2 and CO3) powered by Sicce pumps and a Sicce powerhead to run a reactor.

When I tried to clean the Sicce powerhead after 2 months of use, I was unable to get a flush fit of the plates over the impeller. I spent an hour trying to fix this, but then gave up and replaced the Sicce with a Cobalt powerhead.

Re the Sicce pumps on the Aquamaxx skimmers, I am reluctant to disassemble them for cleaning for the same reason. I usually was able to push and prod them back together but it took way too much time and effort. At one point, I gave up and sent a pump back to Aquamaxx, which quickly fixed the pump and returned it to me. From then on, when I remove the pumps for cleaning, I clean crud on the outside of the pump and try to return it to service. More often than not, the pump will not start when I reinstall it. I then pull the pump and soak it in vinegar overnight. So far, fingers crossed, the pump will start after I run it in a bucket of hot water for a few minutes and return it to service. But I have not had any of these issues with RO bubble blaster pumps, non-compact Eheim pumps, Tunze pumps, pumps used on Skimz skimmers, etc.

So that's why I bashed the Sicce pumps. Any advice on what I may be doing wrong is appreciated.

Mike

Drae · 01/22/2016, 06:38 PM

You can always get a lifereef and pair it with a number of different pumps. Laguna and fluval use askoll blocks and are very nice pumps. Jmo

Buzz1329 · 01/22/2016, 07:17 PM

OK, Tunze is good, right? Tunze pumps are rock solid reliable, based on my experience and what I have read on this forum.

I see they have 2 skimmers for sale:

Tunze Master DOC Protein Skimmer 90410 up to 264 gallons ($330)

http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Mas...ISVSOT-vi.html

and

Tunze Comline DOC DC Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 9012 ($374 for "sensitive reef biotopes with hard corals up to . . . 132 USgal.")

http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Com...PSISNW-vi.html

But I have not seen any odes to joy re Tunze skimmers on RC so I'm assuming there's an issue there. If anyone is using one of these Tunze skimmers, I'd sure like to hear from you.

Mike

Drae · 01/22/2016, 08:25 PM

Tunze pumps are sicce's. They just put the tunze name on there.

jason2459 · 01/22/2016, 08:36 PM

I've not had any issues with the 4 sicce skimmer pumps I've had experience with. No issues disassembling and reassembling. I've had 3 bubble blaster pumps die on me. Even with that bad track record I still think the bubble blasters are an amazing skimmer pump. I would get a neck extension though for the SRO line they come with.

Jade5051 · 01/22/2016, 09:10 PM

Idk what to tell you cause I can't see what you are doing. I've owned 5 different Sicce pump sizes and they were all hassle free bullet proof great pumps.

moondoggy4 · 01/23/2016, 11:11 AM

I have a Vertex 150 skimmer I will not remove the impeller to clean the pump I rather just let it run a container of vinegar, cleans it no problem.

01/21/2016, 05:22 PM	#1
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Once Again Lookng for efficient Skimmer for 75 I have an Aquamaxx ConeS CO-2 skimmer on my heavily stocked 75. The Aquamaxx generally produces a fair amount of foam, but the pump craps out monthly, requiring too much of my time to get it running again, and it overflows about once a month. So I'm in the market for a replacement skimmer. I have an SRO3000INT on my 180, which IMO is the perfect skimmer for a 180. So, initially, I was thinking about an SRO 1000INT, but was advised that the SRO Diablo 150 was the way to go. I start checking prices, and saw that the Diablo series has been replaced by the RO Regal line, which in my case would mean the RO Regal 150. (I posted a separate thread looking for info about this skimmer, but the purpose of this thread is to solicit opinions abut other skimmers I should consider as a a replacement.) So, if you have an in-sump skimmer that's doing well on your 60-90 gallon tank, I'd love to hear about it. Also interested in hearing about skimmers that did not do well. Thanks, Mike

01/21/2016, 05:51 PM	#3
Johnic Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,092	I like my RLSS 6i. __________________ 75 Lee Mar Peninsula Tank, Reef Octo Elite 150, Custom Advanced Acrylic Sump, (2) MP40, Vectra M2 Main Pump, (2) XR15 Pro, Clear Water ATS CW-50, Alkatronic,GHL Doser 2.1, Apex Neptune El with Trident

01/22/2016, 08:36 PM	#18
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	I've not had any issues with the 4 sicce skimmer pumps I've had experience with. No issues disassembling and reassembling. I've had 3 bubble blaster pumps die on me. Even with that bad track record I still think the bubble blasters are an amazing skimmer pump. I would get a neck extension though for the SRO line they come with. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

01/22/2016, 09:10 PM	#19
Jade5051 That guy... Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,218	Idk what to tell you cause I can't see what you are doing. I've owned 5 different Sicce pump sizes and they were all hassle free bullet proof great pumps. __________________ The dream that is now a memory - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550891

01/21/2016, 05:44 PM	#2
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	Unfortunately it sounds like you got a bad pump on your aquamaxx. It happens. Try to get a replacement sicce shark pump. I bet it would solve the issue. That skimmer is a lil large for a 75 gallon tank. If you're dead set on getting a new skimmer look into sea side aquatics. The sro skimmers can be hit or miss imo. The 3000 is probably the most balanced in that line. Your aquamaxx is the equivalent to the sro 2000. The 1000 would be a great fit I'm just not a fan of the pumps. Jmo

01/21/2016, 08:23 PM	#6
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Duplicate post

01/22/2016, 03:22 PM	#13
Devaji108 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Jackson Hole Wy Posts: 3,430	when I had my 75 I LOVED my reef octopus 150...might fire it up on my new 90 rimless in fact.

01/22/2016, 06:05 PM	#14
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	Jeez, struck a nerve there when I put down Sicce pumps. I apologize for making sweeping value judgments based solely on my own experience. Let me explain my experience and maybe I can be schooled on what I'm doing wrong. I have used 2 Aquamaxx skimmers (CO2 and CO3) powered by Sicce pumps and a Sicce powerhead to run a reactor. When I tried to clean the Sicce powerhead after 2 months of use, I was unable to get a flush fit of the plates over the impeller. I spent an hour trying to fix this, but then gave up and replaced the Sicce with a Cobalt powerhead. Re the Sicce pumps on the Aquamaxx skimmers, I am reluctant to disassemble them for cleaning for the same reason. I usually was able to push and prod them back together but it took way too much time and effort. At one point, I gave up and sent a pump back to Aquamaxx, which quickly fixed the pump and returned it to me. From then on, when I remove the pumps for cleaning, I clean crud on the outside of the pump and try to return it to service. More often than not, the pump will not start when I reinstall it. I then pull the pump and soak it in vinegar overnight. So far, fingers crossed, the pump will start after I run it in a bucket of hot water for a few minutes and return it to service. But I have not had any of these issues with RO bubble blaster pumps, non-compact Eheim pumps, Tunze pumps, pumps used on Skimz skimmers, etc. So that's why I bashed the Sicce pumps. Any advice on what I may be doing wrong is appreciated. Mike

01/22/2016, 06:38 PM	#15
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	You can always get a lifereef and pair it with a number of different pumps. Laguna and fluval use askoll blocks and are very nice pumps. Jmo

01/22/2016, 07:17 PM	#16
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	OK, Tunze is good, right? Tunze pumps are rock solid reliable, based on my experience and what I have read on this forum. I see they have 2 skimmers for sale: Tunze Master DOC Protein Skimmer 90410 up to 264 gallons ($330) http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Mas...ISVSOT-vi.html and Tunze Comline DOC DC Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer 9012 ($374 for "sensitive reef biotopes with hard corals up to . . . 132 USgal.") http://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_Com...PSISNW-vi.html But I have not seen any odes to joy re Tunze skimmers on RC so I'm assuming there's an issue there. If anyone is using one of these Tunze skimmers, I'd sure like to hear from you. Mike

01/22/2016, 08:25 PM	#17
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	Tunze pumps are sicce's. They just put the tunze name on there.

01/23/2016, 11:11 AM	#20
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	I have a Vertex 150 skimmer I will not remove the impeller to clean the pump I rather just let it run a container of vinegar, cleans it no problem.