Ice Cap K2 Skimmers

DemonicReefer · 03/31/2016, 08:33 PM

Hey just wondering if anyone has one of the new ice cap skimmer or has seen one in person. Looking at getting the K2-200. Can't find any reviews or videos on it. As far as features, footprint and price goes it seems awesome. I've seen the sicce psk-1000 on other skimmers for a much higher price if anyone knows anything or has any opinions on these let me know thanks

gus6464 · 03/31/2016, 10:46 PM

They also have titanium screws which is only common on Vertex..

spedly · 04/10/2016, 08:14 PM

DemonicReefer, I recently bought a K2-200 skimmer. I absolutely love it. The build quality is exceptional. It reminds me a lot of Vertex skimmers. Only real difference is the pump. The skimmer itself is very quiet however there is a hissing sound coming from the silencer. This is probably common for all skimmers with venturi pumps.

Scuba Dan · 05/22/2016, 09:07 AM

How are you guys liking the K2 skimmers? Can you post some pictures of the skimmer in action. I was thinking about getting the Reef Octopus 202-S, but now leaning towards the K2-200.
Thanks....

ClownMan727 · 05/22/2016, 09:22 AM

Following along. Looks like a nice skimmer.

Scuba Dan · 05/22/2016, 01:03 PM

Went to the local FS and they had the IceCap K2 120 on display. Looked a bit small for being able to handle a 120 gallon tank. I will say this, the skimmer is a work of art. The construction of the skimmer is top notch. The water level adjuster is a very nice design. I was very impressed with the quality of the materials used and the build of the skimmer, but we all know that don't mean anything if it does not do a good job at skimming. (Im sure it does.

) We need more owners to chime in....

ClownMan727 · 05/23/2016, 10:16 PM

Seems a bit too new. I think I will get the 200 and let you know.

Scuba Dan · 05/24/2016, 09:09 AM

Let me know if you find a good deal on one. I've been looking, but all places I checked into want the same price. $399.99 and promo/discount codes do not apply. Must be something with CoralVue and map pricing. Im planning on ordering one Friday. Trying to hold out for that "Maybe" Memorial day sale pricing. Watch it be on all skimmers "but" Reef Octopus and Icecap skimmers...

Scuba Dan · 06/05/2016, 03:42 PM

Received my K2-200. Built very nice. Solo cup for size reference. Picked one up for $359.99 (Memorial Day Sale.)

Dendro Dude · 06/21/2016, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba Dan

Received my K2-200. Built very nice. Solo cup for size reference. Picked one up for $359.99 (Memorial Day Sale.)

Keep us posted as to how it skims, I'm really think about picking up one these

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

sleepydoc · 07/12/2016, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spedly

DemonicReefer, I recently bought a K2-200 skimmer. I absolutely love it. The build quality is exceptional. It reminds me a lot of Vertex skimmers. Only real difference is the pump. The skimmer itself is very quiet however there is a hissing sound coming from the silencer. This is probably common for all skimmers with venturi pumps.

I think they use a Sicce needle wheel pump instead of a Venturi pump.

Any update on function? Looking to get a new skimmer and wanted a RLSS R6i, but they're impossible to get, so I'm looking at other options. How much noise do they make when broken in and functioning?

trmiv · 07/12/2016, 01:31 PM

Also interested in these. They look very nicely built. Was considering the 160 for my new 120g/30g sump build. Any updates on performance?

Fish doctor · 07/25/2016, 01:29 PM

Hey Dendro dude. How is the skimmer performing for you? I just wanted to get an update as I was thinking about buying one.

fcmatt · 07/25/2016, 01:58 PM

Hm. I am curious as well. Talk about aggressive pricing. Is the K2-120 quiet or what?

Kyl · 07/25/2016, 02:30 PM

If I can manage to get my tank plumbed in the next couple days I'll let you know how loud the 120 is..

oranngetang · 07/25/2016, 04:10 PM

Also awaiting your feedback prior to K2-160 feedback.

Kyl · 07/30/2016, 12:34 AM

K-120 is very quiet, less than my DCS7000 on 20% speed. It's basically in-audible to the room with the sump doors closed.

SaltyMember · 07/30/2016, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyl

K-120 is very quiet, less than my DCS7000 on 20% speed. It's basically in-audible to the room with the sump doors closed.

I agree. I have the 120 also and it is very quiet. Just a slight hiss.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

oranngetang · 07/30/2016, 12:32 PM

Ordered a K2-160 last night. Will post findings when it arrives.

fcmatt · 08/07/2016, 09:09 AM

Cool. Good info. I will keep an eye out for updates.

rpc07 · 08/14/2016, 10:19 AM

Any updates on any of these skimmers? I have my eye on the k2-120 just looking for some feedback.

oranngetang · 08/20/2016, 09:47 AM

I've had my K2-160 running for a few weeks now, so I'm going to try to post some of my findings. Only my poor phone pics are available right now.

This skimmer found itself being put together and running in the sump shortly after it arrived at my door.

The box...
box.jpg

What is inside the box...
inside box.jpg

Why is the pump not in a bag, when everything else is?
pumpmess.jpg

Sicce PSK-600
pump.jpg

Parts ready for assembly
Contents.jpg

I found it pretty strange that with the centerpiece of this product being the PSK600 pump, it wasn't bagged, or bubble wrap. The overall quality and finish of the PVC/Acrylic parts is very nice. This product feel pretty high-end, though it's my first ever skimmer and I have no other product to compare it to.

oranngetang · 08/20/2016, 10:06 AM

This is the main concern of the overall assembly of this skimmer. The pump sits slightly off-centered from the body of the skimmer. A fair amount of pressure is required to align and push the air intake through the body and into the pump. This may actually be an intentional design feature, as the intake would easily fall out of the pump without having the body 'bind' it in place. I feel the o-ring seal on the air intake tube isn't a sufficient O.D.

If you watch the assembly video on youtube, it looks like the guy is using a lot of force to seat the air intake, while mine requires NO effort at all.
intake.jpg

Issue number two is why have I received a bent hex-key. $500 dollar skimmer comes with a bent key?
keys.jpg

Skimmer in the sump. My skimmer bay measures 7 3/4" x 11 3/4" and 13" deep. I placed the skimmer on a glass microwavable bowl for now, which set the height to 10.25", which is just over the recommended depth. I'll eventually place a proper 'step' for it in the skimmer bay.
insump.jpg

My first impressions, are that despite a warming that the skimmer will take up to a few weeks to break in, it worked quite well in the first 24 hours. Prior to inserting into the sump, I circulated the skimmer in a pail of vinegar water for a couple of hours.

Morning after, ~16 hours of skimming.
skim.jpg

The skimmer is sitting in 10.25" of water, and immediately started pulling skimmate, though on the very very wet side. I've been dialing it back some, daily, but it even wide-open, I get about 100-150 ml of greenish water out of it daily. I'm sure setting a proper height will solve this.

Noise-wise, the skimmer was quiet. I said was on purpose, it's a little louder now, 2 weeks later than it was the first couple of days. Honestly though, my reactor pump is louder than ANYTHING else so this isn't really an issue. With the cabinet door closed, I can hear a very slight sucking sound from the silencer.

Jeremy1988 · 08/24/2016, 05:24 PM

Yeah I have the K120 on my 90 gallon and yeah its bada**. Just phenomenal design and build quality. Thing will do some skimming let me tell ya. Yeah super quiet, great pump on it, you name it, it's got it. I'v had mine for about 5 months now I guess.

oranngetang · 08/25/2016, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy1988

Yeah I have the K120 on my 90 gallon and yeah its bada**. Just phenomenal design and build quality. Thing will do some skimming let me tell ya. Yeah super quiet, great pump on it, you name it, it's got it. I'v had mine for about 5 months now I guess.

Have you been able to get it dialed in to pull a dark skim?

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

03/31/2016, 08:33 PM	#1
DemonicReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 5	Ice Cap K2 Skimmers Hey just wondering if anyone has one of the new ice cap skimmer or has seen one in person. Looking at getting the K2-200. Can't find any reviews or videos on it. As far as features, footprint and price goes it seems awesome. I've seen the sicce psk-1000 on other skimmers for a much higher price if anyone knows anything or has any opinions on these let me know thanks

05/22/2016, 09:22 AM	#5
ClownMan727 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 776	Following along. Looks like a nice skimmer. __________________ "A flute with no holes is not a flute ...and a doughnut with no hole...is a Danish." - Ty Webb (Caddyshack, 1980) Current Tank Info: 125gallon, 3 T247 led's and 2 80w T5's. 2 MP 40's,2 MP 10's. and a 40 breeder, ATI 4 bulb 39w light with 2 blue led strips. 1 MP 10. All plumbed to 40 gallon homemade acrylic sump. with APEX controller.

05/22/2016, 01:03 PM	#6
Scuba Dan Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Thonotosassa, FL Posts: 711	Went to the local FS and they had the IceCap K2 120 on display. Looked a bit small for being able to handle a 120 gallon tank. I will say this, the skimmer is a work of art. The construction of the skimmer is top notch. The water level adjuster is a very nice design. I was very impressed with the quality of the materials used and the build of the skimmer, but we all know that don't mean anything if it does not do a good job at skimming. (Im sure it does.) We need more owners to chime in....

05/23/2016, 10:16 PM	#7
ClownMan727 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 776	Seems a bit too new. I think I will get the 200 and let you know. __________________ "A flute with no holes is not a flute ...and a doughnut with no hole...is a Danish." - Ty Webb (Caddyshack, 1980) Current Tank Info: 125gallon, 3 T247 led's and 2 80w T5's. 2 MP 40's,2 MP 10's. and a 40 breeder, ATI 4 bulb 39w light with 2 blue led strips. 1 MP 10. All plumbed to 40 gallon homemade acrylic sump. with APEX controller.

07/12/2016, 01:31 PM	#12
trmiv Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,082	Also interested in these. They look very nicely built. Was considering the 160 for my new 120g/30g sump build. Any updates on performance? __________________ Current tank: Red Sea Reefer 350 Deluxe, Avast Marine Pegleg 180 skimmer, Gyre 150, Eheim 1262 return

03/31/2016, 10:46 PM	#2
gus6464 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,079	They also have titanium screws which is only common on Vertex..

04/10/2016, 08:14 PM	#3
spedly Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 5	DemonicReefer, I recently bought a K2-200 skimmer. I absolutely love it. The build quality is exceptional. It reminds me a lot of Vertex skimmers. Only real difference is the pump. The skimmer itself is very quiet however there is a hissing sound coming from the silencer. This is probably common for all skimmers with venturi pumps.

05/22/2016, 09:07 AM	#4
Scuba Dan Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Thonotosassa, FL Posts: 711	How are you guys liking the K2 skimmers? Can you post some pictures of the skimmer in action. I was thinking about getting the Reef Octopus 202-S, but now leaning towards the K2-200. Thanks....

05/24/2016, 09:09 AM	#8
Scuba Dan Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Thonotosassa, FL Posts: 711	Let me know if you find a good deal on one. I've been looking, but all places I checked into want the same price. $399.99 and promo/discount codes do not apply. Must be something with CoralVue and map pricing. Im planning on ordering one Friday. Trying to hold out for that "Maybe" Memorial day sale pricing. Watch it be on all skimmers "but" Reef Octopus and Icecap skimmers...

06/05/2016, 03:42 PM	#9
Scuba Dan Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Thonotosassa, FL Posts: 711	Received my K2-200. Built very nice. Solo cup for size reference. Picked one up for $359.99 (Memorial Day Sale.)

07/25/2016, 01:29 PM	#13
Fish doctor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 189	Hey Dendro dude. How is the skimmer performing for you? I just wanted to get an update as I was thinking about buying one.

07/25/2016, 01:58 PM	#14
fcmatt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 850	Hm. I am curious as well. Talk about aggressive pricing. Is the K2-120 quiet or what?

07/25/2016, 02:30 PM	#15
Kyl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 93	If I can manage to get my tank plumbed in the next couple days I'll let you know how loud the 120 is..

07/25/2016, 04:10 PM	#16
oranngetang Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 29	Also awaiting your feedback prior to K2-160 feedback. __________________ My 72 G Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24643858 Current Tank Info: 72 Gallon BowFront & 29 Gallon BioCube

07/30/2016, 12:34 AM	#17
Kyl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 93	K-120 is very quiet, less than my DCS7000 on 20% speed. It's basically in-audible to the room with the sump doors closed.

07/30/2016, 12:32 PM	#19
oranngetang Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 29	Ordered a K2-160 last night. Will post findings when it arrives. __________________ My 72 G Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24643858 Current Tank Info: 72 Gallon BowFront & 29 Gallon BioCube

08/07/2016, 09:09 AM	#20
fcmatt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 850	Cool. Good info. I will keep an eye out for updates.

08/14/2016, 10:19 AM	#21
rpc07 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 272	Any updates on any of these skimmers? I have my eye on the k2-120 just looking for some feedback.

08/20/2016, 09:47 AM	#22
oranngetang Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 29	I've had my K2-160 running for a few weeks now, so I'm going to try to post some of my findings. Only my poor phone pics are available right now. This skimmer found itself being put together and running in the sump shortly after it arrived at my door. The box... box.jpg What is inside the box... inside box.jpg Why is the pump not in a bag, when everything else is? pumpmess.jpg Sicce PSK-600 pump.jpg Parts ready for assembly Contents.jpg I found it pretty strange that with the centerpiece of this product being the PSK600 pump, it wasn't bagged, or bubble wrap. The overall quality and finish of the PVC/Acrylic parts is very nice. This product feel pretty high-end, though it's my first ever skimmer and I have no other product to compare it to. __________________ My 72 G Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24643858 Current Tank Info: 72 Gallon BowFront & 29 Gallon BioCube

08/20/2016, 10:06 AM	#23
oranngetang Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 29	This is the main concern of the overall assembly of this skimmer. The pump sits slightly off-centered from the body of the skimmer. A fair amount of pressure is required to align and push the air intake through the body and into the pump. This may actually be an intentional design feature, as the intake would easily fall out of the pump without having the body 'bind' it in place. I feel the o-ring seal on the air intake tube isn't a sufficient O.D. If you watch the assembly video on youtube, it looks like the guy is using a lot of force to seat the air intake, while mine requires NO effort at all. intake.jpg Issue number two is why have I received a bent hex-key. $500 dollar skimmer comes with a bent key? keys.jpg Skimmer in the sump. My skimmer bay measures 7 3/4" x 11 3/4" and 13" deep. I placed the skimmer on a glass microwavable bowl for now, which set the height to 10.25", which is just over the recommended depth. I'll eventually place a proper 'step' for it in the skimmer bay. insump.jpg My first impressions, are that despite a warming that the skimmer will take up to a few weeks to break in, it worked quite well in the first 24 hours. Prior to inserting into the sump, I circulated the skimmer in a pail of vinegar water for a couple of hours. Morning after, ~16 hours of skimming. skim.jpg The skimmer is sitting in 10.25" of water, and immediately started pulling skimmate, though on the very very wet side. I've been dialing it back some, daily, but it even wide-open, I get about 100-150 ml of greenish water out of it daily. I'm sure setting a proper height will solve this. Noise-wise, the skimmer was quiet. I said was on purpose, it's a little louder now, 2 weeks later than it was the first couple of days. Honestly though, my reactor pump is louder than ANYTHING else so this isn't really an issue. With the cabinet door closed, I can hear a very slight sucking sound from the silencer. __________________ My 72 G Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24643858 Current Tank Info: 72 Gallon BowFront & 29 Gallon BioCube

08/24/2016, 05:24 PM	#24
Jeremy1988 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 209	Yeah I have the K120 on my 90 gallon and yeah its bada**. Just phenomenal design and build quality. Thing will do some skimming let me tell ya. Yeah super quiet, great pump on it, you name it, it's got it. I'v had mine for about 5 months now I guess.