Coralife Super Skimmer 65

The Saltwater Kid · 07/31/2006, 05:39 PM

I might be in the market for a new skimmer. I'm looking at a Coralife Super Skimmer 65 needlewheel skimmer. It seems like it would be an upgrade over my Seaclone 100 but I don't want to break the bank either. It would have to be very clean with little use (less than 1 year and gently used) and have EVERYTHING...manuals, parts etc. that came with it...and of course it would be in excellent working order with no damage and doesn't leak!!! I can get a brand new one for $75 but my cashflow is almost gone for now so I am looking to see if i could possibly save some money but still get a quality skimmer upgrade. PM me if you have one to see if I'm interested. I put this on the wanted to buy thread but so far I've gotten noting so i thought I'd try here.

mandrin13 · 07/31/2006, 06:55 PM

get the skimmer,its great,and there is a really big thread on this skimmer,look for it.

TOURKID · 07/31/2006, 07:02 PM

i have the skimmer and love it. Only wish i wasent to scared to do the overflow mod. i hate emptying it every day

The Saltwater Kid · 08/01/2006, 05:01 AM

I wouldn't mind emptying it everyday...as long as it doesn't leak!!!

1package · 08/01/2006, 05:20 AM

I am curious as to whether these guys are hanging the SS on the tank or sitting it in the sump.

Mine sits in the sump and I would just about prefer the SeaClone. The Coral life, at least mine, needs adjusted all of the time. It works well initially but even the most slight water level change craps it out. It is not unusual for me to check it in the morning and see that it has overflowed or is completely dry. In my opinion it is way to sensative and requires way too much adjustment - perhaps I got a lemon and the rest work very well. Just another opinion.

I will sell you mine, it is about 3 months old.

gfk · 08/01/2006, 07:27 AM

i am using mine in the sump, my coralife is only a week or so old and i think im happy so far

dbgator1 · 08/01/2006, 07:56 AM

I love mine and yea i do have to empty it almost every day but isn't that what they are there for, to take out junk. Mine has taken out some funky smelling stuff i have been surprised with what it has done. Have been very happy with it. Mine does sit in the sump.

The Saltwater Kid · 08/01/2006, 10:15 AM

I need to hear from people who are using it as a HOB skimmer as that is what i would be using it as.

1package · 08/01/2006, 11:02 AM

The LFS I got mine from uses them "HOB", they told me that they were sensative but very good.

I am surprised that others (in sump) are not having issues with adjustment. Maybe I need to take a closer look at it.

evil_monkey · 08/01/2006, 11:54 AM

I use mine HOB, very sensative, but pulls the funky stuff though.

check it everyday, mine has overflowed a few times in a few hours.

newreefbishop · 08/01/2006, 12:32 PM

I also have one, I hang it on the back of my sunp as the way i sectioned it off it couldnt fit. In any case...it overflowed once during first week and hasnt dont that since....just follow instuctions to a T and when you feed phytoplankton or zooplankton turn it off for about an hour.....I have mine running dry so the stuff it pulls out of the water is pretty much dark brown or black, and i only empty it every 2-3 days had to tweak it to figure out how to make it skim as dry as possible so i can take those long weekends without much head ache and fear.

Basically its a great skimmer, I had a seaclone got rid of it the first week I had it. Loved Coralife since I had it.

The Saltwater Kid · 08/01/2006, 02:21 PM

That's what I'm worried about, I ABSOLUTELY cannot have it overflowing onto the floor. I live in an apartment and the LAST thing i would want to see when I get home from work is a huge puddle all around my tank and having it seep through into the office space below my apartment!!! I don't mind emptying the collection cup everyday but I need a skimmer that I can depend on not to leak or overflow, that works good and won't break the bank (under $100 would be ideal)!!!

The Saltwater Kid · 08/01/2006, 02:30 PM

bump

glxtrix · 08/01/2006, 03:31 PM

I just got a 65 today and set it up, it was used befor hand. I've skimmed thu the 10 gazillion page thread about these things and what exactly was causing the overflow problems? Was it the lil breather on the water exit pipe?

Andrew · 08/01/2006, 03:37 PM

Heres some skimmate pictures from when I used a CSS65. Well worth the $80.

glxtrix · 08/01/2006, 03:43 PM

did you ever have that overflow issue?

Andrew · 08/01/2006, 03:48 PM

Put the ball valve on the pump and slow it down some. Worked for me.

glxtrix · 08/01/2006, 04:09 PM

mine is setup as HOB, will a ball valve on the exit pipe do the same?

Andrew · 08/01/2006, 04:16 PM

That will just lower and raise the water level in the skimmer. The pump is too strong for the skimmer in the first place. The plastic ball valve should have come with the skimmer. Put it right on the pump outlet.

glxtrix · 08/01/2006, 04:34 PM

I bought it used, and unfortunately this lil valve deal was not there. I mean, as of now the water level is here, does it seem to be ok? The crud in the catcher was from previous when water hight in skimmer tube was higher. As of now where it is at, I havnt noticed any bubbles going up the tube, just what you see in the pic.

Andrew · 08/01/2006, 04:39 PM

Thats fine. Good level to dry skim. If you want then raise it up a little bit more and that will more of a wet skin like in the first two pictures I posted.

glxtrix · 08/01/2006, 04:45 PM

I guess I'm just trying to understand hwat makes it overflow, guess it just not being maintenced enough?

crypticghost · 08/01/2006, 04:52 PM

mine is my sump for about 3 months now...I never have to adjust anything, I empty every coupld of days...Everyone told me it was not good...but it pulls out some really good black stuff.

glxtrix · 08/01/2006, 05:02 PM

what do they tell you is not good? I'm jsut trying to understand what is going wrong, I mean a company wouldnt keep something on the shelf if it contiunes to fail. So somewhere something is happening wether it be neglect or error on the parts, but that has to have been worked out? or at least a fix to the issue.

seattlerob · 08/01/2006, 05:02 PM

I have a CSS65 and really like it. I use it HOB in my sump. I believe those that have it placed in the sump & have problems getting it adjusted correctly are due to the water level in relation to the pump intake & pump outlet. When HOB, intake & outlet are at the perfect level. If used in sump, I think it's likely you might want to build a little stand to raise the CSS so that the intake & outlet are at good levels. Not saying it's a must, but could go a long way to help solving problems when used in sump.

As far as what makes it overflow, I've found when doing water changes if I leave the skimmer on, it will 'freak out' and start overflowing. Haven't experienced this when feeding, but that's because I turn off my return pump thus stopping flow into my sump. In summary, I would say any rapid change to the water will likely make the CSS freak a bit. Knowing that, I just turn off the CSS during these times. Also, when tweaking the adjustment knob, I've found it a good idea to check up on the CSS an hour or so later to see what it's doing.

HTH,
Rob

07/31/2006, 05:39 PM	#1
The Saltwater Kid Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Barre, VT Posts: 2,586	Coralife Super Skimmer 65 I might be in the market for a new skimmer. I'm looking at a Coralife Super Skimmer 65 needlewheel skimmer. It seems like it would be an upgrade over my Seaclone 100 but I don't want to break the bank either. It would have to be very clean with little use (less than 1 year and gently used) and have EVERYTHING...manuals, parts etc. that came with it...and of course it would be in excellent working order with no damage and doesn't leak!!! I can get a brand new one for $75 but my cashflow is almost gone for now so I am looking to see if i could possibly save some money but still get a quality skimmer upgrade. PM me if you have one to see if I'm interested. I put this on the wanted to buy thread but so far I've gotten noting so i thought I'd try here. __________________ Oceanic Biocube 14g Nano Tank w/middle chamber refugium mod 2 Ecoxotic Power Pro LED Modules (1 - 12K/Royal Blue combo, 1 - Royal Blue) MaxiJet 900 return, VorTech MP10 circulation Livestock: Higher End Z's & P's, few mushrooms, Aussie Duncan, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

07/31/2006, 06:55 PM	#2
mandrin13 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Valrico FL southish of Tampa Posts: 258	get the skimmer,its great,and there is a really big thread on this skimmer,look for it. __________________ Showers are for dirty people!!! If you only have one hand will second hand smoking affect you? Current Tank Info: I dont have a tank,I just like to be on this website

07/31/2006, 07:02 PM	#3
TOURKID Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vegas baby, Vegas Posts: 4,371	i have the skimmer and love it. Only wish i wasent to scared to do the overflow mod. i hate emptying it every day __________________ RISK more than others think is safe CARE more than others think is wise DREAM more than others think is practical EXPECT more than others think is possible Current Tank Info: nada

08/01/2006, 05:01 AM	#4
The Saltwater Kid Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Barre, VT Posts: 2,586	I wouldn't mind emptying it everyday...as long as it doesn't leak!!! __________________ Oceanic Biocube 14g Nano Tank w/middle chamber refugium mod 2 Ecoxotic Power Pro LED Modules (1 - 12K/Royal Blue combo, 1 - Royal Blue) MaxiJet 900 return, VorTech MP10 circulation Livestock: Higher End Z's & P's, few mushrooms, Aussie Duncan, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

08/01/2006, 10:15 AM	#8
The Saltwater Kid Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Barre, VT Posts: 2,586	I need to hear from people who are using it as a HOB skimmer as that is what i would be using it as. __________________ Oceanic Biocube 14g Nano Tank w/middle chamber refugium mod 2 Ecoxotic Power Pro LED Modules (1 - 12K/Royal Blue combo, 1 - Royal Blue) MaxiJet 900 return, VorTech MP10 circulation Livestock: Higher End Z's & P's, few mushrooms, Aussie Duncan, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

08/01/2006, 05:20 AM	#5
1package Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WV Posts: 975	I am curious as to whether these guys are hanging the SS on the tank or sitting it in the sump. Mine sits in the sump and I would just about prefer the SeaClone. The Coral life, at least mine, needs adjusted all of the time. It works well initially but even the most slight water level change craps it out. It is not unusual for me to check it in the morning and see that it has overflowed or is completely dry. In my opinion it is way to sensative and requires way too much adjustment - perhaps I got a lemon and the rest work very well. Just another opinion. I will sell you mine, it is about 3 months old.

08/01/2006, 07:27 AM	#6
gfk Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Benicia, CA Posts: 1,601	i am using mine in the sump, my coralife is only a week or so old and i think im happy so far

08/01/2006, 07:56 AM	#7
dbgator1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vero Beach Fl. Posts: 25	I love mine and yea i do have to empty it almost every day but isn't that what they are there for, to take out junk. Mine has taken out some funky smelling stuff i have been surprised with what it has done. Have been very happy with it. Mine does sit in the sump.

08/01/2006, 11:02 AM	#9
1package Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WV Posts: 975	The LFS I got mine from uses them "HOB", they told me that they were sensative but very good. I am surprised that others (in sump) are not having issues with adjustment. Maybe I need to take a closer look at it.

08/01/2006, 11:54 AM	#10
evil_monkey Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: tulsa,OK Posts: 223	I use mine HOB, very sensative, but pulls the funky stuff though. check it everyday, mine has overflowed a few times in a few hours. __________________ OMAS member 46gl sps 175watt 14,000k MH 2-39watt T5ho 10gl 2x 40watt 3gl refugium Current Tank Info: nano reef, 75 gallon african cichlid, 46gallon sps

08/01/2006, 12:32 PM	#11
newreefbishop Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,787	I also have one, I hang it on the back of my sunp as the way i sectioned it off it couldnt fit. In any case...it overflowed once during first week and hasnt dont that since....just follow instuctions to a T and when you feed phytoplankton or zooplankton turn it off for about an hour.....I have mine running dry so the stuff it pulls out of the water is pretty much dark brown or black, and i only empty it every 2-3 days had to tweak it to figure out how to make it skim as dry as possible so i can take those long weekends without much head ache and fear. Basically its a great skimmer, I had a seaclone got rid of it the first week I had it. Loved Coralife since I had it. __________________ Its not just a hobby, it's a lifestyle!!!! The 65 is gone the 110 is in, click the red house for the 110. *Updated Current Tank Info: 110 gal R/R AGA with 40 gallon DIY fuge/sump, 2 AI Sol Blue LED modules, RKL system, Vortech Powerheads, Softies, LPS and SPS. Fox Face, Coral Beauty, Goby, a mated pair of Midnight Black Photon Clowns, BTA, Sebae and small critters everywhere

08/01/2006, 02:21 PM	#12
The Saltwater Kid Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Barre, VT Posts: 2,586	That's what I'm worried about, I ABSOLUTELY cannot have it overflowing onto the floor. I live in an apartment and the LAST thing i would want to see when I get home from work is a huge puddle all around my tank and having it seep through into the office space below my apartment!!! I don't mind emptying the collection cup everyday but I need a skimmer that I can depend on not to leak or overflow, that works good and won't break the bank (under $100 would be ideal)!!! __________________ Oceanic Biocube 14g Nano Tank w/middle chamber refugium mod 2 Ecoxotic Power Pro LED Modules (1 - 12K/Royal Blue combo, 1 - Royal Blue) MaxiJet 900 return, VorTech MP10 circulation Livestock: Higher End Z's & P's, few mushrooms, Aussie Duncan, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

08/01/2006, 02:30 PM	#13
The Saltwater Kid Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Barre, VT Posts: 2,586	bump __________________ Oceanic Biocube 14g Nano Tank w/middle chamber refugium mod 2 Ecoxotic Power Pro LED Modules (1 - 12K/Royal Blue combo, 1 - Royal Blue) MaxiJet 900 return, VorTech MP10 circulation Livestock: Higher End Z's & P's, few mushrooms, Aussie Duncan, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

08/01/2006, 03:31 PM	#14
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I just got a 65 today and set it up, it was used befor hand. I've skimmed thu the 10 gazillion page thread about these things and what exactly was causing the overflow problems? Was it the lil breather on the water exit pipe?

08/01/2006, 03:37 PM	#15
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Heres some skimmate pictures from when I used a CSS65. Well worth the $80.

08/01/2006, 03:43 PM	#16
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	did you ever have that overflow issue?

08/01/2006, 03:48 PM	#17
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Put the ball valve on the pump and slow it down some. Worked for me.

08/01/2006, 04:09 PM	#18
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	mine is setup as HOB, will a ball valve on the exit pipe do the same?

08/01/2006, 04:16 PM	#19
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	That will just lower and raise the water level in the skimmer. The pump is too strong for the skimmer in the first place. The plastic ball valve should have come with the skimmer. Put it right on the pump outlet.

08/01/2006, 04:34 PM	#20
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I bought it used, and unfortunately this lil valve deal was not there. I mean, as of now the water level is here, does it seem to be ok? The crud in the catcher was from previous when water hight in skimmer tube was higher. As of now where it is at, I havnt noticed any bubbles going up the tube, just what you see in the pic.

08/01/2006, 04:39 PM	#21
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Thats fine. Good level to dry skim. If you want then raise it up a little bit more and that will more of a wet skin like in the first two pictures I posted.

08/01/2006, 04:45 PM	#22
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	I guess I'm just trying to understand hwat makes it overflow, guess it just not being maintenced enough?

08/01/2006, 04:52 PM	#23
crypticghost Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 90	mine is my sump for about 3 months now...I never have to adjust anything, I empty every coupld of days...Everyone told me it was not good...but it pulls out some really good black stuff.

08/01/2006, 05:02 PM	#24
glxtrix Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 882	what do they tell you is not good? I'm jsut trying to understand what is going wrong, I mean a company wouldnt keep something on the shelf if it contiunes to fail. So somewhere something is happening wether it be neglect or error on the parts, but that has to have been worked out? or at least a fix to the issue.

08/01/2006, 05:02 PM	#25
seattlerob Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 464	I have a CSS65 and really like it. I use it HOB in my sump. I believe those that have it placed in the sump & have problems getting it adjusted correctly are due to the water level in relation to the pump intake & pump outlet. When HOB, intake & outlet are at the perfect level. If used in sump, I think it's likely you might want to build a little stand to raise the CSS so that the intake & outlet are at good levels. Not saying it's a must, but could go a long way to help solving problems when used in sump. As far as what makes it overflow, I've found when doing water changes if I leave the skimmer on, it will 'freak out' and start overflowing. Haven't experienced this when feeding, but that's because I turn off my return pump thus stopping flow into my sump. In summary, I would say any rapid change to the water will likely make the CSS freak a bit. Knowing that, I just turn off the CSS during these times. Also, when tweaking the adjustment knob, I've found it a good idea to check up on the CSS an hour or so later to see what it's doing. HTH, Rob