Beckett Skimmers

[FirstContact]

Anybody out there still using Beckett skimmers? Why would you use a Beckett instead of a needle wheel skimmer? Anyone try pairing the new Sicce SDC 9.0 pump with a Beckett skimmer?

 

[mcarroll]

I always preferred AquaC's or ETSS's since the becket skimmers were a pain to clean. Too many thumbscrews and too many parts that clog up too quickly.

I take it you have one you're trying to repurpose? If you can't sell it, that's a good idea. Otherwise I'd sell it for one of the above skimmers. AquaC's come up used every so often. ETSS's seem to be rare.

 

[FirstContact]

I was thinking about trying to find a Precision Marine Bullet skimmer for a 100g QT tank. It's external and the QT tank is sumpless.

 

[mcarroll]

I was thinking about trying to find a Precision Marine Bullet skimmer for a 100g QT tank. It's external and the QT tank is sumpless.

Seems like you'd want an in-tank skimmer for that, a la:

Comline® DOC Skimmer 9012
Recommended, depending on tank load, from 200 to 1,200 liters (53 to 317 USgal.) of sea water. Imme... mehr

9012.000

300.76 USD

Comline® DOC Skimmer 9012 DC
Recommended, depending on tank load, from 200 to 1,400 liters (53 to 370 USgal.) of sea water. Imme... mehr

9012.001

373.55 USD

That said, here's what PM's website says:

QUICK VIEW
BULLET SERIES

The Bullet™ Series is Coming Back!

So maybe call em?

 

[Shooter6]

O ran a Beckett back in 97-2001. Loved everything about it but the noise. I am running a reef octopus for now but am considering a few dc powered skimmers to replace it with

 

[ca1ore]

I ran the MTC HSA1000 for many years; probably still would had I not cleverly crushed it. I now run the MTC PowerPro which uses mazzei injectors.

Strictly speaking, the needle wheel isn’t the injector - they all use venturi as well. I’ve often wondered whether putting a needle wheel impeller on my skimmer would enhance performance?

 

[Shooter6]

Mine was a diy build from internet blueprints.

 

[14 foot reef]

I run the Precision Marine XL4 - 6 Foot Tall and love it, if your prefilter, almost no cleaning. Dual Beckette rated t 1500 gallons, I have 850 gallons

 

[Shooter6]

I run the Precision Marine XL4 - 6 Foot Tall and love it, if your prefilter, almost no cleaning. Dual Beckette rated t 1500 gallons, I have 850 gallons

My next display will need something like this. Plans are to run as much of the electric off solar, and use solar tubes augmented with leds.

 

[MIKE NY]

I ran a dual Beckett MRC for many years. It was a great skimmer, but constantly needed adjusting and the pressure rated pumps were just electric eaters. IMO the newer skimmers are more energy efficient with a lot less adjusting. I’m currently running a Vertex and it works just as well.

 

[joseserrano]

Most ppl don’t run them because you have to run a big pump, which everyone is going towards power savings now. It does bring up orp and possibly ph. Do not run a needle wheel pump on a becket, needle wheel is for no big head pressure, Becket is all pressure.

 

[Heart of Dixie]

I have run a Beckett skimmer since 2004. It is a MRC-1 powered by an old Gen X 40 pressure pump throttled back to about 700 gph. I have to clean the skimmer twice a week and the Beckett head twice a month. The pump is loud however it is in the basement with the sump. I run the skimmer external to the sump and it discharges 1" above the sumps water level therefore it very rarely needs adjusting,

 

[ca1ore]

Do not run a needle wheel pump on a becket, needle wheel is for no big head pressure, Becket is all pressure.

I was musing about converting the impeller on my pressure pump to a needle wheel; however, I agree that proabbly would ******** up the pump.

 

[mcarroll]

See: MRC Orca

You're obviating the Beckett at that point though.

 

[Joe Grubbs]

I ran a Bullett 3 for many years, upgraded to the improved Becket ventures as improvements came long. Worked well. When I changed it out for a re-circ skimmer (improved the ozone utilization) the reefer I passed the Bullett 3 to, has set it up with a new pump and is enjoying the benefits of a very good skimmer at a great price.

 

[Greybeard]

I had a PM Bullet2. Skimmed great, but there are downsides. Cost: Even then, it cost as much WITHOUT a pump as other skimmers of the day cost WITH one. Noise: Yeah, it sounded like a jet engine warming up. The Iwaki pump I was using was power hungry, and the whole skimmer system took up a tremendous amount of space.

Today? I don't know why anyone would want one, on anything like a 'normal' aquarium. I'm running a Vertex. Yeah, they're pricey, but it skims every bit as well as my old Bullet, requires way less space, less power, and its nearly silent.

 

[reeftivo]

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