Real world review of Aqumax skimmers

12gallonsofhex

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Hey all. I have done some research and read a lot of reviews on the Aquamax ws1 and hob skimmers and am leaning toward buying one. Can I get some feedback from real world R2R reefers on this product? How it skims, maintenance, ease of cleaning, etc. Thank you for any insight.
 

lilgrounchuck

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I have a 50 mixed reef and almost bought that but went with the macro aqua m50 instead. It works GREAT! I’ve been using for about 8 months now and it pulls out all kinds of funk, has a very small footprint, and was way cheaper than the options available. I bought it on amazon for like $60
 
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12gallonsofhex

12gallonsofhex

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If you’re running a sump though why not go with an in sump model of skimmer?
Does the aqua m have a needle wheel pump?
I have a cpr backpac on the sump that sits to the side and out of the way of the refugium area. I am debating between the in sump and hob. I like having the extra footprint in the fuge because I plan to change the light to a small reef light to keep my frag rack down there.
 

lilgrounchuck

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If you’re running a sump though why not go with an in sump model of skimmer?
How is the sump configured (no. Of baffles, water level, chamber length/width)? Those will be determining factors as to what you can even fit, then work through models in that size range.
 

SteveEreef

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I’ve been using a Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 for about two years now. It has worked well and never gave me a problem. I would recommend it
 
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12gallonsofhex

12gallonsofhex

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Its just a filter sock holder into the fuge area, water hieght about half an inch below the black rim so that my current hob skimmer works. A bubble trap into the return chamber. Very simple. Both of those models will fit, just looking for reviews on them
 

lilgrounchuck

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Does the aqua m have a needle wheel pump?
I have a cpr backpac on the sump that sits to the side and out of the way of the refugium area. I am debating between the in sump and hob. I like having the extra footprint in the fuge because I plan to change the light to a small reef light to keep my frag rack down there.
Yeah it’s a needle wheel pump. If you want to maximize room in the sump the hang on option is definitely going to provide the most space in there. Sorry I just have blues on in the cycle now, but it only takes up about 4”.
image.jpg
 
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12gallonsofhex

12gallonsofhex

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Yeah it’s a needle wheel pump. If you want to maximize room in the sump the hang on option is definitely going to provide the most space in there. Sorry I just have blues on in the cycle now, but it only takes up about 4”.
image.jpg
Thank you for the measurement! I am going to have to put that on the short list of skimmer options
 

neoender25

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Thank you!
I am ocd when it comes to cleaning equipment. Does it come apart enough to really deep clean?

I have the WS1 on my 29 gallon with 10 gallon sump. I did a deep clean after 3 months and cleaned out some salt buildup in the air intake line when I noticed performance was decreasing. Everything breaks down to individual parts very easily. There is just one screw that holds the needle wheel right on top of the pump, and that whole part can be pulled out of the body then disassembled .
 

Hypan

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HOB 1.5 is my go to hang on these days. Quality construction,Great pump, easy to clean.

Ran one on my 20 and 30 nanos for a couple years, no issues.
 
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12gallonsofhex

12gallonsofhex

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I have the WS1 on my 29 gallon with 10 gallon sump. I did a deep clean after 3 months and cleaned out some salt buildup in the air intake line when I noticed performance was decreasing. Everything breaks down to individual parts very easily. There is just one screw that holds the needle wheel right on top of the pump, and that whole part can be pulled out of the body then disassembled .
Awesome. Thank you for the info. I am thinking the ws1 might be the one
 

Perry

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I owned 2 of the WS1. They are fantastic skimmers, should skim right out of the box. I recently purchased the Aquamaxx-cones-co-1-in-sump-protein-skimmer and it too is skimming well.
Cheers
 
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12gallonsofhex

12gallonsofhex

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I owned 2 of the WS1. They are fantastic skimmers, should skim right out of the box. I recently purchased the Aquamaxx-cones-co-1-in-sump-protein-skimmer and it too is skimming well.
Cheers
Great! Thank you for your feedback. Most of the online reviews are very good. I just am not so sure about online reviews once I learned that a lot of companies filter the poor ones out. Seems that people who own them like them.
 

Ef4life

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I have an old aquamaxx I’ve been running probably 6 years, it’s a hob and it works fine. I actually have it sitting in my sump vs being hung on the back. It’s always worked decent so I never bothered to upgrade. Easy enough to disassemble for cleaning, I clean it about every 3-6 months. I use a kitchen sponge to wipe down the “neck” area every few days when I clean the cup. It’s nice and quiet too.

I’ve been looking at the fc-80 lately thinking about an upgrade.
 

Perry

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Great! Thank you for your feedback. Most of the online reviews are very good. I just am not so sure about online reviews once I learned that a lot of companies filter the poor ones out. Seems that people who own them like them.

If you want more info, keep in mind that JNS skimmers ws1 is also identical, I believe the Japanese version. Same model and manufacturer. Maybe more google reviews or info under JNS WS-1, just a thought. Uses sicce pump, one of the best needle wheel skimmer pumps made, in the affordable range :)
 

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