Skimmer Identification

[Caswal]

Anyone know what skimmer this is? And what pump would suit it? Looks like it might be a bit overkill for a 35G DT + Sump?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/pets-animals/fish/fish/marine-fish/auction-1591455124.htm

 

[MikeA]

No idea what the skimmer is but check out a Jebao DCA1500 or DSC2000 Needle Wheel DC pump as a replacement if you're keen to take a punt.

Probably would be overkill for a 35G.

 

[Caswal]

No idea what the skimmer is but check out a Jebao DCA1500 or DSC2000 Needle Wheel DC pump as a replacement if you're keen to take a punt.

Probably would be overkill for a 35G.

Thanks MikeA. Looking at it, it probably would not fit in my sump compartment, with an external pump on it. I am debating between getting a Bubble Magus C3.5 or a Coral Box D300, or maybe even a BM-QQ, the tank is not going to be heavily stocked . Availability of stuff in NZ is a little limited.

With the price of that Skimmer and a new pump puts it into similar pricing to those skimmers. Which will be a better fit anyway.

 

[MikeA]

You may be able to fit the pump internally but difficult to tell without seeing the skimmer.

I've been working through sump space issues too and finding a skimmer to fit was impossible due to low headroom in the cabinet and only 100mm gap between the top of the sump and the cabinet. I redesigned the sump to suit a Coral Box D300 Plus. Skimmer shipped yesterday and new sump got started today.

 

[Caswal]

You may be able to fit the pump internally but difficult to tell without seeing the skimmer.

I've been working through sump space issues too and finding a skimmer to fit was impossible due to low headroom in the cabinet and only 100mm gap between the top of the sump and the cabinet. I redesigned the sump to suit a Coral Box D300 Plus. Skimmer shipped yesterday and new sump got started today.

Let me know how the D300 works out for you. I am now very tempted by the BM-QQ to give myself the most room in the sump. If it is too cramped it is going to be hard to work in.

The seller of that skimmer replied, with a base size of around 21cm, I only have about 15cm/6" baffle to baffle.

Where abouts in NZ are you?

 

[Caswal]

On your build thread. I see you also felt the Kaikoura earthquake, and got some equipment damage. Thankfully my tanks all freshwater at the time survived unscathed.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Yeah looks way too big for a 35g. Keep shopping. I would do a Reef Octopus 110 or 110SSS. On that small of a tank a skimmer is not really needed. Water changes is all that is needed. If you have a sump adding a skimmer will only help water qaulity.

 

[MikeA]

Let me know how the D300 works out for you. I am now very tempted by the BM-QQ to give myself the most room in the sump. If it is too cramped it is going to be hard to work in.

Where abouts in NZ are you?

Will do. I tried a RDC 250 but the water level in the sump was too high and the skimmer was ineffective because of that. I thought the Red Devil was quite well made.

Just up the road from you. Hutt Valley.

On your build thread. I see you also felt the Kaikoura earthquake, and got some equipment damage. Thankfully my tanks all freshwater at the time survived unscathed.

Had a bit of an in tank tsunami that slopped water all over the place and took out a pump controller. Small issue in the whole scheme of things.

 

[Caswal]

Just up the road from you. Hutt Valley.

Well, I am actually in Wainui, and have an office in Petone. Glad to know someone new locally.

 

[Lasse]

It looks like an older version of the skimmer that´s now is the Coral Box series. I run a Coral Box 500 + in a 80 gallon system and are very satisfied with this skimmer. Its a little bit sensitive for "dirt" in the intake and at the needle wheel - you will hear if you have problems with that. If its happen - just clean it. The + serie has level watch in the skimmer cup and shot down the skimmer if its to much skimmate. I run my skimmer very dry because I want to have as good gas exchange as possible. Its easy to adjust the level in the skimmer (with the outlet valve) and run the pump with max speed, hence a lot of air into the skimmer.

The 300 + should probably be a good chose for you

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Retro Reefer]

It looks like an older version of the skimmer that´s now is the Coral Box series. I run a Coral Box 500 + in a 80 gallon system and are very satisfied with this skimmer. Its a little bit sensitive for "dirt" in the intake and at the needle wheel - you will hear if you have problems with that. If its happen - just clean it. The + serie has level watch in the skimmer cup and shot down the skimmer if its to much skimmate. I run my skimmer very dry because I want to have as good gas exchange as possible. Its easy to adjust the level in the skimmer (with the outlet valve) and run the pump with max speed, hence a lot of air into the skimmer.

The 300 + should probably be a good chose for you

Sincerely Lasse

@Lasse, my 300 + did not come with directions for controller can you please confirm my assumptions for connecting power and float switch.. thank you

 

[Lasse]

Your total right and above the overflow float switch you have a small inlet for 1-10 V signal that fit some 1-10 V cable (not documented at all)

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Retro Reefer]

Thank you so much! @Lasse

 

[MikeA]

Let me know how the D300 works out for you. I am now very tempted by the BM-QQ to give myself the most room in the sump. If it is too cramped it is going to be hard to work in.

@Caswal the D300+ is great.