The Reeflo Orca 200 skimmer

[JRaquatics]

Christmas came early for me this year thanks to Mike at Reef Specialty. Mike promised me I would get My Reeflo 200 skimmer by Christmas and yet again he does not disappoint. Thanks Mike. My first cup of skimmate is for you!

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/reefloBoxes.jpg

[JRaquatics]

Decent packaging
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/openbox.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/openbox2.jpg

All the parts....
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/alltheparts.jpg

And all put together.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/skimmerdry.jpg

Close up of the new stuff added to the Reeflo line, WE HAVE A DRAIN!!!!
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/skimmerdry_closeup.jpg

[dgill]

Very nice... one question: is the outlet pipe supposed to be cut back? In photo 4 it looks very high relative to the cup?

[JRaquatics]

Yes, I just got off the phone with Mike @ Reef Specialty to find out how low to cut the pipe down. I will be removing around 8 inches. Pics to come....

[BreadmanMike]

You're not supposed to take the day off of work just because you got a new skimmer.... :p

Looks good, but I think they should have left the screws on the neck. I'm glad mine has them.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11411137#post11411137 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
You're not supposed to take the day off of work just because you got a new skimmer.... :p

Looks good, but I think they should have left the screws on the neck. I'm glad mine has them.

Says who. I waited too long to get this skimmer...It's time to play! I like the Oring type neck, easier to get on and off.

[bhdmc]

Looks great! Like to hear your comments once you have it installed and running.

[JRaquatics]

Reeflo 200 specs

footprint: 16"X16"
total Height: 27 3/8"
neck: 5"
cup size: 8"X6"
body diameter: 7"
Drain output: 1 1/2"

[kdblove_99]

Looks great. I didnt know they started making the twist necks, That will be much nicer. i do not like the screw necks

[JRaquatics]

Refflo getting a mild vinegar bath to remove some of the production oils.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/vinegarrince.jpg

[radone]

Not even a day old and you modded the drain cup allready?
Be subscribing to see the reveiw :D

[radone]

After looking at the pics again
What are the little nylon bolts being used for?

[dphins]

JRaquatics, is that going on your 90 or something bigger?

[Jim_S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11411137#post11411137 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
Looks good, but I think they should have left the screws on the neck. I'm glad mine has them.

Really?? Can I ask why? I would hate to unfasten every screw to remove the cup! My only complaint about the these skimmers were those screws. Personally, I'm glad to see them gone!

[setec69]

Quiet? Im looking to get a new high end skimmer and this is one of the ones on my list.

[JRaquatics]

The nylon screw are used to secure the fittings. This will be going on my new 180gal with a 75 gal sump/fuge. Its more quiet than a mag 12 but not silent. I am sure once its next to the tank it will hardly whisper. It is built solid and is very compact for it's size. The cup is different than the Reeflo 250, it has a thick heavy lid without holes so you must use a collection device.

[Jim_S]

Looks great! Congrats... I know there has been a time or two when I took the day off for a skimmer upgrade ;)

Time well spent :D

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11412840#post11412840 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimdogg187
Really?? Can I ask why? I would hate to unfasten every screw to remove the cup! My only complaint about the these skimmers were those screws. Personally, I'm glad to see them gone!

Over time the twist necks become impossible to get off IME. Somtimes I thought I was going to break the collection cup on my old H&S and I used to have to stand on the flat plastic bottom on my Deltec 851 so it wouldn't move to get the cup off. My Reeflo 250 has six screws and it takes 10 seconds to loosen them and another ten seconds to tighten them.

[Jim_S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11413173#post11413173 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
Over time the twist necks become impossible to get off IME. Somtimes I thought I was going to break the collection cup on my old H&S and I used to have to stand on the flat plastic bottom on my Deltec 851 so it wouldn't move to get the cup off. My Reeflo 250 has six screws and it takes 10 seconds to loosen them and another ten seconds to tighten them.

Bummer!

I never had any problems with my H&S or my ER bayonet. I just used a little silicone lube when I first hooked it up.

Thats cool though. Everyone has different experiences in this hobby :)

Cheers Mike!

Jim

[BreadmanMike]

BTW Jim...

This would be a good skimmer for that BB Elos 120 REEF you should start. :lol:

[Jim_S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11413740#post11413740 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
BTW Jim...

This would be a good skimmer for that BB Elos 120 REEF you should start. :lol:

I'd rather get the 250 and start an Elos 200XL :D

We can dream right?

[BreadmanMike]

Is that the same tank Fliger has? I like the elos tanks.

The 250 is a great skimmer Jim. It's the first skimmer I've owned that I didn't feel another skimmer would do a better job for my setup.

BTW Jeremy... How about a shot of it in the cabinet you made for it? :)

[Jim_S]

No, Fliger has the 160XL :lol: That guy must be livin the dream!!!! It seems like he has all the cool toys and a seemingly endless supply of cool things on their way to his house :eek2:

The 200XL is a bit larger, IIRC but both are outta the question at this point anyways :(

Yeah Jeremy!! Where's the new pics of that baby in action!!!!

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11415226#post11415226 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jimdogg187
It seems like he has all the cool toys and a seemingly endless supply of cool things on their way to his house :eek2:



Fliger must have won the lotto.... about six times. :lol: I think his tank setup cost more then my house.

[radone]

After seeing oics of both the 250 and 200, I've gotta ask a really stupid ? How do you get into the black box part to clean it? The one landy built has an o-ring flange to take the reaction chamber off, does this do the same.
If the footprint is 16X16 does that include the pump?
If the cup is 8X6, why does the body look the same OD as the cup?
Sorry for all the questions, but trying to make sure this is going to work for my space.

[JRaquatics]

There is not a way to access the inside of the black base in the 200 & 250. The footprint does include the pump. The cup is made out of 8" acrylic and the body is made out of 7" acrylic. The cup is larger but only an inch.

Sorry guys, I won't be putting the skimmer on line till tomorrow night.

[radone]

wouldn't you want to be able to get into it?

Thanks for answering the questions
WooHoo it'll fit my space then

Oh yeah, how tall is the drain line?

[JRaquatics]

It really does not bother me that I can't access the base because I can always take a hose to it and flush out anything that is in there. I have the drain line 14" from the bottom of the pipe and 15" center.

[mcliffy2]

What size tank are you using this on? I'm considering the Reeflos for a 225 display and am wondering if the 200 or 250 should be on my list...

[JRaquatics]

By the size of the thing my first assumption is that it can handle up to 500gals but I won't know for sure until it breaks in. For the cost the 250 is not much more but the 200 has some nice new features that to me seems well worth it.

[BreadmanMike]

Quit procrastinating and hook it up....
And show lots of pics of the tank too. ;) Hopefully I'll be able to swing over there in two weeks. I'm bringing my frag shears too. :lol:

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11410926#post11410926 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics


And all put together.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/skimmerdry.jpg


What a beast, looks well made too,very nice. Shows us pics when it is up and running. Please compare the noise to your other pumps, and let me know. Thanks,

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11416912#post11416912 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
By the size of the thing my first assumption is that it can handle up to 500gals but I won't know for sure until it breaks in. For the cost the 250 is not much more but the 200 has some nice new features that to me seems well worth it.

The price difference of $400, doesnt seem small to me, if I am well under the size it can handle, and it has a few additional features, the 200 seems like a no brainer to me.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11419169#post11419169 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
The price difference of $400, doesnt seem small to me, if I am well under the size it can handle, and it has a few additional features, the 200 seems like a no brainer to me.

I agree $400 is alot but compared in size the 250 is a monster and also performs in that manner. Don't get me wrong the 200 is a beast in its own right. If this skimmer performs anything like the 250 it will devour the skimmer market. I will be putting it on line tonight.:rollface:

[BreadmanMike]

$400 is a drop in the bucket in this hobby. :)

[dphins]

For who?:)

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11420487#post11420487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dphins
For who?:)


For a guy that can afford to live in the west loop. :lol:

all in fun mcliffy2.... ;)

[Jeff]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11412667#post11412667 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
Refflo getting a mild vinegar bath to remove some of the production oils.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/vinegarrince.jpg

Real men use soap to clean their skimmers ;)
I am so stupid :(

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b44/17831/DSCN0403.jpg

[BreadmanMike]

LMAO... Is that for real Jeff?

[JRaquatics]

Engine 7 I truely love that shot. Infact I think of it whenever I even think of using soap to rinse out the skimmer.

[Jim_S]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

That is too funny!!!

[robs fish]

Now thats a head of foam!!!

[Jeff]

Thats about 4 drops of dishsoap in an ATI Bubble Master 200. Bad idea. Thank God I didnt walk away.

[chrissreef]

2 pages and the only foam I saw was from a kitchen sink!

get it on your system! I want to see it in action since mine has to sit in a box for another month until my tank arrives. grrr.

[jdogg2432]

Chrissreef-

I've got to wait another month for my tank to arrive also. Let's see some foam man!! You're killin me!!

[JRaquatics]

Well I have all the plumbing set up and glued.

Here is a shot of the skimmer stand without the doors on.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/entirestand.jpg

Closeup of the unit in the stand.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/standcloseup.jpg

The plumbing behind the skimmer stand.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/plumbing.jpg

The return into the sump. You can also see my aquaC120 on the tank for the time being.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/draintosump.jpg

So any guesses on how many gallons of water this thing holds?

[nyvp]

what's the difference in size, looks and price between these and the new SPAZZ VOLCANO mini's?

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11422875#post11422875 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nyvp
what's the difference in size, looks and price between these and the new SPAZZ VOLCANO mini's?

Not too sure cause I have never seen one. Can you PM me with the specs of the Volcano mini? The intro price is $849.99 for the Reeflo 200 at most of the retailers that sell them. I know you can get it cheaper at Reef Specialty right now with the grand opening special.

[JRaquatics]

Just added water...All I can say is HOLY SH**. This thing is AWSOME!!!!!

[chrissreef]

100% agree... reef-specialty is bar none the best service I've ever received.

pics pics pics! I want to see...

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7881/australianfoambeachyp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11420521#post11420521 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
For a guy that can afford to live in the west loop. :lol:

all in fun mcliffy2.... ;)

I'm laughing...my girlfriend is not :) I think she is figuring out how many pairs of shoes you can buy with $400.

[JRaquatics]

Skimmer Breaking in
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/breakingin.jpg

[bonez]

JR What feed pump did you use? My reeflo200 is on the truck. I want it bad. Also what % vinger did you use to wash the skimmer? Looks great.

[JRaquatics]

I am feeding my skimmer right off of my main pump "Sequence Dart". You can see it in this pic.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/plumbing.jpg

I used a 1/4 cup of vinegar. Should have at least used a half cup. There are alot of production oils in mine still. I can see some of the remaining oils collecting at the top of the skimmer.

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11423464#post11423464 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
I'm laughing...my girlfriend is not :) I think she is figuring out how many pairs of shoes you can buy with $400.

Hey you can't sell used shoes for 2/3 the original price. A skimmer will get you some money back after your done with it. :lol:

[JRaquatics]

The Reeflo 200 holds about 5gals of water.:eek1:
I can't wait to get home to see if a head of foam had been created yet.

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11427706#post11427706 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
The Reeflo 200 holds about 5gals of water.:eek1:
I can't wait to get home to see if a head of foam had been created yet.

Can we see the tank this is skimming? ;)

[radone]

Yes, yes Full tank shot would be good :D

More eye candy please :cool:

[bhdmc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11423298#post11423298 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrissreef
100% agree... reef-specialty is bar none the best service I've ever received.

pics pics pics! I want to see...

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7881/australianfoambeachyp5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now that is skimmate production.

[JRaquatics]

I decided I would try to help the skimmer break in so I spaced 1/4 cup of skimmate in. Well I blew off the lid. I turned the air down till it was hardly open. This thing has monster power.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/foam_breakin.jpg

[ronharel]

looks good!!!!!
can you take a close up of the bubbels at the neck of the skimmer?

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11437707#post11437707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ronharel
looks good!!!!!
can you take a close up of the bubbels at the neck of the skimmer?

I will once the skimmer breaks in. Right now the bubbles are large and popping causing alot to turbulance.

[ronharel]

JRaquatics

What are the differences between the 250 and 200?
As I understand the pump is the same pump!!! so is it only the size of the skimmer body? or there is something else ?
would see any differance with the bubble size?
Please update once it breaked in

[JRaquatics]

It is the same pump, but it has a different needle wheel. They impared it so that the wheel interms is more like the snapper pump. I need to get a new killawat to se if draws any less energy. The 200 besides the reletive size, has the slip on cup/neck, drain and different style lid/cup than the 250. The bubble size should be the same once broken in. The only difference should be the air pull.

Here is a shot of the 200 NW. Anyone have a shot of the reeflo 250 NW?
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/needlewheelcloseup.jpg

I think they may have drilled holes threw the disk inorder to increase drag to slow down the pump.

[ronharel]

because of the size it should get much more air flow

[Greg 45]

Has anyone purchased the skimmer with the Baldor motor upgrade. If so how much more will it cost to do so .

[JRaquatics]

Skimmer Update. Still breaking in. The bubbles seem to get finer by the day. I figure by the two week mark it will be broken in.

This is my 180gal with 75gal sump. Bioload small.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/FTS_28_07.jpg

FSS (full skimmer shot) as of 5pm today
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/fullskimmer.jpg

This is as close as I can get with my crappy digital.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/closeup.jpg

My collection container with 3 days worth or skimate. = 2qts
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/skimatecollection.jpg

and finaly the cup with a head of foam which was cleaned 3 days ago.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/sludgeincup.jpg

[JRaquatics]

And Mike "Reef Specialty", This cups for you.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/skimate.jpg

[bonez]

JR is the collection jug to the left of the skimmer an auto cutoff for overflow? If so what switch did you use? UPS now has my skimmer on the truck.

[JRaquatics]

I am using a coralvue ATO switch. It was originaly on a PM collection container modded by Mike @ reefspecialty but the collection container wouldn't fit in the skimmer stand. So I took the switch out and modded a water container from Walmart to work.

[Jeff]

Looking really nice :) Thats some dark gunk. How often do you think you will need to clean the neck?

[kidako]

nice skimmer, up to what size tank/size pump to run it

[JRaquatics]

Engine 7: Right now I am cleaning the neck once a week. Most of the crap collects at the top last 2inches of the neck. That is whats nice about having no crown on the top of the cup.

Kidako: I am feeding my skimmer off of my dart return pump and I am estimating about 300GPH are going threw. I won't know for sure until I get a flow meter. Right now I would think this skimmer could handle a full stocked 400gal and a normal stock 5-600 gal tank. I plan on having a SPS dominated 180 with an overstock of fish. So only time will tell.

[andyco]

What's the noise level like?

[JRaquatics]

The pump itself is near silent. But the wheel chopping the air makes some noise. I would say it is a little louder than an average Dart but can't be heard over the reving up and down of my vortechs. In a cabinet or under the stand this thing would be near silent.

[bbehring]

JR, you say you are using your return pump to feed the skimmer, but you had to fit the return dart with a pin wheel impeller? Is the return pump teed off to feed your skimmer and the tank? Also how difficult is the reeflow to dial in? Have you had to re-adjust or tweek once you cleaned the collection cup?

[JRaquatics]

My return Pump is a standard Dart with a Tee and valve to feed the skimmer. You can see the feed from the Dart at the bottom of the photo.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/plumbing.jpg

[ssbreef]

what a BEAST!! I love that skimmer~!

[Lucky-rc]

I think I missed something here how can we find the reef flow skimmers? on line?

[JRaquatics]

I got mine from Reef Specialty and would recommend them, Premium also has them.

[bonez]

JR did you cut the overflow pipe down or use the shorter pipe? Just got mine UPS and it has poor instructions. If you did cut the pipe to what hight do they suggest? Thanks

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11512578#post11512578 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bonez
JR did you cut the overflow pipe down or use the shorter pipe? Just got mine UPS and it has poor instructions. If you did cut the pipe to what hight do they suggest? Thanks

I cut mine down to 7inches. Welcome to the club.

[bonez]

Thanks a million.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11512742#post11512742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bonez
Thanks a million.

No problem, now Lets see some pics.

[JRaquatics]

I think it has finally broken in. Now I will be making adjustments like seeing how much water this thing can handle.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/scum.jpg

Neck measurement
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/5inches.jpg

[bonez]

JR you were a great help for me setting up my reeflo 200 thanks. Some of the simple questions that have long lasting effects. I bought from Premium wish I bought from Mike@RS. I had one very serious fitment problem. The fitting that screw into the pump housing where the air valve is attached was on the bottom when tight. No amount of teflon tape would fix. I call Preminm they said they had no clue and no one else had this problem, can't believe I'm the lucky one. I have a woodworking shop and had to use a 12" flat disk sander on the face of the pump housing to allow the fitting to screw in more so the opening would be up. I know in this hobby you have to learn to fix alot, but with out the right tool to fix this problem you have $850 box of parts and no support. On the brighter side this is one monster skimmer. A few photos of the first start up with salt water. So now with it working on breaking in I have to redo the wiring and some more plumbing to make it look nice.
Photo to follow I have to resize to big.

[USC-fan]

Wow your new skimmer had that big of problem. why didnt you contect ocra? I'm sure that guy would help you out. PA is just the a retailer BTW.

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11522237#post11522237 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bonez
JR you were a great help for me setting up my reeflo 200 thanks. Some of the simple questions that have long lasting effects. I bought from Premium wish I bought from Mike@RS. I had one very serious fitment problem. The fitting that screw into the pump housing where the air valve is attached was on the bottom when tight. No amount of teflon tape would fix. I call Preminm they said they had no clue and no one else had this problem, can't believe I'm the lucky one.

Same problem here too, though not quite as bad. I really put my shoulder into it and got the valve to about a 10 o'clock position.
I got the riser tube cut down and I'm impressed already.

[JRaquatics]

I had to use almost a full roll of teflon tape and multiple tries to get the venturi positioned right. But with a roll of teflon it works great.

I ALSO WANT FUTURE OWNERS OF THE SKIMMER TO CUT THE PIPE BETWEEN THE OUTPUT OF THE SKIMMER AND THE TEE FITTING TO 7 INCHES OR SHORTER.

[minireef30]

Did you build that skimmer cabinet? Looks real good beside the tank, I might have to steal that idea!

[Lucky-rc]

hey guys its me again... I still cant find these skimmers on-line?
R.S. has their site down for renovation. I wanted to find a few sites where I could read up on them and price compare. Any of you have a link?

Lucky

[Lucky-rc]

JRaquatics:

also another question, for future set up.
I think your return pump feeds this skimmer?
If so, where does your skimmer return line dump? In the sump again? If so this would alow a portion of it to be skimmed twice right? If so and seeing your head of foam I assume draining there doesn't matter?
sorry for the question session but the info. is nice to have

Lucky

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11537116#post11537116 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by minireef30
Did you build that skimmer cabinet? Looks real good beside the tank, I might have to steal that idea!

Thanks, I did build it myself. It houses the skimmer perfectly, it beats placing it under the stand IMO.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11537907#post11537907 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lucky-rc
JRaquatics:

also another question, for future set up.
I think your return pump feeds this skimmer?
If so, where does your skimmer return line dump? In the sump again? If so this would alow a portion of it to be skimmed twice right? If so and seeing your head of foam I assume draining there doesn't matter?
sorry for the question session but the info. is nice to have

Lucky

I do have my skimmer emptying into my sump and is supplied through my return pump. Truthfully it is no different than a skimmer dumping its output next to the skimmer like Euroreef, BM, octos and others skimmers. Plus I have such a high turnover rate through my sump using the dart for my return that the water become diluted anyways.

[Lucky-rc]

Ok, thanks.
I racked my brain on this...lol
I could not think of any harm in dumping back in the sump. But with this much of a skimmer I wanted to make sure.
Lucky

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11540741#post11540741 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lucky-rc
Ok, thanks.
I racked my brain on this...lol
I could not think of any harm in dumping back in the sump. But with this much of a skimmer I wanted to make sure.
Lucky

Wouldn't even worry about it. You will be amazed with what this skimmer pulls out. I have a very small bioload and still pull out nasty sludge. I can't wait till I get more fish in.

[roktsintst]

OK! I just got my 200 today (as well as an ACIII, geo kalk reactor, and wavy sea) and i have a few questions. First, it seams to me that the collection cup does not attach besides sitting on the skimmer body. will it fall over and is there a way to get it to attach better??? also could i cut hte extension tube down to like 6" and put a true union ball valve on the t to adjust water level??? and those who use ozone...where are you adding it from?
Thanks a lot!

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11544822#post11544822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roktsintst
OK! I just got my 200 today (as well as an ACIII, geo kalk reactor, and wavy sea) and i have a few questions. First, it seams to me that the collection cup does not attach besides sitting on the skimmer body. will it fall over and is there a way to get it to attach better??? also could i cut hte extension tube down to like 6" and put a true union ball valve on the t to adjust water level??? and those who use ozone...where are you adding it from?
Thanks a lot!

The collection cup fits snuggly into the body by O-ring. You can place a ball valve onto the the output if desired. Mike at Reef Specialty drilled a hole in the silencer on his personal Reeflo 250 and place the output of the ozone into it.

[bbehring]

so your retun pump feeding the tank and skimmer does not have the NW? I thought the ORCAs required the dart nw?

[JRaquatics]

My return pump is a regular dart pump that feeds the skimmer. The skimmer itself has a Modified NW dart pump. So in all I am running 2 dart pumps, one NW and one standard impeller.

[roktsintst]

how did you get hte o ring into the grove??? (other than just pushing it is not working for me!

[JRaquatics]

The O-ring was already installed on mine. Try to use some silicone o-ring lube. I use it on my cup anyways that should help slip it over. I am suprised that your O-ring was not installed.

[bonez]

I have skimate from my reflo 200 today. Two photos one of the old ets 600 skimmer next to the new reeflo 200 the other is the rough install.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/155693installed.JPG http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/155693skimmers.JPG

[JRaquatics]

Bonez, I know you will be happy with the Reeflo200 if you were running the ETS before. You are in for a treat.

[bonez]

Yep the body of the reeflo holds 5 times the amount of water than the ETS. Very long contact time compared to downdraft. JR you are very brave to build a cabinet before you had the skimmer. I just knew where and how I would install mine because we had like 3 months to wait. As it turned out i had to put it on the opposite side and turned different way. I had to get it working now new plumbing and electrical this weekend never stops but keeps me out of trouble.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11552199#post11552199 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bonez
Yep the body of the reeflo holds 5 times the amount of water than the ETS. Very long contact time compared to downdraft. JR you are very brave to build a cabinet before you had the skimmer. I just knew where and how I would install mine because we had like 3 months to wait. As it turned out i had to put it on the opposite side and turned different way. I had to get it working now new plumbing and electrical this weekend never stops but keeps me out of trouble.

Not really brave. I knew exactly what I was getting "size Dimentions etc." thanks to Mike @ Reef Specialty. So the Stand was built perfectly for the Reeflo 200. I also got lucky that everything worked out.:cool:

[frazier]

so what the biggest tank someone has a reeflo 200 on, and is doing a good job. don't know which one to get 250 or 200.. I see alot of ppl putting the 200 on smaller tanks (90 to 125 is that all it can handle)?

[JRaquatics]

I would not recommend this skimmer (Reeflo 200) should not be on anything smaller than a fully stocked 100gal. At this point I still believe it can keep up with a fully stocked 400gal. I have a total of around 225gal in my system. I think if you are pushing anything more than 300 gallons, go with the 250.

[mcliffy2]

JRaquatics - I just ordered a 238g display (60x36x26), and will have a 100g rubbermaid sump/fuge, and eventually will add a 20-40g frag tank to this system. Im thinking of just going with the 250, but if I can feed heavy and stock heavy with the 200, Ill save the $500. Thoughts?

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11557210#post11557210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
JRaquatics - I just ordered a 238g display (60x36x26), and will have a 100g rubbermaid sump/fuge, and eventually will add a 20-40g frag tank to this system. Im thinking of just going with the 250, but if I can feed heavy and stock heavy with the 200, Ill save the $500. Thoughts?

Go with the 250.


Jeremy,
David at Coralvue should reimburse your money for the tech support. ;)

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11557251#post11557251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
Go with the 250.


Jeremy,
David at Coralvue should reimburse your money for the tech support. ;)

No kidding. But, I don't mind helping out fellow reefers.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11557210#post11557210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
JRaquatics - I just ordered a 238g display (60x36x26), and will have a 100g rubbermaid sump/fuge, and eventually will add a 20-40g frag tank to this system. Im thinking of just going with the 250, but if I can feed heavy and stock heavy with the 200, Ill save the $500. Thoughts?

The difference between the 200 and the 250 is more like $400. Do I think the 200 can handle your water volume full stock, it is still to early for me to make that assumption. With it's design and it's performance so far, it should. I would suggest to just go with the 250, just because it has been out longer and allows you room for upgrades in the future.:D

[chrissreef]

I'm waiting on my 60x36x30 and will have a similar fuge.

I got the 250 because I like overkill. I think the 200 would be fine though.

[Jetdrvr]

I love overkill!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii124/jetdrvr393/100_1543.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii124/jetdrvr393/100_1542.jpg

I got the 250 from Mike @Reef Speciatly, if anyone wants one of these call Mike, he'll give you a great deal and he really knows his stuff.

[viggen]

so how does the Reflo 250 compare to the ER RC-500/12-2 in the background?

[setec69]

I am fixing to pull the trigger on my 200 from Mike, but have 2 questions for those that have these already.

Anyone using Ozone and if so, where do you feed it. I was told the silencer on top, but just like second opinions.

Anyone injecting calcium reactor into the skimmer? Same question, if so, where? I am thinking of moving the calcium drip to my refugium as I understand that the algae loves the extra CO2, but I always like to have options.

I have an Aqua-C 180EV now and I have both my Ozone and my Calc drip going into the mixing chamber and it works pretty well.

Thank for all the nice photos and help you guys are offering.

[JRaquatics]

I nave my influent drip into my refugium. Cheato seems to like the excess CO2. When I end up hooking up ozone, I plan on feeding it into the silencer. I will drill a hole on the bottom and feed it there, this way it is nice and clean.

[mcliffy2]

I'm pretty much set on getting the 250. The only question mark I think is that new Octopus you posted JR. Given that it will probably be 6 weeks before my tank is delivered, and I can probably go at least a few weeks skimmerless while setting up, would you reccomend waiting to see if they come out with a bigger model of the Ultimate Octos (or whatever they are called)? I really like the efficiency aspect they may offer vs. the reeflo, and if they had two of those pumps for 60w pulling 1800, that would be sweet. But, if I have to wait a year for them to come out, I obviously can't. Any inside scoop? ;)

[JRaquatics]

I always suggest that the skimmer should be the last thing to purchase for a tank but the first thing to be prepairing for. I personally would wait but I don't think you will beat the Reeflo 250. It something about the large body and the massive pump that makes these skimmers something special. I will be able to clue you in a little better next weekend.

[BreadmanMike]

Hey Jeremy...

not to run your thread into a 250 discussion, but what is the air draw on the baldor motor versions? Do you have to get the longer neck for the pump upgrade?

[Jetdrvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11576737#post11576737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by viggen
so how does the Reflo 250 compare to the ER RC-500/12-2 in the background?

The Reeflo is not broken in yet so I can't give an accurate skimmate comparison yet. It produces alot more and smaller bubbles so far but they are not even close to a direct comparison. The reeflo is larger with a larger pump that draws much more air.

[viggen]

true.... & what gets me is if you compare the 08 retail prices that these skimmers are selling for, the Reeflo 250 costs $500-1000 LESS!!

I have a 12-2/RC-500 & it will more then likely get replaced in the next year or so with a Dart powered skimmer. I like what I see from protein-skimmer.com with their KW-1 or something like that. 12 in dia & 40 in tall with a 6 in neck....

[Jetdrvr]

I can't believe that the Reeflo's are going for what they are. They are the best bang for the buck I have seen in this hobby, ever.

[drstupid]

it's time to upgrade my skimmer, i'm not happy with its performance, and i'm settling on the orca 200. i've about 150 total gallon system that's been setup for a little over 18 months, with a good sized population of well fed fish and recurring nuisance algae issues.

my sump room is in the basement under the tank, i have two 1 1/2" drain lines coming down from a full length overflow, i'd like to use them to gravity feed the skimmer. a question for those who've been there and done that: should i plan on dedicating one of the drain lines for this purpose?

i was considering having both go into a 4" horizontal manifold just above the sump, and from there having a valved lines feeding the skimmer and refugium, with the remainder of the flow going to the sump. this way, i don't have to worry about one drain being sufficient to handle the return flow of the display when i shut down flow to the skimmer for cleaning. would this cause problems keeping consistent pressure to feed the skimmer?

i have a 1" BH in the skimmer compartment of my sump, i could setup an external pump off of that, this is how my current skimmer is being fed, it's a beckett and requires a pressure rated pump to feed it. i'd sort of like to not add yet another external pump to my current electric bill.

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11478379#post11478379 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
I am using a coralvue ATO switch. It was originaly on a PM collection container modded by Mike @ reefspecialty but the collection container wouldn't fit in the skimmer stand. So I took the switch out and modded a water container from Walmart to work.

JRaquatics, Does the switch automatically shut off your return pump in case of an overflow? I ask because I had a small spill do to the collection cup overflowing and I want to figure a way to install an auto shut off devise.
Also...the air flow valve...I have it wide open. Is there any reason why I would ever need to restrict it?

[JRaquatics]

The switch shuts off the Reeflo's skimmer pump, not the return. The ATO switch can be purchased through Reef Specialty alone, or you can also get it installed in a PM collection container. The valve on the venturi doesn't ever need to be restricted, infact I wouldn't suggest to since it makes the motor loud. I just use the valve to shut the air off so that I can clean the cup, this way I don't have to mess with the wedge valve.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11582423#post11582423 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drstupid
it's time to upgrade my skimmer, i'm not happy with its performance, and i'm settling on the orca 200. i've about 150 total gallon system that's been setup for a little over 18 months, with a good sized population of well fed fish and recurring nuisance algae issues.

my sump room is in the basement under the tank, i have two 1 1/2" drain lines coming down from a full length overflow, i'd like to use them to gravity feed the skimmer. a question for those who've been there and done that: should i plan on dedicating one of the drain lines for this purpose?

i was considering having both go into a 4" horizontal manifold just above the sump, and from there having a valved lines feeding the skimmer and refugium, with the remainder of the flow going to the sump. this way, i don't have to worry about one drain being sufficient to handle the return flow of the display when i shut down flow to the skimmer for cleaning. would this cause problems keeping consistent pressure to feed the skimmer?

i have a 1" BH in the skimmer compartment of my sump, i could setup an external pump off of that, this is how my current skimmer is being fed, it's a beckett and requires a pressure rated pump to feed it. i'd sort of like to not add yet another external pump to my current electric bill.

I personally like to keep things simple. So I would suggest to run the skimmer off of the return pump- off of your manifold. Comming off of your overflow will give you the most raw water to skim, but I just think it makes thing more complicated and really overrated.

[drstupid]

I personally like to keep things simple. So I would suggest to run the skimmer off of the return pump- off of your manifold. Comming off of your overflow will give you the most raw water to skim, but I just think it makes thing more complicated and really overrated.

thanks for the response, jraquatics.

i will definitely consider your suggestion, it would not be difficult to implement and i agree with you 100% that simpler is better. i'm just not sure what the complexities are of running a skimmer off the drain line vs. from a pump. is it controlling the flow?

right now i envision bringing one drain line above the skimmer and dropping straight down to it, with a ball valve i can shut off to maintain it. above the ball valve, have a T heading over to the drain manifold or directly to the sump. the plumbing of it seems pretty simple in principle, but i may be missing something with regards to what it takes to feed a needlewheel skimmer in this fashion. could someone educate me?

[mcliffy2]

A couple questions on feeding the 250 directly from the overflow.
1) How many GPH should ideally be directed to the 250?
2) Do you have it T-ed off so part goes to the sump, or can you design so that all of it goes through the skimmer?

[mcliffy2]

A couple questions on feeding the 250 directly from the overflow.
1) How many GPH should ideally be directed to the 250?
2) Do you have it T-ed off so part goes to the sump, or can you design so that all of it goes through the skimmer?

[mcliffy2]

sorry, double post.

[drstupid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11595793#post11595793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
A couple questions on feeding the 250 directly from the overflow.
1) How many GPH should ideally be directed to the 250?
2) Do you have it T-ed off so part goes to the sump, or can you design so that all of it goes through the skimmer?

so i think the answer to 2) is "you need to shut off the flow to take off the skimmer cup in order to clean it", but i'm basing this on my experience with my becket skimmer and not the orca (needlewheel). if you need to shut off the flow, then you need to make sure your other drain line(s) can handle the load. or be able to redivert it to the sump.

[Jetdrvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11595793#post11595793 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
A couple questions on feeding the 250 directly from the overflow.
1) How many GPH should ideally be directed to the 250?
2) Do you have it T-ed off so part goes to the sump, or can you design so that all of it goes through the skimmer?

How many gph depends on your tank volume. I have one of my overflows feeding it right now with about 360gph. I do not have in T'd because the skimmer can handle 600gph easily, if you had much higher flow you would probably want a T to slow it down in case.

[Jetdrvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11596011#post11596011 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drstupid
so i think the answer to 2) is "you need to shut off the flow to take off the skimmer cup in order to clean it", but i'm basing this on my experience with my becket skimmer and not the orca (needlewheel). if you need to shut off the flow, then you need to make sure your other drain line(s) can handle the load. or be able to redivert it to the sump.

You do not need to shut off the flow to remove and clean the cup. You just open the valve all the way and the level will drop low enough to remove it.

[drstupid]

thanks for the responses, this is very helpful for planning.

now i think it's time to order that orca.... :-)

[Jetdrvr]

Call Mike at Reef Specialty. Best deal and the best customer service.

[drstupid]

i was considering it, but went with premium aquatics. they've treated me right in the past and are treating me right again.

[James77]

I'm looking at the Orca 200 for my tank, and have a few questions. Is it easy to set for either wet or dry skimmate? Is it very consistent, or does it need a fair amount of daily tweaking?

What size is the inlet for the feed water?

[Lucky-rc]

I have the 250 as well. It is easy to set wet or dry... once it is broke in you just set it and walk away (per-say)
These skimmers rock! seriously!
If you go to my gallery you can see how well it skims befor it even breaks in...Amazing.
Lucky

[JRaquatics]

It has a 1" feed and it is super easy to dial in to skim wet or dry. Mine stays consistent and I skim dry.

[ranran]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11411109#post11411109 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
Yes, I just got off the phone with Mike @ Reef Specialty to find out how low to cut the pipe down. I will be removing around 8 inches. Pics to come....

I own the the 250 and on it the pipe with the words close on it went on the bottom. The very long pipe was to feed back into the sump no cutting required.
I was thinking that was the case for the 200 also. I would be surprised to find you need to hacksaw your skimmer right out of the box.

[verper]

That would make sense. You would use it like a gate valve by rotating the pipe to be open, closed, or somewhere in between.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11618131#post11618131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ranran
I own the the 250 and on it the pipe with the words close on it went on the bottom. The very long pipe was to feed back into the sump no cutting required.
I was thinking that was the case for the 200 also. I would be surprised to find you need to hacksaw your skimmer right out of the box.

The pipe that they had set a side for this part was 2 inches too long. If it was not cut shorter then you would have to turn off the feed everytime you wanted to clean the cup. I just cut the longer pipe because it was easier to cut with the chop saw. It was a small modification for easier maintanance. I am sure it would of worked fine with the pipe as is but we wanted to make sure.

[drstupid]

my 200 showed up yesterday... i've bought lego sets with better directions. luckily i've got you guys :-) and the review from last month's reefkeeping. i wondered why the author spent so much time talking about the assembly.

[ranran]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11618736#post11618736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
The pipe that they had set a side for this part was 2 inches too long. If it was not cut shorter then you would have to turn off the feed everytime you wanted to clean the cup. I just cut the longer pipe because it was easier to cut with the chop saw. It was a small modification for easier maintanance. I am sure it would of worked fine with the pipe as is but we wanted to make sure.

So the designed the 200 were you have to chop pipes to make it were you can clean the skimmer cup???? If not you have to shut off the feed pipe.
That just does not make any sence. Not when they got it right with the reeflo 250

[JRaquatics]

Update shots:
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/117reeflo200.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/117cupcloseup.jpg

Foam head
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/headoffoam.jpg

[elmosz1]

Has anybody measured watt draw on Reeflo 200 versus 250? I know it's same pump but imagine there might be a difference. If they're about same I may just go with the 250.

I've always hesitated using an external skimmer because of potential overflow issues. My new 180 gal is going into a newly painted and carpeted living room. We also suffer from frequent power outages. Am I worrying too much about this? What kind of things can be done to decrease this risk?

Has anybody appreciated any issues with noise with either model?

Thanks

[deuce6371]

I received my Reeflo 250 yesterday from AquaCave and tried to set it up this morning only to be dissappointed. Either I am doing something wrong or I have a misfit. The pump inlet/outlet does not line up with the inlet/outlet for the skimmer. they are just about a 1/4 inch or so off.

I am trying to contact Aquacave now but keep getting the voice recording. I have also emailed them and sent pics. The pics below are of both ways that I tried to attach the pump to the skimmer. Attaching the outlet from the pump to the outlet of the skimmer, second attaching the inlet from the skimmer to the inlet of pump. Either way I go I can not get both to line up at the same time.... Here are some pics to show how much they are off.

It appears that the pipe that enters the skimmer to the diffuser plate is setting at a slight angle and causing the problem but we will see. It sucks I took the day off to do this and now I am spending it trying to get ahold of someone.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37545discharge_side_offset.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37545out_of_line.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/37545inlet_side_offset.jpg

Does anyone have any ideas how this could be wrong or who else (manufacturer) I could call to discuss it with.

[ranran]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11630224#post11630224 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elmosz1
Has anybody measured watt draw on Reeflo 200 versus 250? I know it's same pump but imagine there might be a difference. If they're about same I may just go with the 250.

I've always hesitated using an external skimmer because of potential overflow issues. My new 180 gal is going into a newly painted and carpeted living room. We also suffer from frequent power outages. Am I worrying too much about this? What kind of things can be done to decrease this risk?

Has anybody appreciated any issues with noise with either model?

Thanks

The simplest mod is to fit the collection cup near the top with a drain fitting that runs back to your sump. If the skimer goes nuts and fills the cup it just drains back to your sump.

The high tech version is the same but with a shut off switch that will kill the feed pump.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11630224#post11630224 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elmosz1
Has anybody measured watt draw on Reeflo 200 versus 250? I know it's same pump but imagine there might be a difference. If they're about same I may just go with the 250.

I've always hesitated using an external skimmer because of potential overflow issues. My new 180 gal is going into a newly painted and carpeted living room. We also suffer from frequent power outages. Am I worrying too much about this? What kind of things can be done to decrease this risk?

Has anybody appreciated any issues with noise with either model?

Thanks

I should have my ne kill a watt today, I hope. I will be able to tell you how each skimmer draws in wattage. A top off switch on your collection container is one of the best things to prevent overflows. I was in the same situation with new carpet and all.

[doog]

how is the noise on these? My install would be in a cabinet next to the tank would it be loud?

Thansk IN advance

[bbehring]

If you install the top off switch in your collection cup and it goes nuts and overskims and fills the collection container enough to hit the float switch and kick the circ pump off, won't the supply pump still feed it?

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11631060#post11631060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bbehring
If you install the top off switch in your collection cup and it goes nuts and overskims and fills the collection container enough to hit the float switch and kick the circ pump off, won't the supply pump still feed it?

Yes, but it won't overflow if there is not air. To clean my cup I turn my air off and remove the cup. But I leave the feed full blast and the wedge valve the same.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11630942#post11630942 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doog
how is the noise on these? My install would be in a cabinet next to the tank would it be loud?

Thansk IN advance

There is some noise from the pump and the impeller chopping the air. I would say it is a little louder than a standard dart. Being under a stand/ inside a cabinet it should be very mute.

[doog]

I am guessing teh 250 would be it

does not seem like there is a better external skimmer out there for the money

[doog]

I am guessing teh 250 would be it

does not seem like there is a better external skimmer out there for the money

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11631255#post11631255 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doog
I am guessing teh 250 would be it

does not seem like there is a better external skimmer out there for the money

Yes, I would agree with that statement.

[bbehring]

Just curious, does reefflo make an internal skimmer that's as good as the ORCA 200/250?

[JRaquatics]

The Octopus Pro series might be comparable.

[JRaquatics]

Here is a short clip of the Reeflo 200 in action. Sorry in advance for the bad filming skills.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/th_117movie.jpg (http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/?action=view&current=117movie.flv)

[JRaquatics]

I hooked my Reeflo 200 to the Kill a watt and it was running at 96-97 watts.

[deuce6371]

How many SCFH are the 250s supposed to pull? I thought it was mid 90s, but mine is only doing 70. Any ideas?

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11655196#post11655196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by deuce6371
How many SCFH are the 250s supposed to pull? I thought it was mid 90s, but mine is only doing 70. Any ideas?

It is supposed to pull more, Premium states on their site that it pulls 2500+LPH thats roughly 88scfh. I currently don't have a Dwyer meter large enough to test the 250. Soon as I do I will post the readings. Right now the 200 pulls 45 scfh / 1270 lph.

[drstupid]

i finally got my 200 hooked up this weekend, fed off one of my drain lines. i'm concerned that it is getting enough flow though. what's the easiest way to estimate the flow, drain the unit and refill it and see how long it takes to refill? i think it holds close to 5 gallons.

jraquatics, thanks for the assembly tips, i referenced your setup pictures and advice repeatedly, much to the dismay of my snood obsessed wife. invaluable tips from this thread:

- getting the venturi intake vertical is important, and does require an awful lot of teflon tape. i first had the pump intake assembled with the venturi valve off on the cockeyed angle it wants to settle in, even with a Lot of teflon tape it still leaked. put an entire roll on those threads and align the venturi properly while you're at it.

- 7" is the perfect length for the lower part of the drain riser.

- don't overtighten the plastic lock screws on the pump assembly

the nylon tube for the venturi airline was not long enough, and i think it's metric sized. does anyone know where/what size of tubing should be used to replace it, and if the material is important? i just ended up cutting short lengths of it to act as gaskets for standard 1/2" ID tubing to slip over, is this a bad idea? i did the same thing to hook up the drain line for the cup, any other suggestions here? is there like a slip x barb fitting that would work here?

[JRaquatics]

Good to hear you have the 200 running. Make sure you keep the wedge valve fully open for about 2 weeks till it breaks in. As for the tubing, any kink free tubing will work unless you plan on using ozone. I like using silicone type tubing myself, but not sure of the size needed. Keep us posted on your results and some pics.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11659198#post11659198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drstupid
i finally got my 200 hooked up this weekend, fed off one of my drain lines. i'm concerned that it is getting enough flow though. what's the easiest way to estimate the flow, drain the unit and refill it and see how long it takes to refill? i think it holds close to 5 gallons.

jraquatics, thanks for the assembly tips, i referenced your setup pictures and advice repeatedly, much to the dismay of my snood obsessed wife. invaluable tips from this thread:

- getting the venturi intake vertical is important, and does require an awful lot of teflon tape. i first had the pump intake assembled with the venturi valve off on the cockeyed angle it wants to settle in, even with a Lot of teflon tape it still leaked. put an entire roll on those threads and align the venturi properly while you're at it.

- 7" is the perfect length for the lower part of the drain riser.

- don't overtighten the plastic lock screws on the pump assembly

the nylon tube for the venturi airline was not long enough, and i think it's metric sized. does anyone know where/what size of tubing should be used to replace it, and if the material is important? i just ended up cutting short lengths of it to act as gaskets for standard 1/2" ID tubing to slip over, is this a bad idea? i did the same thing to hook up the drain line for the cup, any other suggestions here? is there like a slip x barb fitting that would work here?

[roktsintst]

I do plan on using ozone and was going to inject it after the wedge valve. Doing this i shouldn't need any ozoone safe tubing from the venturi opening to hte wedge valve right???

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660866#post11660866 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roktsintst
I do plan on using ozone and was going to inject it after the wedge valve. Doing this i shouldn't need any ozoone safe tubing from the venturi opening to hte wedge valve right???

Nope, because it will never come into contact with the tubing. I think the tubing that comes with the Reeflos are ozone safe, can anyone confirm this?

[verper]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11655196#post11655196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by deuce6371
How many SCFH are the 250s supposed to pull? I thought it was mid 90s, but mine is only doing 70. Any ideas?

Reeflo's page shows 100 SCFH for the 250 and 65 SCFH for the 200.

http://www.reeflopumps.com/nwskimmers.html

Keep us posted if it rises.

[drstupid]

My new baby, breaking in...

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pete.french/Orca/photo#5158467869129253634"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/pete.french/R5aPMjy3IwI/AAAAAAAAADE/dkNXWGwdqR0/s144/IMG_2458.JPG" /></a>

that was so completely worth a car payment.

[verper]

......or two ;)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f212/verper/100_2312b.jpg

[James77]

I ordered a 200 that should be here Friday. Whats the measurement from the base to the bottom of the outlet pipe?

[JRaquatics]

I would just cut the pipe to 7" or shorter. You want the top of the tee below were the body cones to the neck.

[viggen]

Verper.... GREAT to see pics of the skimmer in action. 3rd time is a charm I guess .... I just knew you needed the 250 :)

I will let you know what the balance is one of these days.......

[James77]

I received mine this morning and assembled it- very nice looking skimmer. I'm giving it a vinegar bath tonight and setting it up this weekend on my tank. I got mine from reefspecialty.com- and I reccomend going to him. Mike there is very helpful, and shipping was very quick

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11685097#post11685097 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by James77
I received mine this morning and assembled it- very nice looking skimmer. I'm giving it a vinegar bath tonight and setting it up this weekend on my tank. I got mine from reefspecialty.com- and I reccomend going to him. Mike there is very helpful, and shipping was very quick

Congrats on your new skimmer. You will love how this thing runs. I couldn't agree with you more, Mike @ Reef Specialty is very helpful when it comes to this hobby. Right now, the service that he provides is the best out there. IMO

[justinm0424]

I'm about to buy one of these skimmers and I was just wondering if anyone has been having any problems with it at all? These look too good to be true!!

[JRaquatics]

I know I haven't had any problems with mine, and have not heard of any problems from anyone else on the 200s. The skimmer is well worth the money. The acrylic is thick and well put together. The pump has a great reputation of being top of the line as a return pump. This skimmer is one of those few things that are worth every penny. Plus, if you get a 200 before the end of the month from Reef specialty, you get free shipping, and shipping is not cheap with these. I would call Mike @ Reef Specialty in advance and ask if there has been any complaints on the 200.

[bbehring]

JR, wondering if the 200 would work fine on a 210-215 with about 80 additional callons of sump/fuge, assuming Mixed reef (a bit heavier on the SPS side) with medium/heavy fish load?

[JRaquatics]

I am comfortable saying the Reeflo 200 can handle a heavy stocked tank up to 400 gallons total water volume. I am sure it can handle more but I like to keep my skimmers oversized and my tanks fully stocked. I would say anything above 400 TWV go with the Reeflo 250 or if you plan on upgrading in the future.

[virginiadiver69]

Mine is just about broke in and I love it.
Is the plumbing 1 1/2" sched 80 PVC? I picked up a 90 deg elbow to soften the waterfall into the fuge but it's to small. Any ideas?

[SWRTNoob]

nm

[setec69]

Well, you guys talked me into it, actually Mike did, but Jeremy helped. I ordered mine today from ReefSpecialty, it should be here on Wed. I am going to give it a week or so vinegar bath while my new sump is being built then I will post picks of my final install.

Thanks again Mike. Love the site and the service is second to none! Funny how you are always helping install these even though they are bought elsewhere. Do your self a favor and if you are going to order one, get it from Mike as you will most likely need help installing it and the other sites that sell it can't seem to help anyone.

[JRaquatics]

Here is another video 1/2 hour after cleaning the cup.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/th_Reeflo125.jpg (http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/?action=view&current=Reeflo125.flv)

[drstupid]

how long are folks finding their break in periods to be? mine's been running 8 days and i did clean the neck out once but it's yet to form a stable enough head to hit the collection cup. i did redo a lot of return plumbing at the same time, and did not give it a vinegar bath, just a FW rinse, so i was expecting a long breakin period.

i put a few frags in last night, epoxied the plugs in place, and woke up at 3am with visions of the orca spewing water all over the basement. it turns out all that generated was a decent and stable head that's still not even close to the top of the neck.

[bonez]

Mine took 2.5-3 weeks to fully breakin. I did do the vinger bath about 1 cup to the water ran about 2 hours. I have just put an overflow switch on. I used the coralVue fw-110 switch about $ 55.oo and a cool slimline jug from walmart that fit good beside the skimmer. Less than $60.00 I sleep well knowing my coral tank is safe.

[JRaquatics]

Mine also took a little over 2 weeks even with a diluted vinegar bath. Patients is key for these skimmers otherwise it will kick in and you will have a flood on your hands.

[drstupid]

that's why you suggested leaving the drain flow fully open while it breaks in, i take it.

should i leave the air flow wide open as well?

[JRaquatics]

Yes, you will always leave the valve fully open. The only time I touch the air valve on the venturi is to clean the cup otherwise I run it wide open 24/7.

[Setec]

Ok, I have a return line plumbing question. I understand the return line is a 1.5 inch and the estimate on these is 300-600 gallons per hour?

I want to plumb the return line into a bulk head in my sump attached to a filter sock, but the largest bulk in my sump currently is a 1 inch. As I understand it, a 1 inch line can take up to 800 gallons per hour which is higher than the top flow of this skimmer correct?

So there should be no issue with me putting a reducer on the end of the return line and feeding it into my 1 inch bulk head?

Any advice on how to plumb this thing in is much appreciated.

[JRaquatics]

Theoretically you should be fine. My worry is that you are plumbing the skimmer so close there isn't much give on pressure and may cause the skimmer to burp. I would give it a go. Worst comes to worst you place a tee with a breather stack placed before the bulkhead.

[James77]

JR- How many LPH of air is yours pulling?

[JRaquatics]

45-48 Scfh = 1270lph
conversion method= 45 X 28.23

[bhdmc]

JR, Can you give me the website for Reef Specialty?

[JRaquatics]

www.reefspecialty.com

[James77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11716661#post11716661 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
45-48 Scfh = 1270lph
conversion method= 45 X 28.23

Mines pulling about the same also-just checking since it isnt quite as much as marketed. Mines breaking in nicely, already giving skimmate.

[JRaquatics]

The numbers are a little off but still great. The performance is uncanny. Picture of what I came home to tonight to follow.

[JRaquatics]

I call this one Tang Poo.
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m292/rvision/tangpoop.jpg
I cleaned my cup out last night and was fairly clean this morning. I was pleasantly suprised when I came home tonight to see that my cup looks as if I had not cleaned it and pulled out 1/4 cup of sludge. I checked to pump to see if it was pulling more watts, checked the air and everything else. nothing has changed. ????

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11709113#post11709113 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by virginiadiver69

Is the plumbing 1 1/2" sched 80 PVC? I picked up a 90 deg elbow to soften the waterfall into the fuge but it's to small. Any ideas?

Any idea on this. I've tried Sched 80 PVC and CPVC, Sched 40 PVC. It's all just barley to small.

[JRaquatics]

There is a converter fitting that it came with that switches the metric to standard 1 1/2 PVC.

[Jetdrvr]

The plumbing is metric. It should have come with one piece of pipe that had one end turned down to 1 1/2. I'm not sure what size metric it is.

[drstupid]

there is also the universal metric to english converter tool, the "dremel".

[virginiadiver69]

Damn metric !!:mad2:
Is there anyone not using their adapter that is willing to sell it?

[JRaquatics]

What happend to the one the skimmer came with?

[virginiadiver69]

Don't ask. :o

[JRaquatics]

Why dont you contact Reef Specialty and see if he has an extra laying around. I know he installs alot of these skimmers and I am sure extra parts do accumulate. If he doesn't have any see if you can get one from CoralVue.

[virginiadiver69]

It's funny you suggest that. Just after my last post I gave Mike a call. I just got off the phone with him.
One HELL of a guy! I had to beg him to allow me to at least reimburse shipping.
I look forward to being a Reef Specialty customer.

[justinm0424]

well I now know where I'm ordering mine at next week. You gotta love good customer service

[JRaquatics]

Like I have stated many times before. I have been in this hobby for many - many years and Mike @ Reef Specialty does have one of the best, if not the best customer service. Now I get all my stuff from Reef Specialty, just because of the fact that if I have a problem he is willing take the time and provide a solution. Thanks again Mike for all you have done for me and my tank.

[Setec]

I agree with JR 100%. I have never met anyone like Mike. That guy not only takes care of his own customers, but I have seen him take care of other peoples when they fail to get the help they need.

I just got my skimmer and screwed up the install and Mike went above and beyond what he needed to do to help me. Reefspecialty.com has all of my current and future business and I hope yours as well.

If you are even thinking of buying one of these, to look elsewhere is absurd.

[Setec]

Got my new Reeflo in and built today. Should have it breaking in tomorrow and installed into the tank in about 2-3 weeks.

Here are a few pics if anyone cares.

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0580.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0581.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0582.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0583.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0584.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0585.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0586.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0587.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0588.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

<img src='http://www.starwarsattic.com/personalPics/skimmer/DSC_0589.JPG' border='0' alt=' '>

[Waxxiemann]

SUPERMAN!! :D

[jdogg2432]

I would like to run ozone through my ORCA 200. Is anyone currently doing this? Was planning on running my ozone line right into the silencer on the skimmer. Any suggestions?

[Setec]

Funny you should ask.

I was under the impression that this skimmer is ozone safe and I just got off the phone with Chris, the owner for Reeflo and he says, yes the skimmer is ozone safe, but the seal on the Dart pump is not. If you plan to run ozone on this skimmer, you need to contact reeflo and get an ozone safe seal for the pump.

I am not sure what they cost or how long it will take for them to get them in, but I was given the impression that it is a special order item and not something they stock.

[JRaquatics]

I was also just informed by Reef Specialty that they will be stocking the Ozone safe replace seals when they become availble.

[Setec]

Yep, same here. Way to go Mike. I just got off the phone with him and he hopes to have them in stock soon. Now for the flood of calls to Mike for the install :)

[Lunchbucket]

Nice pics! Looks like a great unit

Lunchbucekt

[bayreef]

Is the needle wheel the samr on the 200 as the 250 ( I think the only difference is the base box size so this limits the backpressure and thus more or less watts and air. Or do they use different equipment.

[craftedpacket]

There was a youtube video of the 250 running....is the skimmer really that loud?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrRpN8wZ-kQ

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11798345#post11798345 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bayreef
Is the needle wheel the samr on the 200 as the 250 ( I think the only difference is the base box size so this limits the backpressure and thus more or less watts and air. Or do they use different equipment.

They are the same pump and NW as the 250.

[discusone]

JR,does the water input barbed fitting need to be cemented into the bushing supplied?And how does the black acrylic shelf attach to the skimmer body?.
The lack of directions are really aggravating!
If you could lay out your assembly procedure,it would really help me,and future owners with this skimmer.Thanks.

[JRaquatics]

The feed line barb does need to be glued to union fitting. You have you choice between the 1" and 3/4" hose barb. The plate is held in by the black shelf screw to the black box with the supplied thumb screws. Attach all the fittings (venturi assembly and elbows) to the the pump first then use the union nuts to connect to the skimmer body.

[Setec]

There are 2 screws that hold the base plate onto the skimmer.

For me, I got a regular pipe with US union on it and then set a barb into that. The barb that comes with the skimmer is not quite 1 inch, so you have to clamp it down. I got a real 1 inch barb and screwed that into the US union so I can change them out if needed.

I agree about the lack of instructions. I spoke to Chris at Reeflo about it and the ozone seal on the pump. I guess for now we have to lean on Mike and JR for help :)

[bayreef]

ok, i saw on the orca thread from jeremy at premium aquatics said that it is the same motor but different size needlewheel. this is what threw me off. so for sure they are both the same?

[JRaquatics]

yes, they are both the one and the same. I thought they had different nw at first too.

[bayreef]

thanks again, i have decided to go with a 250 sized skimmer body and orca pump.

[virginiadiver69]

.

[Setec]

Things to do with your new Reeflo 200 skimmer when you first get it.

1) Clean it and break it in with a nice vinegar bath. Thanks for that advice Mike.

Things to not do with your new Reeflo 200 skimmer when you first get it.

1) Dump a cup of skimmate from your old skimmer into the mix while cleaning the skimmer.

I had flash backs to elementary school science fair volcano experiments as the top blows off the skimmer under a mountain of skimmate foam.

Man what a sight!

[craftedpacket]

So from the people that currently own this skimmer what are your thoughts about it?

I have a 140gallon tank and my skimmer just bit the dust so I am looking to pickup a new one. This would be the most expensive skimmer I have ever purchased, but as with everything in this hobby I have found you get what you pay for.

[Setec]

I love mine. If I had to do it over again, I would buy another one of these.

I took a small amount of skimate from my old skimmer and put it in a 5 gallon bucket and this thing went nuts. Pulled it out in under a minute. I can only imagine what it is going to do on my display once I get it all hooked up. Mike says it pretty much pulls the poo right out of the fish :)

Cant beat the customer service that you get from Mike either.

[JRaquatics]

The skimmer may seem like it costs a fortune but for a external recirculating NW skimmer of this size, it really is a steal of a deal.

I still enjoy the results I get every time I look in the collection container and see all my tang poop.

[craftedpacket]

Well I just bit the bullet and ordered the 200 from Reef Specialties. He was very helpful and told me to call him when I got it and he would walk me through setting it up. He also gave me a supplies list to get before it shows up.

Very nice pre-sales customer service and sounds like post-sales service will be just as good.

2 rolls of plumbing tape
PVC Glue
1 1/2" Union
and some silicon grease

[craftedpacket]

I am sure my naso tang would love to have his poo removed lol. Since my old skimmer died I am running skimmerless on my 140 untill the reeflo shows up.

[drstupid]

so you know, mine's been running three weeks and i'm not sure it's fully broken in yet. you may want to plan on some extra water changes this next month....

the head of foam in mine is so solid it doesn't want to spill over in the collection cup. i've tried adjusting the wedge valve so that the water level is just under the lip of the bottom chamber with the air flow off. it still won't budge that foam out of the neck. am i just going through another stage in the break in?

[craftedpacket]

What size pumps are you guys feeding your reeflo with? Mike recommended 300-400gph. I will have about 4ft of head height from my sump to the skimmer until I move.

[craftedpacket]

I was looking at a Mag 5 but there are some rio pumps that are cheaper and use almost half the wattage for the same GPH.

[drstupid]

i've got mine fed from one of the drain lines in my overflow. the skimmer's in the basement about 10' beneath the overflow.

i may have too much flow if mike's recommending 3-400 gph.

[JRaquatics]

I am feeding mine between an estimated 3-400gph.

So were's the pics Reeflo 200 users?

[jdogg2432]

I'm planning on using a Oceanrunner 2500. I'll have 3-4 feet of head loss also.

[Reef Man]

No one have pictures??
I am planning to buy one, so please post them !

[craftedpacket]

Mine should be here around Thursday I think. There is also a large 30+ page thread about the reeflo if you search. I think there were a lot of pictures.

[setec69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11828305#post11828305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Man
No one have pictures??
I am planning to buy one, so please post them !

Go back through this thread, there are tons of pics and videos of these things.

[drstupid]

Here's another one in action. The pics are all thumbnails to a picasa album, click on them to view them full size.

It's been up a little more than three weeks, i'm not totally happy with the skimmate production yet, still learning to tune it. It's skimming about 150 gallons total system volume, with a small but growing SPS population and moderate to low fish load at the present.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pete.french/Orca/photo#5166285758888466770"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/pete.french/R7JVhoq02VI/AAAAAAAAAFc/TQqX6QWhbv8/s144/IMG_2600.JPG" /></a>

You can see the 1" line feeding it from the overflow drain in the display on the floor above. The 1 1/2" skimmer drain goes to the T in the air stack on the 4" horizontal manifold all my drain lines end up in before heading to the sump, that's easier to see here:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pete.french/Orca/photo#5166285677284088114"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/pete.french/R7JVc4q02TI/AAAAAAAAAFM/LvG51Y3AnoI/s144/IMG_2602.JPG" /></a>

Four days of skimmate. Note the head isn't really breaking over the edge of the riser, the bucket the skimmate all ends up in is mostly evaporated water with just a little tint to it.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pete.french/Orca/photo#5166285557025003794"><img src="http://lh6.google.com/pete.french/R7JVV4q02RI/AAAAAAAAAE8/ReHQVWZHa2w/s144/IMG_2604.JPG" /></a>

This is where the 1 1/2" drain from my overflow comes down to a Y, where the water wants to flow into the 1" feed line after the ball valve. By closing the ball valve i can slow down the flow to the skimmer, it will redirect backwards down the other side of the Y to the 4" manifold mentioned earlier. There's about a 6' drop to get this far, so the water's moving, and another 4' drop to the skimmer intake.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pete.french/Orca/photo#5166285458240755970"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/pete.french/R7JVQIq02QI/AAAAAAAAAEc/gYAPrQ9mqcs/s144/IMG_2605.JPG" /></a>

The plumbing looks nice and clean because i took advantage of the skimmer upgrade to implement that 4" drain manifold i'd been planning for a while. I'm sure all the new plumbing has helped stretch out the break-in period.

Any suggestions for adjustments are more than welcome.

[CarlosS]

Hi guys:

This is mine: I have a question. Did you glue all conections? Of course, all conections that could be glued.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/carloss/Proyecto%20540/P1000264.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/carloss/Proyecto%20540/P1000266.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/carloss/Proyecto%20540/P1000265.jpg

I will install it in a new project that I have. A 140 gals mixed reef

[craftedpacket]

Mike walked me over the phone setting up the skimmer when it arrived last Thursday. He had some really good tips on setting it up so that I can adjust it in the future with little trouble. Seems it is hard to come by the metric PVC parts if you screw it up. I am still waiting on mine to break in...its almost been a week now. I will get some pictures up as soon as it starts going.

For the size of the pump i was really surprised at how almost silent it is. This thing pulls so much air that at times the lid on the cup starts moving around, and its a heavy lid. Since my tank had no skimmer after my old one died I skipped the vinegar bath and put it right on my system. Hopefully that doesn't prolong the break-in too much.

The unit seems solid and if your going to buy one I definitely recommend calling Mike at Reef Specialties. Bar none the best customer service I have received since starting this tank a year and a half ago. He stayed up till 10PM on a weekday to help me put mine together, cant ask for more than that.

[craftedpacket]

I did glue all the pieces that could be glued...instead of using that really long piece mike recommended gluing in the tapered down piece and then using 1 1/2" PVC connected to a union for the outflow...That way you can you can always make the outflow pipe longer or shorter as needed for your setup.

"T" --> Tapered Piece -->1 1/2" PVC -->1 1/2" PVC Union --> 1 1/2" PVC.

He also recommended using the 1" hose barb fitting so that you are not limited in the future in case you want to run it right off your overflow or whatever. You can always get an adapter to fit what ever size tubing your using.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11836945#post11836945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CarlosS
Hi guys:

This is mine: I have a question. Did you glue all conections? Of course, all conections that could be glued.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/carloss/Proyecto%20540/P1000264.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/carloss/Proyecto%20540/P1000266.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/carloss/Proyecto%20540/P1000265.jpg

I will install it in a new project that I have. A 140 gals mixed reef

[CarlosS]

Thnaks craftedpacket:

I have a little question. Oce I get conected the pump I notice a little space in the pump discharge and skimmer body. This space is about 4mm, When I tight the universal union I notice that pump rise a little bit. Is it normal?

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11896562#post11896562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CarlosS
Thnaks craftedpacket:

I have a little question. Oce I get conected the pump I notice a little space in the pump discharge and skimmer body. This space is about 4mm, When I tight the universal union I notice that pump rise a little bit. Is it normal?

It is normal to happen but make sure all fittings are loose on the input portion that has the venturi. what you want to do is keep all fittings loose, then screw the nut on the black box a few turns then a few turns on the return into the skimmer body. You keep going back and forth till both nuts are closed and sealed.

If it still seems off give Mike @ Reef Specialty a call, he has found another way around the pumps positioning onto the skimmer.

[CarlosS]

Thanks JRaquatics, I've got it.

Pd:

Sorry for my english...

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11820374#post11820374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by craftedpacket
What size pumps are you guys feeding your reeflo with? Mike recommended 300-400gph. I will have about 4ft of head height from my sump to the skimmer until I move.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11820438#post11820438 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drstupid
i've got mine fed from one of the drain lines in my overflow. the skimmer's in the basement about 10' beneath the overflow.

i may have too much flow if mike's recommending 3-400 gph.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11821265#post11821265 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
I am feeding mine between an estimated 3-400gph.


I thought this thing could handle closer to 600gph?

[virginiadiver69]

Is this thing ozone safe?
I'm thinking of adding it if so.
How would it be incorporated?