fission recirc reviews?

[kaiboshi]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+16750&pcatid=16750

How does this skimmer stack up to say an octo nw200? Either would be going on a fowlr 125 display with a 75 sump, not sure of total system volume yet.

[GSMguy]

neither will really handle 200 gallons, but they are about the same.

[neepsync]

The recirc pump on the fission is extremely loud. I have one and "Frankensteined" it out. Now it works pretty well for me. I replaced the recirc pump with a rio pump with a kent marine "turbo eductor" on the intake and I use a rio pump for the feed pump with the quasi eductor (or whatever you call it) that comes with the fission skimmer intended for the recirc pump. If you want to get the fission skimmer, you can get it on Ebay for $99.

[PattyMac]

neepSync,

Could you whow how you replaced the recirc pump?

I'm pretty sick of my fission making the motorboat noise too, but don't see how I would switch the pump since all that hardware looks pretty custom made (two pipes, feeding the impeller?, pump stuck upside down on the side) ich.

[neepsync]

Maybe I can pull it out of my sump and post some picks of it.

[PattyMac]

That would be cool, if it's easier than explaining.

[neepsync]

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb11/neepsync/skimmer1.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb11/neepsync/skimmercloseup.jpg http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb11/neepsync/skimmercomp.jpg

Not pretty but it gets the job done. I used the couplers from the original pump and attached them to the pvc. The top coupler will insert into the 1/2" elbow. I had to bore out the 1" elbow to get the bottom coupler of the skimmer to fit snug and then glued it. Then I used the "oh so professional" method of zip ties to keep it all snug. But depending on what air injection method you use will determine the plumbing of the pump to the skimmer. I emailed Kent marine and they sent me the eductor for free.

And since I had spare parts from another of the same skimmer I used its air injection piece and put it on the intake of the feed pump. Also, I extended the body height with the skimmer body that came with my sump and used a plastic container with a lid for the collection cup.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb11/neepsync/tankfront.jpg

An older shot of my tank. I now have a longer black over-flow that I crafted myself.

[PattyMac]

Wow, thanks for the pics and write up. You've got me thinking....

The current USA people sent me another pump, but it still ended up making the same sound.