Reeflo Orca 250 PRO Club

[GlassReef]

Well, I think it's about time that someone started a thread for Reeflo Orca 250 PRO owners - and those that plan to be. :D I know I'd like to be able to compare notes with others who have experience with the PRO model. I'm currently in the final phases of setting up a 550gal system (display 375gals). As the 250 PRO has got to be one of the best skimmers on the planet and I'm the kind of guy that likes to use a sledge hammer to get things done, I went ahead and ordered a pair of 250 PROs from Mike. They went together with no problem. Mike gave me a few tips that really speeded up the process.

I was originally going to set them up sitting on the floor:

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Skimmers-2.jpg

Then I decided to construct a little table for them to sit on. Lets me place the feed pumps below the skimmers.

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Skimmer-Semi-Final.jpg

My big guys are currently breaking in so I'd appreciate opinions on water levels, amount of flow, etc. Anyone think a gate valve would be useful for controlling the water level? How about wet vs. dry? These are all things that I'd like to discuss.

I'm feeding my 250s with Eheim 1062s (750GPH), one for each skimmer (even though there's only one in the picture ;) ):

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Return-Pump.jpg

I know some feel feeding direct from the tank's overflow is better. Any opinions on this?

So let's get this thread going with your experiences, ideas, tips, etc. I can't wait ....

[JRaquatics]

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Skimmers-2.jpg

:eek2: :eek1: :eek2: Still my favorite pics of the awesome double 250 Pro. Did you ever start them up yet?

[GlassReef]

Yes - they're breaking in now. I've got approx. 175lbs of Marco rock cooking/curing in the display right now. These 250 PROs are both pulling gunk and I'm lovin' it! :D :cool:

My camera's on the blink at the moment, but as soon as it's fixed I'll post some up-to-date pics.

[BreadmanMike]

Hurricone, hurrishmone... Reeflo Pro 250 is where it's at. Every other skimmer is just a wanna be. :D

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14310938#post14310938 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
Hurricone, hurrishmone... Reeflo Pro 250 is where it's at. Every other skimmer is just a wanna be. :D

:rolleyes: :crazy1:

[CreepySalt]

Well... I'm not a member of the club yet but I'm working on it. I just got my pump last night. Here are some pics of the new impeller that's being shipped. The outside pins are full length but I don't really see any other improvements and there is a pretty good wobble with it.


http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x128/blecham/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x128/blecham/IMG_0002.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x128/blecham/IMG_0003.jpg

[JRaquatics]

Thanks Matt for posting the pics of the new Reeflo pin wheel. It looks as if it is still a mold and square pinned. You should get more air pull from it compared to the old stock wheel but I wonder what effect it will have on the pump's wattage.

[CreepySalt]

It's definitely molded. The seams from the mold are very visible.

Question from a new owner. Why are the 2 lids on the pair of 250's at the start of this thread different?
Thanks,
Matt

[CreepySalt]

Duplicate post

[JRaquatics]

removed

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14324729#post14324729 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CreepySalt
Why are the 2 lids on the pair of 250's at the start of this thread different? The design of the lids for the 250 has evolved over time. I purchased one of the very early models - that's the one on the left. The one on the right has the latest configuration, as far as holes are concerned, but also has an acrylic crown. The crown proved to be neither help nor hindrance, so the latest lids are like the once on the right, but without the crown.

[eran]

i have a question about my tank and skimmer. I am having a new tank built at the moment 72" * 34" * 24" (255gal.) and i'll have a 60gal sump and a 40gal. frag tank. I probably will have a heavy fish load. So should I do a 200 or a 250? I will not be upgrading, i don't have any room so this is as big as it will get. Its hard for me to justify another $400 for the 250. thanks

[sw500]

250

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14329867#post14329867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eran
I am having a new tank built at the moment 72" * 34" * 24" (255gal.) and i'll have a 60gal sump and a 40gal. frag tank. I probably will have a heavy fish load. So should I do a 200 or a 250? You're talking about more than 350gals - I would definitely go with the 250, especially if you will be keeping SPS. In a situation where you have a heavy fish load and SPS, you want the gunk out of the water as quickly as possible. With 355gals, you're pushing the 200's limits. The 250 is the way to go in your situation. I think the price difference is only $350, at the moment.

[BreadmanMike]

Tom,

You definitely want to drill holes in the other lid so the skimmer can breathe. I have the old lid as well.

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14346111#post14346111 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
You definitely want to drill holes in the other lid so the skimmer can breathe. Thanks, Mike. It's on my list. :D

[eran]

I will take your word for it. I must say your setup is one of the finest I have seen on RC anywhere for that matter. I have taken tons of ideas from your build. Should I just get the pro ungrade????

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14330698#post14330698 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
You're talking about more than 350gals - I would definitely go with the 250, especially if you will be keeping SPS. In a situation where you have a heavy fish load and SPS, you want the gunk out of the water as quickly as possible. With 355gals, you're pushing the 200's limits. The 250 is the way to go in your situation. I think the price difference is only $350, at the moment.

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14353713#post14353713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eran
Should I just get the pro ungrade???? If it's within your budget, that's what I would suggest. The the RS Pro package takes an already great skimmer and adds a needle wheel that increases air injection by 35%. The custom collection cup provides a much wider capacity for wet/dry skimming control as well as significantly increasing the amount of possible throughput.

[rbc1225]

Does the new Pro cup come with a drain installed? It does not look like it from the pics above.

[GlassReef]

Yes, there is a drain. You just can't see them in the pics, due to my lacking photographic skills. :rolleyes:

[rbc1225]

Great, thanks

[rbc1225]

When are we going to see these badboys in action?

[GlassReef]

Sorry, I've been really busy installing my automated water change system, but I'll make sure to take some pics over the weekend and post them on Sunday.

[GlassReef]

OK - so here's my two Orca 250 PROs doin' their thing.

First a close up of the collection cup on the right skimmer:

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Collection-Cup-Right.jpg

Then the left:

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Collection-Cup-Left.jpg

Here you can see that both skimmers are pulling exactly the same amount of gunk - and a lot of gunk it is :D :

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Collection-Cup-Both.jpg

This is important. Some of you may have read the thread I started a while back about the advantages/disadvantages of using two skimmers simultaneously. Many were of the opinion that, if you run two skimmers at once, one skimmer will "shut down" the other - making the use of two skimmers redundant. These pics prove, once and for all :cool:, that two skimmer work together just fine. They do exactly what I intended - get the gunk out faster than just one skimmer could.

One more pic:

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Aquarium%20Build/Skimmers/Skimmers-Working.jpg

[JRaquatics]

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/MSN_Emoticons/MSN-Emoticon-thums-up-059.gif
Those are kick a**!

[RonD]

Where or how did you come up with that 750 GPH feed pump idea ? Mine came with no instructions and I would really like to know how much flow these can take GPH.. any idea ?

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14611886#post14611886 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RonD
Where or how did you come up with that 750 GPH feed pump idea ? Mine came with no instructions and I would really like to know how much flow these can take GPH.. any idea ? Ron, before I decided on pumps for my skimmers I discussed the subject with Mike Leonard. We decided that the 1062 pumps would be a good choice as they would provide good maximum flow and give me plenty of room to play around with to fine tune my pair of 250s. I would estimate that I'm pushing approx. 600 GPH through (each skimmer), at the moment. Seems like a sweet spot for my system.

[JRaquatics]

Note: You should only attempt to feed this amount of water into a PRO Reeflo 250 as the stock will not respond well to the excessive feed rates (anything over 500gph).

[GlassReef]

Thanks for noting that, Jeremy. I shouldn't have assumed RonD was talking about the Pro model.

[RonD]

Thanks for the clarification.. No I don't have the pro model 'yet'

[GlassReef]

A couple of you have asked how I modified my air valve for maximum efficiency. Basically, after consulting with Mike and Jeremy, I did two things:

1. I cut off a number of rings from the air intake barb
2. I drilled out the air intake hole to a diameter of 5/16"

Here is a pic of a valve I modified:

http://i515.photobucket.com/albums/t358/selbold/Air-Valve.jpg

Note that I cut off the barb until only two rings are left.

When you drill out the hole:

1. It can be done by hand, but a drill press would be better
2. Start with a bit that is just a little larger than the existing hole. Once you have finished with that bit, go to a bit that 1/32" larger and redrill the hole. Continue increasing the size of the bit by 1/32" until you reach the final size of 5/16"

All that said, not everyone has bits in 1/32" intervals. I would, however, strongly recommend that you use at least one intermediate sized drill.

[rbc1225]

I am now officially in the club and doing great. This is running for about 2 hours. Thanks Mike :)

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7144.jpg

[GlassReef]

Lookin' good! You must be a happy camper. ;)

[BreadmanMike]

Looking good Rusty. I was sorry to pack the skimmer up.
Did you swap your air valve with the modified one that you got from me?

[rbc1225]

Yes I did Mike. I got the needlewheel, air valve and cup. Of course Dave is also a happy camper. He has my upgraded needlewheel from Reeflo and since we noticed the drilled out air valve we drilled his too. Thanks again Mike.

[rbc1225]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14656241#post14656241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Lookin' good! You must be a happy camper. ;)

Oh heck yeah, I would certainly recommend the upgrade. Not that I needed it now, but it can't hurt. This fell into my lap and I could not resist. :)

[BreadmanMike]

I'm glad you and Dave are happy. The reeflo 250's are awesome. ;)

[superedge88]

Looking good Rusty! I'll bring my tiny Dwyer to the fundraiser, we'll see what the big dog is pulling!

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14659998#post14659998 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by superedge88
Looking good Rusty! I'll bring my tiny Dwyer to the fundraiser, we'll see what the big dog is pulling!

Does it read over 100? :)

[superwizbang]

Hey Rusty et al,

Got my venturi drilled like we spoke about today at the fundraiser. I can tell a small difference, but a difference for sure. You have Super's dwyer (well Dave anyhow) so I will have to borrow it when ur done.

I have a question for the thread owner though. I have the Baldor Gold motor and purchased my Orca in Sep of last year. I have not purchased the Pro package yet. My lid looks like yours however (with the inside ring) and without all the holes. I was wondering about all holes drilled in the lid of the Orca on the right of the first picture. Is that another mod folks are recommending? I believe (from memory) that there are only 4 stock holes right now. If correct, how many did you drill and at what radius (or does it matter)?

-Ken

[GlassReef]

The original Pro lid had 4 holes. My 2nd Pro (the one on the right, in the pic) has 10 holes approx. 5/16" in dia.

I modified my first lid (that had 4 holes) by adding 4 holes - total of 8. All holes are equidistant from each other and 5/16" in dia.

I can't really say I notice much of a difference after the mod. Possibly a little less condensation inside the cup. Air (SCFM) is the same.

[superwizbang]

Thanks. I will ask around to see if anyone else has done a similar mod. While I can see the logic of possibly drilling more holes, like you said, I would bet it makes little difference as evidenced by your SCFM results. I am interested to see if there is a difference between a drilled venturi and undrilled. The Dwyer had a steady 65 on my stock 250 before the drilled mod today. That was measured a month ago or so. I am interested in what the change today made.

-Ken

[rbc1225]

Ken, talk to Dave about the drilled holes as well. The main reason as I understand it is to allow the extra air we are providing with the drilled out venturi and the needlewheel to have somewhere to go. Without the holes there would not be enough airflow thus cutting down on the head due to backpressure. Dave and I will be screwing with this today, I bet, and can give you a call. I am sure Dave has your number. Do you know which needlewheel you have?

Paul, yeah Dave has your Dwyer and I hope we get to test this today.

[trueperc]

Just curious, has anyone just run this skimmer with out the lid on the cup? I mean with all the airflow an drilling holes in the lid and even with the upgraded cup being so tall that the foam isn't hitting the lid, is the lid needed ?

[superedge88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14660552#post14660552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
Does it read over 100? :)

It goes up to 200 SCFH ;)

[superedge88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14664547#post14664547 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbc1225
Ken, talk to Dave about the drilled holes as well. The main reason as I understand it is to allow the extra air we are providing with the drilled out venturi and the needlewheel to have somewhere to go. Without the holes there would not be enough airflow thus cutting down on the head due to backpressure. Dave and I will be screwing with this today, I bet, and can give you a call. I am sure Dave has your number. Do you know which needlewheel you have?

Paul, yeah Dave has your Dwyer and I hope we get to test this today.

If you have the drain line off the skimmer cup going to a seperate skimmate reservoir then you are also letting air escape that way (as long as the end of the hose is not submerged in skimmate of course)

[rbc1225]

hehehe Measured the air flow last night and it was bouncing anywhere from 90CFM to 115CFM. I shut the air valve a little bit so the meter would quit bouncing and it is pulling right at 100 CFM at 168 to 170 watts. Working quite well.

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14681550#post14681550 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by superedge88
It goes up to 200 SCFH ;)


Sweet. :D

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687822#post14687822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbc1225
hehehe Measured the air flow last night and it was bouncing anywhere from 90CFM to 115CFM. I shut the air valve a little bit so the meter would quit bouncing and it is pulling right at 100 CFM at 168 to 170 watts. Working quite well.


Nice. How's the skimmate Rusty?

[rbc1225]

nasty and smelly, very smelly. :) Last night I had to pull a lot of live rock that I was holding for a buddy out of the system and after I did and added the replacement water for volume the skimmer went nuts. It overflowed my container (Yeah I know Mike, I have not installed the shutoff one yet) and then my wife came down and wondered what that nasty smell was. Now keep in mind that nothing got on the floor, just the odor of an overly full cup. Still a very dark coffee like color. You can't see through the container. Anyway I love this thing.

[BreadmanMike]

Eventually that skimmer will have your system so clean it won't skim but a very light tea color. After what happened to me this week, I wish I would have kept it. :(

[spongebobby]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687822#post14687822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbc1225
hehehe Measured the air flow last night and it was bouncing anywhere from 90CFM to 115CFM. I shut the air valve a little bit so the meter would quit bouncing and it is pulling right at 100 CFM at 168 to 170 watts. Working quite well.


Is this the Pro edition???? If it is, your watts are a little high. Mine pulls right at 118 @ 128w-133w. The upgrade needlewheel may be buried and is causing your watts to be high. You may want to check it out.

[rbc1225]

Mike, what happened to you this week?

Sponge, yes it is the pro and I adjusted it this way with the air valve. Without the air adjustment it was about 140 to 150W, I believe. Based on Reeflos website this motor runs anywhere from 90 watts to 175 watts depending on the wheel and volute, so having it set where I do to produce a stable airflow should not hurt anything. If it does in a few years I will deal with it then I guess.

One other thing I will throw in here. If anyone here has an undrilled airvalve I would love to buy it from you if you are using something else or a mod. I did forget to measure the power before I drilled the air intake valve.

[rbc1225]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687822#post14687822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbc1225
hehehe Measured the air flow last night and it was bouncing anywhere from 90CFM to 115CFM. I shut the air valve a little bit so the meter would quit bouncing and it is pulling right at 100 CFM at 168 to 170 watts. Working quite well.

I need to correct this. These are SCFH not CFM. I used the Dwyer RMC-103 to measure this.

[depresed34]

hi,I have orca clone but with square body 12x12x17h 6 inch round neck over all 420high,has anybody tried to feed orca skimmer thru becket injector?adding air volume w/o air pump,easing job of orca motor...

[rbc1225]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14826396#post14826396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by depresed34
hi,I have orca clone but with square body 12x12x17h 6 inch round neck over all 420high,has anybody tried to feed orca skimmer thru becket injector?adding air volume w/o air pump,easing job of orca motor...

No need, the Orca 250 Pro is awesome just as it is. I would be interested in what an Orca clone looks like though. Where did you pick it up?

[JRaquatics]

We have one Reeflo 250 Pro kit available. Gives us a call or email if your interested.

[obiwanthegoby]

does changing the needle wheel out void your five year warranty with reeflo?

[JRaquatics]

No, since the pump itself is not being modded.

[obiwanthegoby]

alright guys im in emergency mode! I thought my seal had went out on my 250, I contacted reeflo and they sent out a new seal kit, I installed everything looking from melevs step by step that is posted on his site and I thought everything was fine. Then started the noise.... It is a whistling noise comming from the pump. Almost like when I bearing is going out or there is rubbing of the shaft metal to metal. Thats the best way I know how to say it. Other than the noise everything seems normal. I went ahead and disconnected the power because I didnt want to burn the motor upor something, bust another seal... I what could the noise be? I have had the skimmer down since last wednesday night waiting on seals that came in friday! any one with an idea of what could be going on...should i just let it run and see what happens?

[obiwanthegoby]

wd 40 cures all

[GlassReef]

Was gonna suggest some trying some light machine oil, but WD-40 sounds good. :D

[obiwanthegoby]

where the seal had leaked the shaft had some buildup and rust i had scraped off, Im guessing something worked its way against the rotating shaft. I sprayed some wd40 in and whala! no noise...

[Lowredranger]

I just purchased a used Orca 250 pro and i am installing it under my stand and my sump is a standard 120 48x24x24. I am not able to lift the skimmer up any higher and I wanted to put a bulkhead in the side of the tank for the drain. Can anyone tell me first can the skimmer outlet be under water if so how far? And secondly how can i adapt the outlet pipe to either a 1.5" or 2" bulkhead since it does not fit inside a 1.5"?

Side note I do not believe the return will be underwater under normal operation but if i was able to have it drain underwater I just wanted to check.

The skimmer will be going on my new 280g with a 120g sump.

Thanks
Jason

[JRaquatics]

The output needs to be higher than the sump water level so a back siphon is not created. You can submerge the output as long as it is vented to relieve back pressure. There was a metric to british fitting that came with the skimmer that converts the metric to 1.5 PVC. The fitting only fit into the female portion on the plumbing ex. the tee. You can use a 1.5 rubber boot to couple the pipes together to make the conversion.

[icantremember]

Are the 250 Pro kits still available? All I see is the collection cup and the needlewheel separately. For some reason I thought I remembered seeing the Dart Gold pump, upgraded collection cup and the needlewheel as a kit. Maybe not?

[icantremember]

Nevermind above post. Just placed an order for a CAT3.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15275204#post15275204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by icantremember
Nevermind above post. Just placed an order for a CAT3.

Great choice. You will really like the CAT 3.

[vchin]

Are the CAT 3s really that much better than the Reeflo 250 Pros?

[Lightsluvr]

What's the difference between the Orca 250 and the "Pro" model? Maybe the neck extension and larger collection cup option?

I am sure it's described somewhere in the thread, but I didn't see it...

I bought a lightly used (4 months) 250 for my new system - can you tell from this picture what it is?
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/lightsluvr/plum2.jpg
I know it has a monster Baldor motor on the pump - not sure if that's good or bad...

LL

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15283655#post15283655 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vchin
Are the CAT 3s really that much better than the Reeflo 250 Pros?

The body design is better on the Hurricone CAT 3, designed for less turbulence giving it an edge in performance over the Reeflo 250 Pro.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15298332#post15298332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lightsluvr
What's the difference between the Orca 250 and the "Pro" model? Maybe the neck extension and larger collection cup option?

I am sure it's described somewhere in the thread, but I didn't see it...

I bought a lightly used (4 months) 250 for my new system - can you tell from this picture what it is?
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/lightsluvr/plum2.jpg
I know it has a monster Baldor motor on the pump - not sure if that's good or bad...

LL

You have the stock 250 with the better baldor motor. The Pro kit is the larger cup/neck extension and pro pinwheel. With the upgrade you will increase bubble density and airpull turning a great skimmer into a monster.

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15298558#post15298558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
You have the stock 250 with the better baldor motor. The Pro kit is the larger cup/neck extension and pro pinwheel. With the upgrade you will increase bubble density and airpull turning a great skimmer into a monster.

Are the 250 Pro Kits still available to purchase? I can't seem to find them...

LL

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15299356#post15299356 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lightsluvr
Are the 250 Pro Kits still available to purchase? I can't seem to find them...

LL

The cups are currently out of stock and have a small waiting list but are expected to be back in stock the first week of March. The wheel can be an additional item selected at the bottom of the page.

Pro Cup (http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein-Skimmers-Accessories/c21_64/p279/ReeFlo-Orca-250-Collection-Cup/product_info.html)

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15301633#post15301633 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
The cups are currently out of stock and have a small waiting list but are expected to be back in stock the first week of March. The wheel can be an additional item selected at the bottom of the page.

Pro Cup (http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein-Skimmers-Accessories/c21_64/p279/ReeFlo-Orca-250-Collection-Cup/product_info.html)

March?

LL

[JRaquatics]

We got a shipment of cups in on Friday. After filling orders we have one Reeflo 250 Pro cup left.

[jwilliams860]

Any word on the new model Orca Skimmer?

[JRaquatics]

Coral Vue is no longer making Reeflo (orca) skimmers. They are now selling their Hurricone professional line of skimmers. The Hurricone CAT 3 is a Dart based skimmer which is a perfected version of the Reeflo 250 Pro skimmer.

[CreepySalt]

The new version is made by My Reef Creations

[serpentman]

I think MRC is now making the new Orca skimmers.

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15408266#post15408266 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
The Hurricone CAT 3 is a Dart based skimmer which is a perfected version of the Reeflo 250 Pro skimmer.

Nothing is ever "perfected" :D

As soon as I buy something "perfect", somebody comes along with the better mouse trap... :eek:

JME

LL

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15418768#post15418768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lightsluvr
... As soon as I buy something "perfect", somebody comes along with the better mouse trap... :eek: Tell me about it ...:cool: :rolleyes:

[CreepySalt]

I’m finally getting close to setting up my 250 with the pro upgrade (its been sitting for months!!). The lid with my pro upgrade doesn’t have any vent holes in it. I was considering putting a single hole and bulk head in it so I could put an air filter on it in the future if needed. 2 questions- is there a reason multiple smaller holes would be better than a single hole, and if not what size bulk head should I use to allow for plenty of air release? I was thinking ¾” or 1”.
Thanks

[GlassReef]

CreepySalt - IMHO, a single 1" hole would be fine - better toward the edge of the lid than the middle. Only problem I could foresee is an expulsion of dry skimmate - shouldn't be a big deal.

[serpentman]

I think smaller holes are better to avoid skimmate escaping. Here is how I drilled mine:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i223/serpentman2000/DSCF8640.jpg

[CreepySalt]

Thanks for the info.

[tazmanian_cowboy]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the back pressure what shuts the production down to prevent spillover? Wouldn't these holes in the lid still allow the air to escape?

[klasiksb]

Will the pro cup and impellar be available again?

[JRaquatics]

The Reeflo Pro accessories are no longer in production.

[klasiksb]

$#@!

Are there any other options available to get the pro kits performance? Mainly the upgraded NW as the cup extension shouldn't be a problem. Any way to get the drawing and specs on the pro kits NW? :)

[Lightsluvr]

I found a local reefer who had a 250 Pro for sale and snapped it up... it just happens to be the fellow who wrote this article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/pr/index.php

(Paul purchased the MRC Orca Pro II to replace his 250 ProKit. He will be writing an article on the Pro II very soon.)

Here is mine after a few hours on the job:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/lightsluvr/skimmer1.jpg

Quite a head on this cup!
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/lightsluvr/skimmer2.jpg

After 24 hours:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff125/lightsluvr/orcapro2.jpg

I am very impressed with the Pro 250!

LL