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Unread 04/29/2014, 08:58 PM   #51
GQuinn
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidfrances View Post
Terrible products. I have two Skimz 251 and a 121. In 18 months I have had an impeller blow out, and now the cords on the pumps are crumbling. Got shocked pretty bad last week and plan on filing a complaint with the CPSC
Which cord crumbled, the 121 or the 251, or both?

Thank you.


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Unread 04/30/2014, 05:18 AM   #52
Pseudo69
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I have mine and no problems (except I dropped the power supply in the water) but I have a replacement PS coming in today. I have had no problems with my SM163 DC skimmer. Exceptional performance for my tank. 3 of my other friends are running the DC skimmers of all sizes and none are having problems.

Actually one friend was running a SM163 on 300 gallons of water and it was keeping up with his extremely heavy bio-load, full blown SPS tank with 30 fish until he upgraded.


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Unread 04/30/2014, 05:28 AM   #53
davidfrances
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GQuinn View Post
Which cord crumbled, the 121 or the 251, or both?

Thank you.
Both 251's


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Unread 04/30/2014, 06:14 AM   #54
Pseudo69
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Is the skimmer still under warranty? I think the warranty is 1 year on the pumps and 2 for the body. How old is the skimmer?


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Unread 04/30/2014, 07:29 AM   #55
davidfrances
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pseudo69 View Post
Is the skimmer still under warranty? I think the warranty is 1 year on the pumps and 2 for the body. How old is the skimmer?
The 251's are both 18 months old and thus out of warranty. I made a claim under my credit card's extended warranty program for one of the pumps, but now the others are failing like dominos.

The 121 is less than 3 months old, but I expect its pump to fail the minute the warranty expires.

Will file a complaint with the CPSC and another with my credit card's extended warranty program.


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Unread 06/11/2014, 02:20 PM   #56
nickman
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Are you running Ozone by any chance?


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Unread 06/11/2014, 03:03 PM   #57
pirate2876
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I have an SM-203 and have no issues with it for over a year. I know that is not that long, but I love this skimmer.


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Unread 06/22/2014, 08:07 PM   #58
FuzzyZipperbaum
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I love the 301,,, I've used it as both an external sitting in my sump or out of the sump....no problems....


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Unread 06/22/2014, 08:58 PM   #59
Psionicdragon
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anyone used the Oval yet? I am debating about it, but can't find any info.

I am using the SRO with 3k bb. Not sure if it is better or not.


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Unread 06/22/2014, 10:25 PM   #60
Beefy_Reefy
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Skimz SM203 leaks for me. Leaks where cup meets body. I've replaced the O-ring and no change. This is the worst skimmer I've purchased. Doesn't skim well for me either. I've tried water height from 7 to 10 and everything in between. Not to mention the micro bubbles it puts in my DT. I've had this for 5-6 months ugh...



Last edited by Beefy_Reefy; 06/22/2014 at 10:31 PM.
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Unread 08/12/2014, 05:47 PM   #61
kegogut
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beefy_Reefy View Post
Skimz SM203 leaks for me. Leaks where cup meets body. I've replaced the O-ring and no change. This is the worst skimmer I've purchased. Doesn't skim well for me either. I've tried water height from 7 to 10 and everything in between. Not to mention the micro bubbles it puts in my DT. I've had this for 5-6 months ugh...
Thats not good, Im getting the SM201 at the beginning of next month and am looking forward to it. Hope I dont have this problem.


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Current Tank Info: 225 mixed w/ 225 sump 550 lbs live rock,3x MarinePure ceramic blocks,Skimz SM201,Geo 618 CR,Vectra L1,DOS automatic water changes,3x 250w MH w/ 4x actinic T5,All ran by Apex thru Fusion.--57 community tank w/ OR T-247,120 nem tank.
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Unread 10/06/2014, 05:54 PM   #62
jackson6745
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My skimz sm203 pump died with 5 days of warranty left (last week). My friends sm203 pump just died on him today, also under warranty. Anyone else having problems with the dc pumps? I really like the performance of these skimmers, but if the pumps don't last than I have to move on.


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Unread 10/06/2014, 08:06 PM   #63
Reeftub
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I have a sm253 an I'm worried it won't last. I do k ow they came out with a new dc pump but don't know if it's any better. I wish these guys would put a good dc pump in and stand behind their product as it is the best instead of putting crap in just to last the warranty or less. I know there are better dc pumps out there. They should be proud of a product but instead they jump on what's selling just to make a profit. No pride, and if there was they would have the best dc pump in their skimmers. Love everything but the fact of the worry of when my pump will take a ****.my skimmer skims like a mofo but I will prolly end up like everyone else with a dead piece of acrylic. Not what's expected after paying over $700


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Unread 10/06/2014, 08:12 PM   #64
FirstContact
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I have an SK222. Been running about four years no issues. I like it a lot compared to other skimmers in that price point four years ago.


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Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock
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Unread 10/06/2014, 08:15 PM   #65
Reeftub
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I get that the skimmers with regular pumps last but just stating the dc should last longer. It's not just Skimz but everyone who sells the cheap dc motors.


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Unread 10/06/2014, 11:40 PM   #66
FirstContact
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Sorry to get that now. That is a problem if they are failing early. Just had a DC return pump fail a few months before warranty and it was replaced, but it was another brand. Good luck on yours lasting!


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Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock
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Unread 10/11/2014, 04:47 PM   #67
Mike S
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jackson6745 View Post
My skimz sm203 pump died with 5 days of warranty left (last week). My friends sm203 pump just died on him today, also under warranty. Anyone else having problems with the dc pumps? I really like the performance of these skimmers, but if the pumps don't last than I have to move on.
My DC pump on my SL253 just died today. The controller is lit up bump the impeller just makes a few rotations then stops. I have a little over a month on my warranty so if it had to go now was the time. I sent the retailer who I purchased it from (Aquacave) an email asking them for assistance in figuring out how to make a claim. They are closed so it will probably be a few days before I get a response. Was your issue resolved?

Can't say that I'm thrilled about the reliability of the pumps. Hopefully they've gone to something more reliable. I may start researching alternative pumps.


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Unread 11/01/2014, 02:28 PM   #68
myram
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Does anyone use the air adjustment screw, or just leave it wide open?


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Unread 11/04/2014, 04:32 AM   #69
jackson6745
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Does anyone use the air adjustment screw, or just leave it wide open?
I keep the adjustment screw open a little bit. The bubble are much smaller, and more uniform, when the airflow is restricted somewhat.


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Unread 11/04/2014, 06:47 AM   #70
myram
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I have mine set right now to about 1/2-3/4 of a turn open, just to where the pump goes silent. If I close it too much, the pump gets very loud and doesn't like it. So I open it to just where it gets silent and left it, then adjusted the level with the star knob.


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Unread 11/04/2014, 09:32 AM   #71
MRCYCS805
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Im running a skimz dc leopard sl-183 and luv it its been in action for about 4-5 months now no probkem skimz like a champ i have it in 9" of water thinking i need to raise it cause if i turn the speed all the way up to 6 it wet skimz like crazy and i get alot of micro bubbles so i run it on 5 as of now its on a 120long with a 60gal sump its the quietest skimmer I've ever owned no doubt i find the air adjustment valve a lil tricky too some say a 1/4 open some say all the way i try to make adjustments but fear I'm going to close it too much and lower the efficiency



Last edited by MRCYCS805; 11/04/2014 at 09:38 AM.
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Unread 11/04/2014, 09:13 PM   #72
Reeftub
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6months running and still love this sm-253
It's a big skimmer for a 190g but I use bio pellets so works great.


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Unread 11/05/2014, 09:25 PM   #73
oh207
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I'm thinking of getting a Skimz Oval SV203 DC for a 120g. This is the oval shape design. Does anyone have any experience or feedback on this one?


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Current Tank Info: DB 65g RR Tank, 30g Sump w sock & fuge, EHEIM 3000 Rtn. Pump, Araganite 40lbs, 40lbs base rock, 60lbs LR, EHEIM 150W Jager Heater, Ecotech MP40wES & MP10wES Vortech Propeller Pump, Ecotech Radion XR30w LED, Seaside Aquatics Protein Skimmer (CS7-150g)
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Unread 11/06/2014, 10:14 AM   #74
MRCYCS805
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Heres my badboy when i got it ohhh yeah so sexy lol!!!!


And after settin it up im luvin this skimmer !!!!!

2nd day of skimmer nog mmm mm mmm lol skimz dc leopard sl183


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Unread 11/06/2014, 11:47 AM   #75
Eric Boerner
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I've had a SKIMZ SM253 Monzter for 5 months and so far (knock on wood) it's been the best skimmer I've owned. Adjusting for skimmate quality is great. I can get a nice thick black sludge without getting too thick, or too thin. The massive 2 gallon collection cup is necessary. I'm not using as much bio-pellet as I though I would with the amount of nutrients I have in the tank, so I know the skimmer is killing it big time. The DC pump is nice on the Apex, slowing it down during feed times, then ramping it back up 30 minutes later.




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Current Tank Info: 225 gallon SPS
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