Skimz skimmer club - Page 6

DamonG · 10/06/2015, 02:41 PM

Is this only happening on the dc pumped versions? That would be hacked if one or both of my pumps went out.. I mean that thing is a monster, and so was the 163 I had..

Cabo2008 · 10/06/2015, 06:09 PM

I really don't know, that's just the diagnosis they gave me on mine.

DamonG · 10/11/2015, 01:29 PM

Hmmnnn,I guess only time will tell. Mine is still skimming silently like a mad man!

Eel-byte · 10/11/2015, 02:03 PM

Any pump will seize up if you don't clean it in a regular basis

FarmerTy · 10/22/2015, 09:28 AM

I'm bad about cleaning my pump but I try to get in there at least 1/year. Just by sheer luck, there wasn't anything stuck in the impeller like I usually see... snail shell.. biopellet... etc.

flaj75 · 10/23/2015, 06:29 PM

Anyone have any good luck with the Skimz Oval SV203? I like that the footprint is slimmer and allows for more space in my sump.

cruzo · 10/24/2015, 01:35 PM

Can someone that has a SN143 please tell me the actual dimensions?
I know they are listed on the website but I wanted to see the actual dimensions from an owner. I have one of the SC Aquarium sumps with the SCA 301 and wanted to see if I could upgrade with the space I have.

Thanks
Orlando

Jmasiello · 11/10/2015, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flaj75

Anyone have any good luck with the Skimz Oval SV203? I like that the footprint is slimmer and allows for more space in my sump.

Curious to know anyone with this model and how well it works?

Eel-byte · 11/16/2015, 06:45 AM

Just can't get this skimmer tuned in. I have to have the valve almost fully closed to get the water in the neck. I have the skimmer in 9" of water. Any thoughts?

DamonG · 11/18/2015, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eel-byte

Just can't get this skimmer tuned in. I have to have the valve almost fully closed to get the water in the neck. I have the skimmer in 9" of water. Any thoughts?

Where is your air control set? From the bubbles, it looks down way low (like fully open).. That will work sometimes, but you usually have to close the gate completely to get it up high enough to get a decent (either light to dark) skim..

Both of mine that i have owned, i started with the air valve at about 4 threads showing. I then,, at it so that, to begin with, the bubbles break and the bottom of the collection cup neck.. From there, i can adjust the gate valve to get the color i want or need..

Eel-byte · 11/18/2015, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamonG

Where is your air control set?

3/4 turn from closed position

DamonG · 11/18/2015, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eel-byte

3/4 turn from closed position

That's probably why.. Try the thread method i mentioned above.. Count the number of threads showing.. How many are showing?

And where is your gate valve? They actually work together.. Something doesn't seem right or is missing in the description given..
The gate valve. You may want to check and make sure that it's still connected(the two parts) and is actually opening and closing the valve..

rosterv · 11/18/2015, 10:28 PM

Skimz Mini monster 143 is a great little skimmer. Efficient, silent, pulls a lot of wet or slowly accumulates super dark skimmate. Very adjustable but perhaps too adjustable since it can be tough to get set to be consistent.

flaj75 · 11/20/2015, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamonG

That's probably why.. Try the thread method i mentioned above.. Count the number of threads showing.. How many are showing?

And where is your gate valve? They actually work together.. Something doesn't seem right or is missing in the description given..
The gate valve. You may want to check and make sure that it's still connected(the two parts) and is actually opening and closing the valve..

I just ordered the Skimz SV203. How long does it take to break in? Whats the ideal water height do you have in your sump.

Thanks!

DamonG · 11/20/2015, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flaj75

I just ordered the Skimz SV203. How long does it take to break in? Whats the ideal water height do you have in your sump.

Thanks!

It took my 203,from our the box, about 5 to 6 hours to begin skimming. But even after it began, for about a week, as the film in the neck built up, the skim got progressively darker, which, i then adjusted the gate to keep it wet skimming..

And I personally, like, and have settled on 9" height for the skimmer section of my fuges. That depth usually, from what i have observed and experienced, is usually somewhere in the range recommends from the mfg's(for the most part)..

Mike S · 11/25/2015, 01:07 PM

Curious if anyone else has any long term feedback on the DC pumps that skimz is using?. My first pump lasted a little less than a year before it died. The merchant was good and replaced it but the replacement also died within a year. Pump only has a one year warranty so I am out of luck there but that still doesn't excuse poor reliability. Its a shame since the skimmer itself is good. The pump is external so there are other optikns. Has anyone else had a similiar or different experience with them?

clittrell · 11/26/2015, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Boerner

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.

I know this was a while ago but how did you do the connection to apex?

Thanks.

myram · 11/27/2015, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eel-byte

Just can't get this skimmer tuned in. I have to have the valve almost fully closed to get the water in the neck. I have the skimmer in 9" of water. Any thoughts?

Close your air intake off completely and watch the level rise up. Then open it about 1/4 turn and leave it. Then use the output knob to adjust the water level.

It takes some tuning, but once you find the sweet spot lock it down and leave it.........these skimmers rock.

dendrite · 11/27/2015, 08:56 AM

Happy Black Friday. I've had my skimz sm 203 for a year and decided to take it apart and clean it. So, how do you get the front facing off of the impeller housing on the vsc 5000 pump. The are no screws, only side slots. I'm afraid to just pry it off with a screwdriver and break the plastic. Any thoughts?

myram · 11/27/2015, 07:20 PM

I use a piece of PVC pipe, it fit's perfect into the endcap. I cut 3 slots in it for the fins on the endcap. It gives you a lot more leverage to turn it and take off the endcap.

dendrite · 11/27/2015, 08:27 PM

Thanks, will do

cruzo · 11/30/2015, 03:18 PM

I just took the plunge and ordered an SN123. I wanted the 143 but because of space limitations I had to go with the 123.
I am currently running a SCA-301 at 6.5" of water. I have taken some pics of my skim now and will take some new ones with the Skimz to compare.

SoloGarth · 12/04/2015, 01:52 AM

Just got my SM203. Beautiful piece of equipment. I did realize that I might have ordered the wrong size when it arrived. It makes the Deltec AP600 it replaced look like a toy. Hopefully it is not too large for my system but I couldn't pass on the Black Friday deal. Been running about a day and I've been fiddling with it. Dead silent unlike the deltec which was the loudest thing in the room.

cruzo · 12/04/2015, 07:29 AM

Yeah the pictures don't do these skimmers any justice. I received my SN123 yesterday expecting it to be a lot smaller even smaller than the sca-301 it was replacing. But it actually turned out to be a lot bigger.
I originally had reservations about getting the skimz after reading some posts about them being flimsy and and easy to break. But it felt nice and solid to me. Looks like the only way to break it is if you really crank the screws down like if you were putting a car tire on.
This morning it was already collecting nice skim with a nice dry foam head.

DamonG · 12/04/2015, 10:48 AM

Yes, they are awesome "big" skimmers.. My buddy even said when he saw it said " damn, that thing is insanely huge, how did you get it under there" I, like you guys started to not order mine based off some of the comments on here, but I'm extremely glad i did! Mine has been going like crazy ever since the day i got it months ago..

They really are beautiful as far as their quality and durability.. No, they don't have all the metal line some of the others, but i actually like that.. In my head, less to worry about..

And oh, the thing about them being too big, my 251 is rated according to skimz specs for a 793 gallon tank.. But brs rates it for a 293 gallon.. Mine has never stopped cranking on my 210 twv.. I do run pellets and feed heavily though.. But it keeps the tank clean, that's for sure.. I think that, since it's said that they(skimmers) only pull 30% of organics, that a somewhat larger(not insanely) skimmer is still well applicable, even today..

And these things are so dead silent that is insane! I don't think I have ever had a skimmer this quiet that performed this well.. Actually, only one other brand of skimmer has performed this well for me.. They really are beasts!

10/06/2015, 06:09 PM	#127
Cabo2008 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 248	I really don't know, that's just the diagnosis they gave me on mine. __________________ Aqueon 40 Breeder, DIY Stand, RO Varios-6 Return, AI Hydra 26HD's, Deltec i600 Skimmer, Profilux 4 controller, Jebao SLW-20's

12/04/2015, 01:52 AM	#148
SoloGarth Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Otis, MA Posts: 1,126	Just got my SM203. Beautiful piece of equipment. I did realize that I might have ordered the wrong size when it arrived. It makes the Deltec AP600 it replaced look like a toy. Hopefully it is not too large for my system but I couldn't pass on the Black Friday deal. Been running about a day and I've been fiddling with it. Dead silent unlike the deltec which was the loudest thing in the room. __________________ 120G Miracles Starfire SPS system Calcium Rx, Bio Pellets, Radions and Gyres My Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2549420

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10/06/2015, 02:41 PM	#126
DamonG Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 873	Is this only happening on the dc pumped versions? That would be hacked if one or both of my pumps went out.. I mean that thing is a monster, and so was the 163 I had..

10/11/2015, 01:29 PM	#128
DamonG Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 873	Hmmnnn,I guess only time will tell. Mine is still skimming silently like a mad man!

10/11/2015, 02:03 PM	#129
Eel-byte Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duluth, Mn Posts: 1,508	Any pump will seize up if you don't clean it in a regular basis

10/22/2015, 09:28 AM	#130
FarmerTy Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 871	I'm bad about cleaning my pump but I try to get in there at least 1/year. Just by sheer luck, there wasn't anything stuck in the impeller like I usually see... snail shell.. biopellet... etc.

10/23/2015, 06:29 PM	#131
flaj75 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 113	Anyone have any good luck with the Skimz Oval SV203? I like that the footprint is slimmer and allows for more space in my sump.

10/24/2015, 01:35 PM	#132
cruzo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 10	Can someone that has a SN143 please tell me the actual dimensions? I know they are listed on the website but I wanted to see the actual dimensions from an owner. I have one of the SC Aquarium sumps with the SCA 301 and wanted to see if I could upgrade with the space I have. Thanks Orlando

11/16/2015, 06:45 AM	#134
Eel-byte Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duluth, Mn Posts: 1,508	Just can't get this skimmer tuned in. I have to have the valve almost fully closed to get the water in the neck. I have the skimmer in 9" of water. Any thoughts?

11/18/2015, 10:28 PM	#138
rosterv Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: TX,OK Posts: 63	Skimz Mini monster 143 is a great little skimmer. Efficient, silent, pulls a lot of wet or slowly accumulates super dark skimmate. Very adjustable but perhaps too adjustable since it can be tough to get set to be consistent.

11/25/2015, 01:07 PM	#141
Mike S Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 387	Curious if anyone else has any long term feedback on the DC pumps that skimz is using?. My first pump lasted a little less than a year before it died. The merchant was good and replaced it but the replacement also died within a year. Pump only has a one year warranty so I am out of luck there but that still doesn't excuse poor reliability. Its a shame since the skimmer itself is good. The pump is external so there are other optikns. Has anyone else had a similiar or different experience with them?

11/27/2015, 08:56 AM	#144
dendrite Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: denver Posts: 493	Happy Black Friday. I've had my skimz sm 203 for a year and decided to take it apart and clean it. So, how do you get the front facing off of the impeller housing on the vsc 5000 pump. The are no screws, only side slots. I'm afraid to just pry it off with a screwdriver and break the plastic. Any thoughts?

11/27/2015, 07:20 PM	#145
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	I use a piece of PVC pipe, it fit's perfect into the endcap. I cut 3 slots in it for the fins on the endcap. It gives you a lot more leverage to turn it and take off the endcap.

11/27/2015, 08:27 PM	#146
dendrite Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: denver Posts: 493	Thanks, will do

11/30/2015, 03:18 PM	#147
cruzo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 10	I just took the plunge and ordered an SN123. I wanted the 143 but because of space limitations I had to go with the 123. I am currently running a SCA-301 at 6.5" of water. I have taken some pics of my skim now and will take some new ones with the Skimz to compare.

12/04/2015, 07:29 AM	#149
cruzo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 10	Yeah the pictures don't do these skimmers any justice. I received my SN123 yesterday expecting it to be a lot smaller even smaller than the sca-301 it was replacing. But it actually turned out to be a lot bigger. I originally had reservations about getting the skimz after reading some posts about them being flimsy and and easy to break. But it felt nice and solid to me. Looks like the only way to break it is if you really crank the screws down like if you were putting a car tire on. This morning it was already collecting nice skim with a nice dry foam head.

12/04/2015, 10:48 AM	#150
DamonG Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 873	Yes, they are awesome "big" skimmers.. My buddy even said when he saw it said " damn, that thing is insanely huge, how did you get it under there" I, like you guys started to not order mine based off some of the comments on here, but I'm extremely glad i did! Mine has been going like crazy ever since the day i got it months ago.. They really are beautiful as far as their quality and durability.. No, they don't have all the metal line some of the others, but i actually like that.. In my head, less to worry about.. And oh, the thing about them being too big, my 251 is rated according to skimz specs for a 793 gallon tank.. But brs rates it for a 293 gallon.. Mine has never stopped cranking on my 210 twv.. I do run pellets and feed heavily though.. But it keeps the tank clean, that's for sure.. I think that, since it's said that they(skimmers) only pull 30% of organics, that a somewhat larger(not insanely) skimmer is still well applicable, even today.. And these things are so dead silent that is insane! I don't think I have ever had a skimmer this quiet that performed this well.. Actually, only one other brand of skimmer has performed this well for me.. They really are beasts!