Skimz SK181 - Quick Review

yeldarbj · 05/11/2011, 03:43 PM

I've been using my new Skimz SK181 skimmer for a couple weeks now on my ~100g sps tank. I've been very impressed with it thus far. For those not familiar with it, this is what it looks like:

I purchased it directly from RC sponsor Aqua Digital. The box was extremely well packed, even had a bubble wrap "coccoon" on the outside of the box. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. Great service and communication from Aqua Digital.

With the internal pump, the skimmer has a very small footprint, just over 8" x 8". The pump is very quiet and efficient, rated at only 12w. One unique feature of this skimmer is the output is at the bottom, under the pump. Water exits out a channel in the corner of the base of the skimmer. Here are a couple pictures that show this better.

Rather than a typical standpipe, it uses a gate valve to help regulate the water level in the skimmer body (as seen in the picture above). A screw at the top will raise and lower the gate. There is also an air valve if you choose to limit the air draw. Thus far, I've left the gate and air valve wide open, but the skimmer is also sitting fairly deep at 9 1/2".

The skimmer required almost no break in period. I did a quick soak and short run in a vinegar/water mix, rinsed it well, and placed it in the tank. I was expecting it to take several days to get going. After only 3 hours I realized that the SK181 was ready to go. This is the foam after 3 hours:

And here is the result after 4 days:

The tank has been going for a bit more than a year and a half. I originally used an I-Tech 200 with Tunze hydrofoamer. It's a great skimmer, but I finally came to the conclusion that it was too much for my tank (probably should have chosen the 100 from the start). I then used a Tunze 9010 which I had great success with on my previous tank (65g). I like the very small footprint of the Tunze, and it worked fine, but I felt like I might need more skimming power. That's when I discovered the Skimz line and after discussing with Aqua Digital, I chose to go with the SK181.

So after a couple weeks, I'm very impressed. The skimmer output is very consistent and has required zero tweaking. I think it's the right size for my tank. It's rated for anywhere from ~50g to ~200g. I would guess that this skimmer will be great on anything from ~75g to ~125 for reef tanks.

dustinc · 05/11/2011, 04:43 PM

Great review! I just got mine installed on Saturday and love it. Im running mine in 6.5" of water and have the air almost all the way closed and gate valve almost the same and it's working great. Highly recommend this skimmer!

NyReefNoob · 05/11/2011, 04:55 PM

plus one on the customer service from michael, i got the sm202

moonpod · 05/12/2011, 06:12 PM

you can purchase directly from aqua-digital?

yeldarbj · 05/12/2011, 06:22 PM

Yes, just contact Michael Hall, owner of Aqua Digital.

James77 · 05/14/2011, 02:50 PM

How quiet is the pump..... Can it be heard outside the stand with no other equipment on?

yeldarbj · 05/14/2011, 04:37 PM

I think the pump is very quiet. All I hear is the foaming action of the skimmer which I'm not sure you can totally avoid with any skimmer. There is no noticeable pump noise. Maybe dustinc will chime with his impression and compare it to the Bubble Blaster from his SRO XP 1000 SSS.

allsps40 · 05/14/2011, 07:12 PM

Good review. How much did this skimmer cost you? I am looking to upgrade my skimmer for my current that but need one that will handle around 100g for a future tank upgrade. This is one of 3 skimmers I am looking at.

dustinc · 05/14/2011, 08:38 PM

The skimmer pump is silent. It is the quietest skimmer pump I've had. The bubble blaster was pretty quiet but still a small noise and with this one it has no hum.

James77 · 05/14/2011, 08:43 PM

Thanks yeldarbj and dustinc.

Myka · 07/20/2011, 08:04 PM

Could you guys please state which skimmers you have used in the past? Reviews are always relative! =]

I'm considering the Skimz Kone SK181 for my ~100 reef. I have a EuroReef RS-180 on there right now that I'm not happy with (performs well, but is really noisy and likes to overflow). I have a SWC Cone on my nano that I really like, and the Skimz is a really similar design.

dustinc · 07/20/2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Could you guys please state which skimmers you have used in the past? Reviews are always relative! =]

I'm considering the Skims Kone SK181 for my ~100 reef. I have a EuroReef RS-180 on there right now that I'm not happy with (really noisy and likes to overflow). I have a SWC Cone on my nano that I really like, and the Skims is a really similar design.

Ive use Deltec APH525, SWC 160 Cone, SWC 120 Cone, SRO 1000SSS, just to name a few. The Skimz is my favorite skimmer I've ever owned.

Myka · 07/20/2011, 08:23 PM

Thanks! I am comparing the Skimz Kone to the SWC Cone trying to decide which to buy...wondering if the price difference is worth it on similarly designed skimmers?

dustinc · 07/20/2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Thanks! I am comparing the Skimz Kone to the SWC Cone trying to decide which to buy...wondering if the price difference is worth it on similarly designed skimmers?

It is IMO. The acrylic work is much nicer on the Skimz line

yeldarbj · 07/21/2011, 05:49 AM

I've used an I-Tech 200 with Tunze hydrofoamer and Tunze 9010 on this tank. I still really like the Skimz. They are about to release a new needle wheel upgrade too.

moonpod · 07/21/2011, 08:10 AM

Different skimz unit but I got the SM252. I like external units and that's where I have gripe with design. The acrylic work I like. Pump seems decent. The outflow and air valves are nice. But the way they "plumbed" the pump wastes a ton of potential contact time IMO. Over half the "tube" is empty. I noted the internal units shouldn't have that issue the way they are designed. Also the external cone looks better in that respect as well

moonpod · 07/21/2011, 11:05 AM

correction SM202

Mindflux · 07/21/2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeldarbj

With the internal pump, the skimmer has a very small footprint, just over 8" x 8". The pump is very quiet and efficient, rated at only 12w. One unique feature of this skimmer is the output is at the bottom, under the pump. Water exits out a channel in the corner of the base of the skimmer. Here are a couple pictures that show this better.

Don't you mean input is at the bottom? Output should be pushing through the skimmer body to produce bubbles.

moonpod · 07/21/2011, 11:15 AM

I think he meant the skimmer output not the pump output.

bamf25 · 07/23/2011, 11:50 AM

What model of Skimz for a 120g system with a 40 g sump?

moonpod · 07/23/2011, 11:55 AM

I'm using a sm202 on similar volume

bamf25 · 07/23/2011, 12:07 PM

If figure I have about 130g total volume. SO was looking at the sk181, the sm161, the sk201, or the sm201. I know that the sm201 has the largest pump and there were some initial "critisisms" with the es 2800 pump in the sk201. Have these been adressed. I want an effective and QUIET skimmer.

moonpod · 07/23/2011, 12:08 PM

201 and 202 have same pump right? Just int vs ext? If so my pump pretty damn quiet

bamf25 · 07/23/2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonpod

201 and 202 have same pump right? Just int vs ext? If so my pump pretty damn quiet

I believe they both have the es 5000 the odd one in the 201 line is the sk201 with the es 2800 pump, which is also in the sm161. I think the sk181 has the es2000 pump.

yeldarbj · 07/23/2011, 12:57 PM

I'd think you'd be fine with either the sm161 or sk181. The sk181 does have the es2000 pump, the sm161 has the es2800. The theory is that the cone design lets you get by with a smaller pump.

05/11/2011, 03:43 PM	#1
yeldarbj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,295	Skimz SK181 - Quick Review I've been using my new Skimz SK181 skimmer for a couple weeks now on my ~100g sps tank. I've been very impressed with it thus far. For those not familiar with it, this is what it looks like: I purchased it directly from RC sponsor Aqua Digital. The box was extremely well packed, even had a bubble wrap "coccoon" on the outside of the box. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. Great service and communication from Aqua Digital. With the internal pump, the skimmer has a very small footprint, just over 8" x 8". The pump is very quiet and efficient, rated at only 12w. One unique feature of this skimmer is the output is at the bottom, under the pump. Water exits out a channel in the corner of the base of the skimmer. Here are a couple pictures that show this better. Rather than a typical standpipe, it uses a gate valve to help regulate the water level in the skimmer body (as seen in the picture above). A screw at the top will raise and lower the gate. There is also an air valve if you choose to limit the air draw. Thus far, I've left the gate and air valve wide open, but the skimmer is also sitting fairly deep at 9 1/2". The skimmer required almost no break in period. I did a quick soak and short run in a vinegar/water mix, rinsed it well, and placed it in the tank. I was expecting it to take several days to get going. After only 3 hours I realized that the SK181 was ready to go. This is the foam after 3 hours: And here is the result after 4 days: The tank has been going for a bit more than a year and a half. I originally used an I-Tech 200 with Tunze hydrofoamer. It's a great skimmer, but I finally came to the conclusion that it was too much for my tank (probably should have chosen the 100 from the start). I then used a Tunze 9010 which I had great success with on my previous tank (65g). I like the very small footprint of the Tunze, and it worked fine, but I felt like I might need more skimming power. That's when I discovered the Skimz line and after discussing with Aqua Digital, I chose to go with the SK181. So after a couple weeks, I'm very impressed. The skimmer output is very consistent and has required zero tweaking. I think it's the right size for my tank. It's rated for anywhere from ~50g to ~200g. I would guess that this skimmer will be great on anything from ~75g to ~125 for reef tanks.

05/11/2011, 04:43 PM	#2
dustinc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 1,096	Great review! I just got mine installed on Saturday and love it. Im running mine in 6.5" of water and have the air almost all the way closed and gate valve almost the same and it's working great. Highly recommend this skimmer! __________________ You might be too strong to surrender boy, but you're far too frail to fight! Current Tank Info: 120 Planet

05/11/2011, 04:55 PM	#3
NyReefNoob skimmer freak Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: peekskill, ny Posts: 1,209	plus one on the customer service from michael, i got the sm202 __________________ custom 45g cube all in one, ai hydra 26, 2 mp10w, ac jr. ,bubble magnus triple doser, bm nac5 hob skimmer My dad always said the only stupid questions are the ones not asked Current Tank Info: custom 45g cube AIO

05/12/2011, 06:12 PM	#4
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	you can purchase directly from aqua-digital? __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

05/14/2011, 02:50 PM	#6
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	How quiet is the pump..... Can it be heard outside the stand with no other equipment on? __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

05/12/2011, 06:22 PM	#5
yeldarbj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,295	Yes, just contact Michael Hall, owner of Aqua Digital.

05/14/2011, 04:37 PM	#7
yeldarbj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,295	I think the pump is very quiet. All I hear is the foaming action of the skimmer which I'm not sure you can totally avoid with any skimmer. There is no noticeable pump noise. Maybe dustinc will chime with his impression and compare it to the Bubble Blaster from his SRO XP 1000 SSS.

05/14/2011, 07:12 PM	#8
allsps40 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 4,627	Good review. How much did this skimmer cost you? I am looking to upgrade my skimmer for my current that but need one that will handle around 100g for a future tank upgrade. This is one of 3 skimmers I am looking at. __________________ __________ Current Tank Info: Past reef tanks: 20H softy, 29G mixed reef, 55G mixed reef, 40B sps dominant mixed reef and 75G sps dominant mixed reef. No tank currently

05/14/2011, 08:38 PM	#9
dustinc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 1,096	The skimmer pump is silent. It is the quietest skimmer pump I've had. The bubble blaster was pretty quiet but still a small noise and with this one it has no hum. __________________ You might be too strong to surrender boy, but you're far too frail to fight! Current Tank Info: 120 Planet

05/14/2011, 08:43 PM	#10
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Thanks yeldarbj and dustinc. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

07/20/2011, 08:04 PM	#11
Myka Reefing since '93 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 2,436	Could you guys please state which skimmers you have used in the past? Reviews are always relative! =] I'm considering the Skimz Kone SK181 for my ~100 reef. I have a EuroReef RS-180 on there right now that I'm not happy with (performs well, but is really noisy and likes to overflow). I have a SWC Cone on my nano that I really like, and the Skimz is a really similar design. __________________ ~ Mindy, SPS addict. Current Tank Info: 69 SPS (73 gal net) established July 1/15. (HBD Canada!) ATB 840, ATI 6-bulb dimmable. Fauna Marin balling lite method. Last edited by Myka; 07/20/2011 at 08:14 PM.

07/20/2011, 08:23 PM	#13
Myka Reefing since '93 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 2,436	Thanks! I am comparing the Skimz Kone to the SWC Cone trying to decide which to buy...wondering if the price difference is worth it on similarly designed skimmers? __________________ ~ Mindy, SPS addict. Current Tank Info: 69 SPS (73 gal net) established July 1/15. (HBD Canada!) ATB 840, ATI 6-bulb dimmable. Fauna Marin balling lite method.

07/21/2011, 05:49 AM	#15
yeldarbj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,295	I've used an I-Tech 200 with Tunze hydrofoamer and Tunze 9010 on this tank. I still really like the Skimz. They are about to release a new needle wheel upgrade too.

07/21/2011, 08:10 AM	#16
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	Different skimz unit but I got the SM252. I like external units and that's where I have gripe with design. The acrylic work I like. Pump seems decent. The outflow and air valves are nice. But the way they "plumbed" the pump wastes a ton of potential contact time IMO. Over half the "tube" is empty. I noted the internal units shouldn't have that issue the way they are designed. Also the external cone looks better in that respect as well __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky Last edited by moonpod; 07/21/2011 at 08:31 AM.

07/21/2011, 11:05 AM	#17
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	correction SM202 __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

07/21/2011, 11:15 AM	#19
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	I think he meant the skimmer output not the pump output. __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

07/23/2011, 11:50 AM	#20
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	What model of Skimz for a 120g system with a 40 g sump?

07/23/2011, 11:55 AM	#21
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	I'm using a sm202 on similar volume __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

07/23/2011, 12:07 PM	#22
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	If figure I have about 130g total volume. SO was looking at the sk181, the sm161, the sk201, or the sm201. I know that the sm201 has the largest pump and there were some initial "critisisms" with the es 2800 pump in the sk201. Have these been adressed. I want an effective and QUIET skimmer.

07/23/2011, 12:08 PM	#23
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	201 and 202 have same pump right? Just int vs ext? If so my pump pretty damn quiet __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

07/23/2011, 12:57 PM	#25
yeldarbj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,295	I'd think you'd be fine with either the sm161 or sk181. The sk181 does have the es2000 pump, the sm161 has the es2800. The theory is that the cone design lets you get by with a smaller pump.

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