Euro Reef Nano Skimmer

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 11-20-2009, 01:23 AM

I picked up the version for the Solana today. Nice to finally have a Canadian supplier (Ocean Aquatics). First impression is that it's very nicely built for a nano skimmer. Seems very solid. Simple design. Easy to set up. Cheaper than the Tunze 9002 which I seriously doubt can touch this one performance wise just based on design. I did use the Tunze and hated it.

One thing that was missing from mine was the sponge in the bottom. Does anyone know if they did away with that design? Or is it just missing?

There was a sponge in the bottom of the body that apparently helped keep micro bubbles out of the tank but also created some back pressure to keep the skimmer running properly.

I will take some pictures and let everyone know what I think after a few days.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #2 11-20-2009, 02:04 AM

After setting it up without the sponge, I realize that sponge is there to really keep micro bubbles out of the display

Crazy amount of bubbles!

I am quite impressed with the bubble size though, very tiny. Its a relatively tall skimmer which is great for performance but I am not a huge fan of the thing sticking out of the back. Oh well, its more about performance than looks this time. Actually the skimmer is not ugly though. The collection cup is the same size as the body, so it kind of looking like a really cool tube with micro bubbles in it. When its clean

I will clean it weekly along with my water changes. Clean the body, sponge (when I get it) and pump. The one downside I have read about is that it doesn't perform well once dirty. I really have no complaints about cleaning it weekly as part of my routine though.

Pictures soon.

ocean diver · #3 11-20-2009, 02:06 AM

looking forward to the pictures, please include a tank shot.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #4 11-20-2009, 03:48 AM

I will include a tank shot so you can see how it looks.

But as expected its going nuts and needs some time to break in. Overflowing too much, so I am letting it run in a bucket of tank water for a few days. Apparently I could have avoided this by soaking it in vinegar for a while.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #5 11-20-2009, 08:26 PM

Customer service from Euro Reef has been great. They don't include the foam anymore for the solana version because people are complaining about it. It would collect detritus and then effect the skimmer performance. So now its not needed. The problem though is that I get an insane amount of micro bubbles in the display.

I am trying to work out a solution without the sponge. Euro Reef will send the sponge if you request it.

Skimmer overflowed a bunch because of the new acrylic so I ran it in vinegar for a few hours last night. Today its much better in the tank. Already pulling some light brown/green out of the water.

Still not a fan of how it sticks out of the tank but as my fiancee said last night, its not ugly and "if people are looking at it, then my tank obviously sucks a$$"

I agree...I guess its not so bad. Especially if it makes whats IN the tank look even better.

I will take pictures soon.

Delphinus · #6 11-20-2009, 09:23 PM

Man they finally released that thing? I wanted one for my 20g because it was going to be released "any month now" and I shut that tank down after at least 18 months or so, way back in March.

I'm sure it's a good skimmer, but this is one of my pet peeves about the pushers in this hobby pre-hyping stuff before it's really ready.

Is the problem with the looks because your tank has the sump in the back of the tank and not hidden in the stand?

The microbubble problem might get a little better over time but yeah if it's really bad then you might want to devise some clever solution. Can you fit a bubble trap in there somehow?

Oscar · #7 11-20-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

Cheaper than the Tunze 9002 which I seriously doubt can touch this one performance wise just based on design. I did use the Tunze and hated it.

What bugged you about the Tunze?

GreenSpottedPuffer · #8 11-20-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscar

What bugged you about the Tunze?

I didn't like the pump after a while because it wouldn't start up properly. The design is not great when you consider the height and also the contact time for the bubbles. Its basically pushing bubbles through a tube into a tiny neck if I remember correctly. I was not impressed at all with the performance.

Oh and it was MORE expensive than the Euro Reef by $20 or so.

Oscar · #9 11-20-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

I didn't like the pump after a while because it wouldn't start up properly. The design is not great when you consider the height and also the contact time for the bubbles. Its basically pushing bubbles through a tube into a tiny neck if I remember correctly. I was not impressed at all with the performance.

Oh and it was MORE expensive than the Euro Reef by $20 or so.

Looking forward to your review. The Euroreef for the CadLights is $70 more than the Tunze.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #10 11-20-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscar

Looking forward to your review. The Euroreef for the CadLights is $70 more than the Tunze.

Yes I believe that one is a dual pump model!