Let's talk about skimmers

[Aquattro]

I'm checking with Hagen tomorrow to see if they have PT-344 blocks anywhere in the back room, if so, I'll rebuild the units I have here. 2 x160 and a 200. I wake up everyday expecting the 180 in my sump to be dead too -lol

If they don't have them, I'll try a single 1350 pump. Supposedly the same block. If that works, I might just get three of those. I Know a guy who knows a guy who owns a dog that once bit someone that knows a guy, but I'll get him to hold off on anything Until I sort this out. Even if I can get better pricing, I can't afford that x3.

[Taipan]

lol....understood

[Scythanith]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I'm checking with Hagen tomorrow to see if they have PT-344 blocks anywhere in the back room, if so, I'll rebuild the units I have here. 2 x160 and a 200. I wake up everyday expecting the 180 in my sump to be dead too -lol

If they don't have them, I'll try a single 1350 pump. Supposedly the same block. If that works, I might just get three of those. I Know a guy who knows a guy who owns a dog that once bit someone that knows a guy, but I'll get him to hold off on anything Until I sort this out. Even if I can get better pricing, I can't afford that x3.

My 180 seized up once and all I needed to do was clean the magnet, etc. I think keeping up on the yearly maintenance is pretty darn important with the BK motors. My version didn't have the bypass. That's not to say you weren't doing it, but maybe the person you bought them from wasn't?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Scythanith

My 180 seized up once and all I needed to do was clean the magnet, etc. I think keeping up on the yearly maintenance is pretty darn important with the BK motors. My version didn't have the bypass. That's not to say you weren't doing it, but maybe the person you bought them from wasn't?

Mine were all clean, even the one that just stopped. Impellers look new, no tightness in the bearing. It's a huge issue with the Gen 1 issues. Not saying they are bad skimmers, I think they do a decent job. But god, if they stop, you're screwed. They also don't need to be so pricey, they could be built less like trucks and still last 20 years.

Going to pick up an Omega 150 for a test run, I'll compare it to what I've seen with the BK. I'm sure it's less.

[Doug]

The SWC 160 I owned would outskim any of the other lower priced needle wheels. Then I tested some Skimz for AD. It worked very well once we got the pump and needle wheel figured out right. I would say it skimmed better than the SWC. I imagine they are even better now.

When I looked after Mikes tank while he was overseas or away, I got to see many of the high end skimmers he tried. The duel Eheim pump Deltec he had out skimmed any of the other fancy expensive skimmers.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Doug

The duel Eheim pump Deltec he had out skimmed any of the other fancy expensive skimmers.

I bet it did great, I just can't do "fancy expensive"

[Trevor W]

If you do try out the Omega150 please let us know your thoughts... for obvious reason id like to know if I did infact make a bad purchase. If you try it how long do you plan on giving it as a test?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Trevor W

If you do try out the Omega150 please let us know your thoughts... for obvious reason id like to know if I did infact make a bad purchase. If you try it how long do you plan on giving it as a test?

I would run it for a week. It's dirty and used, so I'd give it a surface clean, therefore I wouldn't expect it to require a break in period. The guy did use the volute adjustment for the air as well.

[davej]

Originally Posted by Trevor W

If you do try out the Omega150 please let us know your thoughts... for obvious reason id like to know if I did infact make a bad purchase. If you try it how long do you plan on giving it as a test?

I'm in exact same boat, just picked one up for build in progress.
Just finishing sump so have not got it wet yet. Would love to here others experience with one.