Skimz SM202 Trial/Review\Closing Comments

[fencer]

There will be a few more updates on skimmer performance later
Here is a comparison chart

[fencer]

General Skimmer Comments

.
What influences skimmer efficiency ( 1-10 with 10 the most)?

Does cast acrylic make a better skimmer----------------3
Cast is usually used in situations that require strength like pressure application. Cast has strength in all directions whereas extruded is subject to cracking along the long axis. Cast is one reason why the cost is higher in upper end skimmers. Usually cast skimmers are finished better. Use of ozone may cause weakness in extruded plastic.
Overall skimmer geometry ---- 5.
There has been a rash of cone type skimmers. I have yet to see any manufacturer show numbers relating to efficiency. At most I would think you stand to gain less that 10% over non cone skimmers
Diffusion plate in chamber ----- 9
Allows for better intermixing of air and water. Although I did like the
Vortex action the coralife generated. Air draw is important, but too much can cause large bubbles with excessive cavitation. So trying to put a larger pump on a skimmer will not work
Height of skimmer----------------- 6
This used to be critical but newer designs have eroded any gains tall skimmers had ( skimz vs vertex). Still a longer pipe = greater retention times
Impeller design---------------------- 9
Design is critical for the air water intermix. Although the skimz and vertex impeller are almost identical the skimz wins out because it uses a low wattage pump and improved pump/skimmer design. If you look at a Coralife impeller it is it very inefficient. Beckett designed skimmers work very well but it requires a lot of energy to drive the beckett properly.
Pump Design------------------------ 7
Pump design is required to match the skimmer. The intermix chamber design is critical in small bubble generation. Wattage is not so important, as the Skimz is one of the better performers with small wattage pumps. I think if the pump is placed closer to the diffusion chamber you actually get better performance with less horsepower.

So what do I choose?

Determine what you can afford and then add 10% to what you are willing to pay.
Cut the manufacturers recommended usage rating by 50%
Buy used if possible
Ask Canreef members opinions
Try to buy newer technology

Final Thoughts

There have been a few articles claiming then the best skimmers are only able to extract out 30% of the total organic content in the water. One article also states that a using a wood diffuser is just as efficient as the newer skimmers. All skimmers will reach the same point. Just some of them will take a longer time. If you decide buy a high end skimmer you have a good skimmer and the resale value is good. So is paying a lot of $$$ for top of the line skimmer worth a modest gain in efficiency? I can’t say anything about BK skimmers since I have never used one. I will leave you with one analogy. I am Porsche and Alfa owner and I am never going to tell anybody they are a bunch @!^$$&& Really I do own these cars....and there great cars

[fencer]

The Skimz 202E final thoughts:

This is model is priced on the lower end of high end skimmers which doesn’t mean that it made cheaply. I found the construction made of thick cast acrylic and all the trim and finsh to be excellent. The pieces fit together well and easily. You have to glue the exit pipes in place yourself. This model is designed to be an external one, but you can easily adapt to in sump use. The footprint is as large as the In Vertex 250. The overall height is less than an ASM G3. This is very nice if you are space limited under the tank. Skimz does sell a model that is made for in sump use as well.

The input to the sump can be gravity feed, manifolded off the main pump or have a separate pump. The last two choices would be better configurations as you can regulate the amount of water passing through the skimmer. I had it off the manifold because I wanted to setup a recycle mode on the skimmer. The main pump used for air/water mixing is silent and produces a lot of fine bubbles. It runs very cool to the touch. In comparison to the Vertex the power draw on the Skimz is much lower and I would say a much better job at bubble production.

Once the skimmer is operational there is about one day break in period. After that you can easily dial in your type of skim mate wet or day via the height of the foam level in the skimmer. Most skimmers only tube adjustment to regulate the height of the foam in the skimmer; while it is possible to dial in the height it takes some effort to get it right. The plunger type valve the Skimz uses is equivalent to a gate valve. (A good mod for any skimmer) I did have to mount the skimmer a little higher than my sump because the exit stand pipes would not go over the lip of the sump. You can fix this by drilling a hole in the sump for the standpipe. Once in operation the air draw is very quiet. The air pipe is connected to a small cylinder, which acts as a muffler. It is adjustable (via a small screw) so you can regulate the air flow into the pump. This is also the port so you can introduce ozone to the unit. The collection cup holds about two litres of skimate and fits to the main body by screwing it on. Trying to clean the neck of the main body as you might have trouble unscrewing it. This is also true of the cup. Vertex’s have cups that still passively on the main body. All skimmers have drain ports in their cups. I always end up spilling some of the skimate, so I recommend a second collection cup which can be moved easily. This is one of a few skimmers I have seen a detachable diffusion plate. This allows access to the rest of the main chamber for cleaning. I was actually eyeing to mod it.


This skimmer’s competitors are Bubble King, Bubble Magnus,SWC and Vertex. These are all good skimmers, but vary a great deal in price. At this level you are truly nit picking at features and performance. See what your pocket book can take. If I knew then what I know now. I would have just shelled out for something like the Skimz. It works well and has good resale value. You won’t be disappointed. Ask your LFS for more info.

[Myka]

Thanks for the review! I'm looking for a new skimmer for my reef, and have been checking out the Skimz as a possible candidate. I haven't heard much about the reliability of the pumps...you heard much?

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

going to kind of be a useless comparason isn't it.. the skimz is rated up to 500 gal where the Vertex 250 is only rated up to 250 gal
the asm G3 is also only up to 250 gal. you need to compare size rating to size rating.

Steve

Manufacturer ratings are practically useless. The best way I have found to compare skimmers is by pump gph and air intake lph. I also like to compare pump reliability, pump replacement costs (and parts), and watts.

[fencer]

Hi Ms M

There are no real issues with the pump at all. I will be putting out a 4 month performance summary shortly

[lastlight]

Glad to hear the pumps are working out well. They pull a ton of air with very minimal watts. My SM302 will hopefully arrive sometime near the end of August.

I've seen the build quality of these first hand at Concept Aquatics and I was impressed. Very thick/solid parts like my old BK... but easier on the wallet.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by fencer

Hi Ms M

There are no real issues with the pump at all. I will be putting out a 4 month performance summary shortly

Excellent!

I'm still on the fence. As it turns out, AquaMaxx puts out a needle wheel that fits onto the Sicce pumps which sounds like it completely fixes the restart issues. Puts the SWC 180 Cone back on the chopping block.

One guy on RC has a Skimz (can't remember which model off-hand) and a SWC 160 Cone, and he says he prefers the Skimz. However, he hasn't provided any more information than he likes the acrylic work better on the Skimz.

Hmm...decisions.

[Aqua-Digital]

Just an Fyi - Skimz are bringing out an even further improved needle wheel at the end of this month, this will be to stop the stalling on re start on earlier models, wyne will be sent one. I am sure Wayne will be happy to report back on this fine tuned needle wheel when he gets it.

[lastlight]

Michael will dave's order of 302s have this upgrade?

[Aqua-Digital]

Yes its a standard fitment as of this month.

August for the 302's is being a bit hopeful - September is realistic.