CSC150 Skimmer: My opinion

[warriorcookie]

Sorry this has taken so long guys, but here is my experience with the CSC150.



Right off the bat, I want to give a huge shout out to Colby and Gustavo at Bayside Corals. The advice I get from both of them cannot be overstated no matter how I try. Every time I've had an important decision to make, their advice has been paramount in making the right decision and this skimmer was no exception. Excellent advice as always. (I hope I can say this here...)

First off, some info on the skimmer:
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=91201

Basically, those of you familiar with Skimz brand of skimmers will recognize these. The one I bought is an SK181, and they replaced the stock pumps (the only week point from what I read) with a Sicce PSK100.

The Stats:
CSC-150 (formally SK181)
Technical Data:
SICCE PSK1000 (110V/60Hz)
0.225A/19W
Air intake: 660 l/h
Dimension:
L 210 x W 210 x H 535mm
Cone base diameter (mm):180
Tank volume rating:
150 gallon++

Here's a short video of me unboxing it (be gentle, it's my first video review. Thank my wife though for holding the camera):
http://youtu.be/TqJoaxdAKw0

I was immediately impressed with the packaging. This thing could be tossed off a bridge and survive.

It comes pre-assembled and ready to make nog. All you have to do is attach the cup, put the air silencer on, and plug it in.

I did take it apart though so I could give it a vinegar bath.

Here's another video covering some of the features I thought were worth pointing out:
http://youtu.be/0-7fmRoKWXc

I should say that I have a 120gal tank, mostly LPS. I wouldn't call my bioload high, but I have had a major nutrient issue I have been battling for a few months. I was using an Euroreef RS100. I think it was undersized for my tank and that was contributing to my nutrient issues.

Back to the new skimmer, I basically plugged it in and did a basic set up before going to bed. First impression, very quiet. I love the water adjustment. The air silencer is easy to adjust too.

The next morning it had a nice foam starting to form:
http://youtu.be/8blPNxSDo_I (Sorry about the VVS...)
I started getting some wet foam that night.

There was a few days were I didn't get anything out of it, but that was my fault. I dosed some reef-booster that made crazy foam for the next 24 hours and then put some "New Era Marine Grazer" (awesome stuff btw) in for the next day and a half which killed my foam all-together until the fish finished eating it.

As time has gone on, the foam has been getting dryer and dryer. It has stayed very consistant. I've really only tweaked it a couple times. This thing has been pulling some really thick stinky crap out of the tank.

This is before emptying it the first time after 4 (maybe 5) days:



Here it is after 5 more days:




Overall I've been extremely impressed. It was absolutely money well spent and my next skimmer most likely will be a CSC Skimmer again! (Only when I get a bigger tank hahaha)

Thanks again to Bayside Corals for the advice and support. And thanks to Aqua-Digital for this great skimmer!

[gregzz4]

Thanks for the great info and videos

I'm curious to know what water depth you're running, and how many turns you have on your gate valve ?
I ask as I notice your air intake screw is quite closed

I run my original SK181 with the air intake wide open for maximum fresh air (with the screw still installed and a hose out the window from the silencer)
I have my depth at 8-7/8", and run my gate between 9-1/2 and 10 turns (depending on foam production)

[Aqua-Digital]

Glad you are enjoying it

welcome to the growing CSC skimmer users club.

[Aqua-Digital]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Thanks for the great info and videos

I'm curious to know what water depth you're running, and how many turns you have on your gate valve ?
I ask as I notice your air intake screw is quite closed

I run my original SK181 with the air intake wide open for maximum fresh air (with the screw still installed and a hose out the window from the silencer)
I have my depth at 8-7/8", and run my gate between 9-1/2 and 10 turns (depending on foam production)

Due to the pump and the volute being quite different the settings would be completely different from the Eden pump version. The Sicce pulls more air and produces finer bubbles being one of the major differences

[gregzz4]

Good to know
I look forward to hearing from you when the retro kits arrive

[warriorcookie]

I have this skimmer running in 7" of water. The air is almost wide open, I don't know how many turns my water valve is, but I'd say basically half way. I have lots of room for adjustment.

Thanks for the great product as always Aqua-Digital. Colby and Gustavo at Bayside are great to deal with. I get my New-Era stuff, Prodibio, and now CSC stuff from them!

And Greg, I think a retro kit sounds like a great idea! I think they should sell as many retro kits as skimmers with the popularity of the Skimz.

[rhody605]

I recently purchased one of these great skimmers.

Does anyone know the suggested water depth for the skimmer.

Skimmer section of my sump is 11.5" deep which after testing my skimmer is too deep. I made a 1" stand to help but still too deep.
With water valve open of course. Lol

Just trying to figure out how high of a stand I need to make.

Thanks
Mike.