Aqua Excel HOB Skimmer review

having a 6 week old 60 gallon tank that is about to get its 1st stocking

I decided to purchase the larger of the 2 Aqua Excel HOB skimmers in order to try one out

I set this up and placed it on the 4ft tank, about 2 hours ago

1st impressions
no assembly required, product arrived with all parts fitted together all you needed to do was remove the collection cup, stored inside skimmer body
size is very similar to the Deltec MCE600E
pump is internal
noise level is very low (Low hum is best way to describe it)


word of warning for anyone with a plastic braced tank
this skimmer is compatible with frames up to 35 mm wide only
the clamps supplied indicate to me, that this skimmer was primarily designed for a rimless aquarium, as it does not allow for typical euro bracing or plastic frames - PS I got lucky, I did not realise this until after it arrived at my home


Unit was very similar to other HOB units I have owned in that you fill it
clamp the air line, plug it in, allow water to flow and then once the pump is working properly, release the air line to introduce water to the mix


unit has impressed me within 1st x 3 hours, as its already started foaming
and I have light green coloured skimmate already

Ill update this thread over the course of a few weeks

Steve

 

Any trouble with micro-bubbles in the return?

 

Not at yet thepanfish
but I will monitor that aspect
and also try and find a cure for it, if it occurs

( cured my Reef octopus of the issue by using 2 sponges removed from a reactor placed inside the return chamber)
these have holes in so if the sponge gets blocked, water runs up and over the top
thus provided I clean the sponges weekly, I never have any bubbles in my 5ft and I dont have an unsightly sponge on the return outlet)

 

Could you PM me this? Sorry to hijack, but each time I put a sponge in, it clogs

 

I can and have done

hope the images help

Steve

 

Isn't this original aquamaxx hob1?

 

I think its either the same product but in different brand for local market
or its a clone?

Im not sure which

Steve

 

The Aquamaxx has what appears to be a circular riser tube, whilst this seems to have the cup body as part of the riser tube.
Can we get some specs on the pump?

 

looks pretty sweet so far. keep us updated for sure

 

thepanfish
the only thing I can tell you is that its an Atman brand pump
the rating plate is on the side against the wall LOL
I remember seeing Atman on the label, but thats about it

wrong Steve - It a Via Aqua and its 1100 lph pump

Thanks BigReefin

I think Ill give the body a clean out at weekend
then I can get better specs for thepanfish