Euro-Reef BBE180 Skimmer Review

Well, I have had my skimmer running for a good 2 months now. I figured it was a good time for a review.

This brand is one that is not heard of around here much, but I feel that it deserves a little press.

Euro-Reef made a decision to support their dealers by removing their items from web-based dealers. They will however, still allow direct orders from factory if you live too far away from a dealer to go that option. Personally, I feel this shows great commitment to the reefing community by helping keep their LFS alive and well.

Stole the description straight off Euro-Reefs site.

This limited run BBE180 Protein skimmer is fabricated with the highest quality cell cast sheet and extruded acrylic tube material in combination with custom designed CNC and mold injected acrylic and PVC parts. Incredible attention to detail is poured into each of these handmade skimmers along with the pride of each of the skilled craftsmen that assemble them.
BBE180 Technical Specifications
*Rated for aquarium systems of +/- 180 gallons with a medium bioload
*Compares to other skimmers rated from 400 to 700 gallons
*Space required for skimmer in filter/ sump: 10.5" x 13" - Minimum
*Overall Height: 24"
*Reaction chamber diameter: 8 "
*Reaction chamber volume: 2.61 gallons
*Bayonet Version 2.0 quick disconnect at cup
*Inlet size: 1"
*Outlet size: 1.5"
*Rev 1.0 Riser pipe outlet assembly
*Ideal operating water depth: 7"
*Max operating water depth: 9"
*Pump (included): SP4- Euro-Reef modified Gen-Z GX4100 water pump
*Pump power consumption: 40 Watts @ 115/120 VAC 60hz
*Air intake: 900-1080 lph**
*Water flow through rate under specified operating conditions: 450 gph







Well, where to start:


Construction:
This thing is top notch. Welded seams on very thick acrylic. If you find a fault, I would be very surprised. This thing was built with loving hands. Nothing was done cheaply on this skimmer.


Performance:

The only skimmer I have owned before this was a Remora w/1200 MJ. It performed very well and I had no complaints with it. That being said, It doesn't even compare to a performance grade skimmer. This thing pulls out the darkest, stinkiest skimmate that I have every seen before.


Pump:
The Sicce has proven to be a reliable pump and well matched for this skimmer. It had a little noise initially, but I put a mousepad underneath the motor and am now unable to even hear it. I did have it stick on me upon startup once, however have not had it happen to me since that time. Euro-Reef states that this is a common problem with the pump during the breakin period.


Adjustment:
This skimmer uses a riser tube to adjust the water level within the skimmer as well as a variable air valve. Honestly, I have not played with them that much. I did raise my riser pipe up about a half an inch to get a little wetter skimmate. I have the air wide open. Eventually, I may play with it some more, but don't see a need at this point.


Noise:
This skimmer does make a little bit of noise. This is a inherent flaw of the riser pipe design. They do provide a big sponge the slips over the exit pipe to soften the noise as the water exits the skimmer. I have mine in a front and side enclosed cabinet, and am barely able to hear it over my light fans. I do have pretty loud fans though. At night, it is fairly audible. I am not sure I would recommend this style of exit tube for a normal family room enviroment.






All in all, I have to say that I am extremely pleased with my purchase. This skimmer has performed above my expectations. I will be hard pressed to even consider another brand of skimmer for my next upgreade (which never seems to be too far away).;D




BTW Euro Reef is having a sale. You can pick this skimmer up for $200 right now off of their site. Wish I knew this a couple of months ago.

 

Yummy

 

Nice skimmer. Sounds like it works good too. I have a Euro reef RS80 and it works great. Pulls out the same kind of black smelly skimmate. WAAAAY better than the CSS 125 I was using. $200 bucks is a great deal, I wish I could fit one of those in my sump. But I cant complain about the $60 I paid for mine.

 

Nice write up. I love reviews comming from fellow reefer's!

How long of a break-in period was there? I have a Bubble Magus BM100 and the break-in lasted about a week.

You have gotten me wanting to do a review on the Magus!

 

I didn't really have a breakin period. I did a freshwater/vinegar bath for 4 hours before installing it. It was pulling skim within the first 24 hrs.

 

Can You post the link to the site that you bought it? I cant find it anywhere... How's it running now?

 

Received this the other day. Figured I would pass it on.

New Year, Big Changes...
After 13 years of business, we at Euro-Reef have decided it's time for a change.
As of Dec 31st, 2009 Euro-Reef, Inc. will cease doing business.

Former CEO and Vice President Jeff Macaré has started a new company called Reef Dynamics which offers American Made, top of the line protein skimmers. Reef Dynamics only sells to Brick & Mortar Retail Dealers in the US & Canada.. Look HERE to find a dealer near you.

In addition, Reef Dynamics will also provide product support to existing Euro-Reef customers as well as limi ted warranty support for Euro-Reef products currently under warranty. For more information CLICK HERE.

Visit the new Reef Dynamics support forum at REEFTOOLS.

Former COO and President, Robbert Macaré has started a new company called Nano Reef Systems (new website coming soon at www.nanoreefsystems.com) which offers top of the line Nano Protein Skimmers.

We want to thank all of you who have supported us through the years and we hope you visit our new websites soon. And please, don't hesitate to drop us a line!
Sincerely,
The Euro-Reef Family

 

Now, that being said, my skimmer is still performing flawlessly. I did a FW cleaning of the pump tonight and it started foaming away again. A good cleaning does wonders.

All in all, I would still recommend a Euro Reef skimmer to anyone. It is a very good skimmer. The warranties will still be ,well... warrantied through the new company.