Fed up with skimmer, need HOB for 30gal system

Also, IME, every HOB skimmer I have seen in action is fairly loud :-/

it's kind of annoying, but i know your pain there

 

yup HOB skimmers are a PITA i hate my octopus bh 800s so many problems with the skimmer, for me the noise is the least of my worries, just trying to get it to skimm properly is a major PITA good luck with getting your skimmer working properly

 

Ive been using a prism skimmer for a couple years,they're not one of the best for sure,but a good cleaning might get it working for you.Just this week I was thinking of replacing mine, possibly with a used remora as Ive read they work really well.As one last effort to get my prism to work well again I took it apart and soaked everything but the motor in vinegar and water for a few hours.I then cleaned the motor where the impeller rides the best I could with q-tips and blew out the small airline with it attached to the collection cup.After about one day of break in, or rebreak in,it has been working well.I think clearing the airline and the small barb on the collection cup that it attaches to is key,especially if the problem is not enough bubbles.Also,cleaning the motor will heip with flow of both air and water.Hope this helps,Dave

 

i have 2 aqua c remors on my 75g and love them. i'd recommend to get one with the drain fitting. The tank is also in my bedroom as well and while it's not silent, it's not that bad. i got used to it.

 

I silience my aquac by folding a paper towel to cover the spray chamber. I found out about this really simple mod by chance poking around on a different forum. Its a night and day difference.
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Where's the best place to buy an AquaC Remora? Ebay? From the LFS? Used or new?

 

Also, according to ReefGeek, I can get an aquaC remora with or without a "drain fitting" (not sure what that is, exactly), and with either a maxi-jet 1200 or mag drive 3 pump. Which option is best?

 

bump

 

I got my AquaC from ebay. It was used with a new Rio 800 pump for $75 shipped. I don't think it matters if it's used as long as it has no leaks or damage to it. Mass sellers on ebay usually sell them with brand new pumps. There's always craigslist to if you want used. If you want new, you can get from just about any place your heart desires.

 

I have an AquaC Remora on my 55g and love it. FYI if you get one get the maxi 1200 pump, DO NOT get the Rio, I have heard only negative things about that pump breaking down.

Also don't waste the money on the pre-skimmer box either it's a PITA because if the water drops below the box surface the pump can run dry and overheat. This means you are constantly having to top-off to make sure your water level is balanced to it.

As far as noise, my Remora is fairly quiet. It basically sounds like a dentist's office in terms of what type of sound, when they stick the air tube in to clean your mouth out. It's def not annoying at all to me or anyone that has seen my tank.

It's easy set-up and built with quality, I would highly reccomend it, so glad I got mine and didn't start with a cheapie skimmer.

If you do get one don't worry about micro bubbles, it does produce them for the break-in period of about 4-5 days, but after that I have had no bubbles at all.

good luck!