Kent Skimmers - Any Opinions?

[jcarson999]

My LFS was raving to me the other day about the Kent protein skimmers. He highly recommended them based on ease of use (plug n play) and his in-store testing. Forget the exact price, but it was a little less than most of those being recommended here. Anyone had any experience with Kent? Thx.

Jim

[Poseidon]

I have the Kent Nautilus, and it works OK. It is however far from plug and play. It is very sensitive to adjustments of the gate valve, so much so that 1/16 of a turn either way will make a dramatic difference in the water level. Also the skimmer produces more bubbles WITHOUT the "quadra helical injection system" I took that part OFF and let the water/air mixture fire straight up! I use a MAG12 to drive the skimmer, that is the best part of the system. LOL I am considering an upgrade to the MR-1 eventually. I would say don't wasteyour cash on it, spend the extra money and get a skimmer that you won't ever have to replace! (Unless you get a larger tank ;; )

This picture was taken before I took out the helical injection etc etc....


Notice the air density in the chamber is not all that great, kinda "grey" instead of "white"!!

PS- WElcome to REEFLAND!

[jcarson999]

Mike, thanks for the input (and the welcome). Looking at the picture on the Kent site and yours, it almost looks like they've made a design change. On the one at the LFS I thought the water level was adjusted by moving the arm up and down. I've been trying to pull the trigger on buying an MRC - was almost there and then my LFS almost convinced me on the Kent (sure didn't seem to just want a sale...). But jeez, why would I want a skimmer whose quadra helical injection system didn't work right ... ?

Jim

[Sueet]

(sure didn't seem to just want a sale...)

Ahhh... the earmark of an experienced salesman!!

[Poseidon]

No problem Jim, I am sure the MR-1 will work very well for you!