Issues with BAK-PAK 2R+

[ryddo]

I have had the bakpak on my tank for about 5 months now and I am very disappointed in the way it has been working. I have a 45 gallon tank with a little over 90lbs of lr, single 250w hqi, a rose anemone, couple different mushroom, green star polyps, 2 clowns and 2 bangai cardinals. Each week I clean that tank and I hardly ever have any junk in the collector?! This can not be right. I was running a Seaclone 100 with 100% more efficiency. Has anyone else had this same problem?

Here is my question. I need a HOT protein skimmer and I only have about 8" of space left on the tank.

What would be my best option for a protein skimmer with these limitations?

Thanks for all your help!!
Ryan

[Freddy Twotimes]

I use one of these and I have less than 6" clearence to the wall. It works well, it is easy to clean, you dont have to prime it when you turn it back on...make sure the air intake is above the water level if you get it.

Good luck

Coralife Super Skimmer 65 gal


Regular Price:
$ 129.99
Dual Application System: Hang-on Tank Mount or Sump Hook-up Good for Aquriums up to 65 gallons
Easy-twist Collection Cup
Water-level Adjustment Dial
Bubble-production Diffuser
High-grade Acrylic Construction with Custom Components
Patented Needle-wheel System with Aspirating Venturi
PUMP INCLUDED!
Includes Needle-Wheel Water Pump with Air Inlet Silencer

Dimensions: 4.25" D x 5.5" W x 20.75" H

[Freddy Twotimes]

Ryddo - P.S.

With 2 pounds per gallon of live rock a good skimmer is all you may need...

[ryddo]

Well that has been my goal for the past 5 months. I have been trying to get my system running smoothly with only a skimmer and a small canister to "polish" the water. My problem is that the bakpak has been insuficient to say the least.

Has anyone else used the super skimmer with any luck?

[Steven Pro]

Before you invest anymore money into a skimmer, it might be more cost effective to get to the bottom of why your current one is not functioning properly. Bak-Bak's are pretty good skimmers. What is your doing? Does it not produce any bubbles? What pump are you using? Do you have any pictures of it?

[ryddo]

What is your doing?
Not much of anything. This is why I am questioning replacing this unit. I think this unit is either not working correctly or I need to make some changes.

Does it not produce any bubbles?
That is one of the problems that I am having. I have never seen "a lot" of bubbles being produced, and there is hardly any water returning to the tank.

What pump are you using?
I am using the Maxi-jet 1200 that came with the bakpak.

Do you have any pictures of it?
No, but if this will help then I can send some tomorrow.

Please let me know if you can think of anything!!

[Reefland]

When is the last time you cleaned the pump?

[ryddo]

I clean the skimmer when it appears overly dirty. I have read the cprusa website and they do not recommend cleaning the skimmer too often. When I clean the skimmer I disasemble it and clean it thoroughly.

[Steven Pro]

The thing about the Maxi-Jet pump is, it is a little counter-intuitive when using the turbo venturi fitting. If you open the air regulator valve too much, the pump gets bogged down and doesn't pull in much air. But, if you just barely open it, the pump can draw in a good bit of air. I would play around with the air adjustment until you find the sweet spot.

[ryddo]

Would upgrading the pump be of any benefit? If so, what would you recommend?

[Steven Pro]

The only other option for this skimmer is a Rio, but the Maxi-Jets are far more reliable. Most people with Rio's end up replacing them with the Maxi-Jets.