Anyone receive their Xtreme skimmer? - Page 7

GSMguy · #**151** 01/06/2008, 06:19 PM

MGB these skimmers are designed much better than the ATI IMO

that riser pipe is the worst thing about the ATI that and the small bubble plate.

Maximus · #**152** 01/06/2008, 07:02 PM

I have to agree with GSMguy. I had the BM250 before and while it was a good skimmer, the construction was really flimsy. These skimmers look nice. I would love to see a video of one on a tank.

tangafish · #**153** 01/06/2008, 07:42 PM

i know what you mean maximus..video of these skimmers in action would be great..still trying to finalize my decision on my new skimmer but thinking will go with the msx200 for my tank. so keep the info coming

sjm817 · #**154** 01/06/2008, 07:45 PM

Whats wrong with the ATI riser pipe? The new ones dont even have one, just an exit "port" with a gate valve. I like the riser pipe design better. Its just a simple up and down riser with a horizontal T output. There has been a lot said about the design of the bubble plate. Bottom line is it works. The skimmers skim, and skim well. Construction is basic, but again, it works. I love the big lift off cup, but not the pump connections. The XTreme 250 looks very well built. I'd be happy to do a side by side comparison if someone wants to provide the skimmer.

Creetin · #**155** 01/06/2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Maximus
I have to agree with GSMguy. I had the BM250 before and while it was a good skimmer, the construction was really flimsy. These skimmers look nice. I would love to see a video of one on a tank.

The Xtremes look to be made from the same thickness materials to me as the ATI's. IMO
The Xtremes could end up working very well too. I dont like the hard connection here as i see resonation being a result.IMO

Robert Patterso · #**156** 01/06/2008, 11:39 PM

Anybody have a link on the Sicce pumps and their availablity?

soulfigter · #**157** 01/07/2008, 12:02 AM

My 250 got a status update of "shipped" today! Hopefully I'll have it soon!

BLANKENSHIP76 · #**158** 01/08/2008, 03:30 PM

Fed Exsays my 200 is sitting on my front porch!!!!! I will let you know how it looks compared to my ATi 200./

bkelley02 · #**159** 01/08/2008, 03:50 PM

I don't have an attachment that fits the airline for this to get a good airflow reading but after 2 days, it's creating better foam then anything I used before. Granted, part of that might be do to my ignorance and laziness when it came to fine tuning some of my other skimmers, but so far I'm very happy. I'll try to load a picture later tonight.

One thing I did notice though is that the pumps definitely seem to need a break in period as well. Over the the first day, the bubbles size and consistency definitely improved.

luke33 · #**160** 01/08/2008, 03:52 PM

Blankenship do you have a air meter? And whats your address? lol

bkelley02 · #**161** 01/08/2008, 03:54 PM

Luke,

I have dwyer air meter but the air line is thinner then anything I've seen on a skimmer before. I'm trying to locate a larger adapter to get a reading on it.

Quote:

Originally posted by luke33
Blankenship do you have a air meter?

luke33 · #**162** 01/08/2008, 04:30 PM

I'd replace that airline as it looks to kink.

bkelley02 · #**163** 01/08/2008, 04:48 PM

I agree on the kinking but it seems to come out of it once it warms up and has been unrolled for a while. Any suggestions on where to get replacement tubing? I don't have any good stores for stuff like that around me.

BLANKENSHIP76 · #**164** 01/08/2008, 08:41 PM

Ok, I have my 200 up and running in the frag tank, it will go in the frag tanks sumo once its broken in.

Only question I have is what the little black circular plastic piece is for, it came in the little plastic bag with all the smaller pieces, tubing, etc..... its about an inch around with a hole in the middle????

I will get a pic and put it up as soon as I find my camera.

Anyway if anyone know, please fill me in. I will let it break in for a few days, and post some pics.

As far as the build goes it seems real nice, not quite as well built as the ATi's but still very sturdy.

The design is definately different, by no means is this exactly the same, they look a lot a like, but seems to a lot of operational differences.

So, all that stealing the design stuff is pretty far off.

BLANKENSHIP76 · #**165** 01/08/2008, 08:44 PM

I don't have an air meter!! I can probably borrow one from premium though.

luke33 · #**166** 01/08/2008, 08:48 PM

If i had to guess the black piece starts at 1" then tappers to 1/2" which goes inside the male thread on the volute cover. Thats what gives you the 50scfh. Yea the pump is the same as teh ati but the build is like the BK internal's...all the way down to the silencer.

BKelly, you can get the tubing at lowe's

MrSquid · #**167** 01/08/2008, 08:56 PM

Does it matter which way the black piece goes in? Tapered edge in vs. tapered edge out?

luke33 · #**168** 01/08/2008, 09:15 PM

The small end goes in towards the impeller.....that is a must with the sicce.

BLANKENSHIP76 · #**169** 01/08/2008, 09:24 PM

Whew, you weren't kidding just fired it back up with that, and you can hear the difference.

bkelley02 · #**170** 01/09/2008, 07:39 AM

This is one piece of information that I wish was included in the instructions as I didn't know what it was for either. At first, I couldn't get the pump to run at all because of 2 things....... First, I had tightened the cover of the impeller all the way instead of just letting the o-ring hold it in place, and second, I didn't know what the 'Step Down' Piece was for. I called Marine Solutions and they told me what I was doing wrong.

Quote:

Originally posted by luke33
The small end goes in towards the impeller.....that is a must with the sicce.

MrSquid · #**171** 01/09/2008, 08:24 AM

Yeah - that cover is touchy. VERY touchy! I'm glad I asked you guys about the orientation of the restrictor. The sound difference is pretty amazing. (although mine still sounds like there's something loose or rattling a little bit)

bkelley02 · #**172** 01/09/2008, 08:33 AM

Mine kept falling out so I used teflon tape to hold it in place and it's been working great.

BLANKENSHIP76 · #**173** 01/09/2008, 10:00 AM

I used teflon tape on mine as well, I was also surprised to find that if you turn the motor portion of the pump it seems to restrict the flow??

I am going to put teflon that on the venturi as well to hold it firmly in place. I think I have it where I want, but if anyone else has any recommendations I would love to hear them.

bkelley02 · #**174** 01/09/2008, 10:17 AM

Do you find that the skimmer is very sensitive though ( i know it's new and still breaking in )? Seems if I tough the water, or feed the tank, the skimmer stops working for a good couple hours.

Edit: By stops working I mean stops producing any skimmate and the bubbles go down the bottome of the neck again.

luke33 · #**175** 01/09/2008, 10:20 AM

Thats normal for a skimmer though. My skimmers usually lose there foam head for around 30-60min after feeding, h20changes, dosing, etc. For a new skimmer thats very normal.