CPR BakPak conversion to Reef-Version
- Thread starter joejubee
- Start date
hondo
Member
The main difference is the "Reef" Model doesn't come with the bio-bale. Just pull out the bio bale and let the sand and rock in the reef tank filter the water. You can also leave the bio bale in but most people feel it is a nitrate factory. choice is yours but either way it will be a good skimmer for your 20g.
I use one on my 37g reef and except for the stream of bubbles is occasionally puts into the tank it's a good skimmer.
I use one on my 37g reef and except for the stream of bubbles is occasionally puts into the tank it's a good skimmer.
hondo
Member
Yes I keep my heater in the side where the bio bale use to be no problem. Mine probably touches the sides as it's 3 years old and the suction cups no longer work to hold it on the plex. given the flow rate through the small chamber it's not a problem.
To be honest the only things wrong with this skimmer is the bubble problem and the rio pump which constantly needs to be cleaned and maintained.
To be honest the only things wrong with this skimmer is the bubble problem and the rio pump which constantly needs to be cleaned and maintained.
marvida
Member
The Bakpack 2R has some extra baffles (for bubble reduction) in the chamber which normaly would hold the bio bale. I believe they have a drop in set of baffles that will retro a standard Bak Pack. I have a 2R on a 29 gal that has the combination top skimmer/bubble trap that works great. I agree with Hondo that bubbles would be the only problem. I have also thought of putting the heater in the Bak Pack but haven't heard of anyone doing it.
Ken
Ken
goatfish
Member
I would definatly remove the biobale. I left mine in for a few months with out cleaning it and wound up with a huge buildup of gunk caught in it. What I have done to reduce the bubbles and any gurgling noise is cut a piece of 1" tubing at a 45 degree angle and inserted it into the outlet hole angled in first leaving an airspace at the top where it is inserted. This reduced what little bubbles I had and stopped the gurgling noise I was having a problem with.