Seaclone 100 protein skimmer

[edmsalt]

I have finally made up my mind that i will purchase a protein skimmer for my 50G tank. So far, i am going to go with a seaclone 100. I was wondering if anybody has any pros or cons with this protein skimmer. Do you know where this skimmer ranks in the whole picture….(ie. Is it average, is it below average, etc.)
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[chipmaker]

I would shop aorund and find a good deal on a Coralife Super SKimmer 65 for your tank. I personally would not go with the seaclone. I am not knocking the seaclone, and have played around with one for awhile, and it was a constant battle to keep it working properly...I think if you were to take a poll on skimmers, the Seaclone would probably place in the "Is the seaclone actually a skimmer" class, right up there with the Skilter skimmers.......They work, not great, and always require adjusting and cleaning, and replacement of air stones, and even then their performance is mediocre when compared to a superskimmer. I know you can find a coralife super skimmer for the same price if not cheaper or within a few bucks one way or the other than the seaclone..........I paid $86.00 for mine brand new and its been great and has not been one source of annoyance. I owuld post the link to where I purchased mine at, as there are lots of variations in prices among dealers, but its not allowed in this forum, so if your interested email me........
OBTW there is a few quirks with the super skimmer, but its readily and permanently remidied during setup proceedures........NOt really an issue if you know about the issues first hand before starting setup. The instructions are wrong for the most part, and coralife is in the process of changing them to reflect the right way to set them up. My CSS 65 kicks skims butt!

 

[kdfrosty]

I use the SeaClone 100 on my 50g tank. Out of the box this is a horrible skimmer, but there are some mods taht can definitely improve the SC100's performance;
-Replace the stock air flow adjustment end cap and replace with a air adjustment valve.
-Reduce the inner most riser tube's length to approximately 2-1/2" to 3" in length.
-Seal the base of the collection cup to the top of the intermediate tube
Using these mods (there's others I dont use yet) the SC performs better, but is still a low end skimmer. I manage to get some nasty skimmate from the SC though.
If you don't already have it, dont buy it. Invest in a GOOD skimmer. IMO it's one piece of hardware that you shouldnt skimp on.
If you have it, try researching the above mods. They're easy and produce better results.

 

[marvida]

You definately get what you pay for with a skimmer. I've run SeaClones, and still do. I like them but they take a lot of attention. I would put them at the low end of the skimmer spectrum but I would not compare them to a Skilter. I also have never run a SeaClone 100 on a system larger than 40 gallons. It makes a very good skimmer for my 10 gal. nano.

 

[thegrog]

I've owned one SeaClone....and will never own one again. Poor performance, needs constant adjustment, and just does not perform well. Actually put a brand new AquaC remora on the tank at the same my old SeaClone was running and the output was 10:1 easily.
Invest in a few extra dollars and get an AquaC Remora.....you won't regret it.

 

[kdfrosty]

Originally Posted by TheGrog
Invest in a few extra dollars and get an AquaC Remora.....you won't regret it.
I agree. Or maybe even one of the new CPRs.

 

[edmsalt]

thanks everybody for the GREAT advice.
its off shopping I go now for some other skimmer.

 

[edmsalt]

just so that i know what i am comparing to, when you guys say this is good, or that is bad, what makes the seaclone a "bad" unit compared to others?
don't they all work off the premise of bubbles bubbles bubbles, =

remove the organics....?

 

[thegrog]

Originally Posted by EDMSalt
just so that i know what i am comparing to, when you guys say this is good, or that is bad, what makes the seaclone a "bad" unit compared to others?
don't they all work off the premise of bubbles bubbles bubbles, =

remove the organics....?
They have a poor design. It needs constant adjustment. Releases lots of bubbles back into the tank, and does not produce much skimmate for all the bubbles made.
The bubbles, bubbles premise that you mention also needs to take into account the length of time the water & bubbles interact, the amount of turbulence, and the area that the bubbles collect with the waste products (skimmate) without being washed back into the tank (as happens with SeaClone I summise).

 

[marvida]

Like TheGrog said it's mostly bubble size & dwell time. In DK's Giant Clam book there is a very good description on what needs to happen in a skimmer. SeaClones appear to also be very inconsistant skimmer to skimmer. I've not had the bad luck most people have had. Mine will need to be adjusted constantly for weeks & then suddenly be fine for weeks.

 

[magooo2]

I have owned one for a year or so . I would agree about the constant attention it needs. I have learned to just mark the valve so I am more consistant,and then so is it. Lets face it...Its selling point is price,plain and simple. You can put it in your search engine and come up with prices from 69 bucks on up. (for the seaclone)The others are just starting - $125. I will be looking to upgrade soon but with no point of reference other than what I read hear( opinions vary along with there budget),I am confused in what direction I will head.

 

[chipmaker]

Coralife super skimmer 65 can be had for about $20 bucks more if you look online at the various vendors website, one of which is a major player in the lighting field, and are a champion in that arena..(hint hint, the companies name is spelled out in what I just stated..............

 

[magooo2]

I just looked up the company and it will at least give ma a direction to head. Thanx chipmaker.

 

[watertite]

Yea I got one from persmart after seeing at the store for 100 bucks I found out I can print the website page and take it to the store to get it for 80 but after the break in period I found out about the bubble problem and found the mods page. I does collect some good goo though. I put a round prefilter spone on the return dump and it helps but there are still fine bubbles comming out but barlely noticeable to the

[hr]
eye. Anone have a clue?

 

[fbm]

Originally Posted by watertite
Yea I got one from persmart after seeing at the store for 100 bucks I found out I can print the website page and take it to the store to get it for 80 but after the break in period I found out about the bubble problem and found the mods page. I does collect some good goo though. I put a round prefilter spone on the return dump and it helps but there are still fine bubbles comming out but barlely noticeable to the

[hr]
eye. Anone have a clue?

If they will take it back which I believe they try and get a different one online somewhere for a few bucks more that works a few thousand times better.

 

[sign guy]

yeah look into that ss65