Which pump for a CPR 2?

[jenni1979]

Which pump is recommended for the CPR Bak-pak 2? It came with the Rio 600, but I was thinking of upgrading. The skimmer is working fine and my water quality has improved since I got it, but I have heard people recommending upgrading it, i just forget which one is best. I have a 55 gallon tank. I am also thinking about getting the preskimmer and the bubble reducer. I think they make a thing that does both and I will probably get that one.

 

[jenni1979]

Anyone?

 

[buzz]

I have a 2R that I used on a 60g, with the Rio 600 it came with. I do not feel it did an adequate job. Yes, it skimmed, but I don't think it picked up everything it should have. Some upgrade to a Rio 800, some switch to a Maxijet 1200. In any event, just make sure the pump has a venturi kit.
You may be able to get more productivity out of a bigger pump, but IMO, you should upgrade the whole skimmer for that size tank.

 

[dacia]

I have a CPR Bak Pak 2 in my 30. Mine also came with the Rio 600, but I think that running it on a Maxijet 1200 is much better. The Maxijet is more reliable than anything Rio makes.

 

[jenni1979]

I had a skilter and just got this CPR and I am not going to replace it. It works very well IMO. And I have heard many good things about it. But I heard it works better with an upgraded pump on it.

 

[justinx]

I run the rio 600 on my bak pak, and have for over a year. It runs fine for me. Just make sure that you give the pump a really good cleaning once a month and it will not give you any trouble.
I know that these skmmers are rated for up to 60 gallons, but I dont think I would feel comfortable running it on anything more than 30 if i was really intersested in pristine waters. I think that on a 55 it will do OK, but I think that you should upgrade to a maxi jet 1200 with a venturi kit. This will work much better for you.
HTH
Justin

 

[jenni1979]

Great! Thank you. I will do that.
I am kinda disappointed though. I came here about a month ago and a lot of people were recommending the CPR bak-pak. Where did all of those people go? I now got the CPR and people are telling me it isn't good enough for my 55 gallon. I sure hope I didn't waiste $130 on this skimmer for nothing. I do have to say it is better than the Skilter though. The skilter is loud and it doesn't skim as good as it should. Oh well, I hope I have better luck with the CPR. Thanks.
Jennifer

 

[jenni1979]

Oh, I have another question. Should I keep using the Skilter too? I never thought about it, but maybe that will help some more.

 

[justinx]

I think that your skilter can definitely still be useful . . . as a door stop. No seriously, they really arent that useful at all in a marine aquarium unless you are very dedicated to making it work.
Now dont get me wrong. I think that the Bak Pak is a great skimmer. i have and use one my self for about a year now. I couldnt be happier with it. It pulls out a lot of crap, and works consistently well. However I only have a 22 gallon tank. True, this skimmer is rated by the MFG for up to 60 gallons, and at 55 you ar pushing its limits. I think that this skimmer will work fine for your tank. Are there better skimmers available that will do a better job . . . . absolutely. Did you waste 130 bucks . . . . absolutely not. I think that you will just have to work harder at making the skimmer perform at is optimal level. IE swapping the pump out for a Maxi Jet 1200. That and you will probably have to empty the skimmer cup more often.
HTH
Justin

 

[buzz]

Yeah...I am not bashing the Bakpak 2R. I bought one for my 29g and it worked wonderfully. I upgraded tanks to a 60g, and yes, it skimmed, but it did not remove everything that needed to be removed. Don't judge it by the fact that it is skimming. Judge it by your water quality over time.
Do what makes you happy. It's your tank. I can only tell you what my experiences have been using it on both a 29g, and a 60g, and the difference in productivity that was seen. It is a great skimmer for a smaller tank. Search around for older posts on it. I have spoken with a lot of people who agree it just isn't enough of a skimmer.
Perhaps a bigger pump will work fine for you. I concede to never having tried that. I wasn't trying to tell you that you had to get rid of the skimmer. I am merely making a suggestion, based on my own experiences.
Oh...and most will tell you not to listen to the factory ratings on most pieces of equipment.

 

[737mech]

Jenni1979
I've got a CPR bakpak on my 38g and it works great. Funny, I also used to use a Skilter250. I still have it on the tank I just use it to help circulate more h20. Sometimes I put the poly and carbon back in when I've blown off detris from my LR. I don't run the skimmer part any more.
I bought the combo surface skimmer and bubble trap attach, but it looked too big in my tank. I also didn't realize that it would be black. My back round is blue so it stood out too much. So, I bought the surface skimmer attach and am pleased with it.
I may sell the combo sometime.
HTH

 

[jenni1979]

Well actually, I have considered setting up a 10 gallon tank and using that Skilter. My water quality has improved a lot since I got the CPR. Let me know if you want to sell me that combo bubble trap and preskimmer. Jcallihan@hot.rr.com

 

[justinx]

BUY THE COMBO BOX!! It is a FANTASTIC addition to the bak pak. I see the point of it clashing with the background, but I would definitely get it. I cant even begin to tell you how much nicer the water is with it.
HOWEVER . . . . it will not fit over a maxi jet powerhead. So either get the combo box and stick with the rio, maybe a bigger rio, but the maxi jet is out if you get the combo box.
Justin

 

[jenni1979]

Okay, thats for that info. I will probably get a better Rio then. I am definitely wanting a combo box though.

 

[dacia]

I bought a Skilter for a FOWLR tank, but I don't even use the skimmer part. I was told after I bought the thing that it was noisy and did not skim very well. However, as a filter alone, it works great. I would keep a Skilter on a FOWLR or FO, but not a reef unless you have a separate skimmer and use that one rather than the one on the Skilter.
Since I use the CPR Bak Pak 2, I am one of the ones that recommend it for smaller reefs. It works great, IMHO.

 

[jenni1979]

Hey 737mech,
Let me know if you want to sell that CPR bubble reducer/preskimmer or not. I am going to start searching for one real soon. Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[rbmount]

the only thing i use my skilter for is to circulate water when i mix salt.i've got a cpr on my 46gal and i love the job it does.

 

[david8]

will the surface skimmer for the bakpak 2R work with a maxi-jet 1200?

 

[007]

nope
:nope:

 

[reefmad]

where can i get info on how to convert to a maxijet1200
I ordered the maxi and now need info on how to change to new pump. the old rio has two airline tubes and the new maxi doesnt have them and i am confused.Need Help!
thanks