Bak-Pak 2 Question

Bruce · 12-22-2007, 09:37 PM

Hey everyone. Well, I have a quick question about the Bak-Pak 2 protein skimmer.

Does anyone know what would cause the skimmer to back up slightly...it seems as though today I have to place the skimmer cup really high and there is water going through the little overflow hole. I have never done anything to the bio area...but I fell as though it is getting backed up.

I have been told not to clean the bio material area...but I am getting a bit worried and do not want an overflow.

geekdafied · 12-22-2007, 10:18 PM

Did you check the sponge in the return?

The one I had yrs ago worked great until it started leaking.

Bruce · 12-22-2007, 10:32 PM

I just found out...I blew into into the air intake...and noticed that the water level went down...as it turns out, i tied my air intake to lessen the noise and the knot got to tight! hah...I loosened the knot and everything is back to normal!

But the funny thing is, i just replaced one of my rio powerheads for the magnet hydor...and when i get home the other one breaks! LFS tomorrow, santa forgot another powerhead hah.

Does everyone think that two of the Hydor Koralia #2 will be ok for a 55gal? I might get 2 tomorrow, so I have 3 total...

geekdafied · 12-23-2007, 09:22 AM

I use 2 SEIO m620's in a 75g and I think its not enough. Im looking at the #4's for that tank. I would think the #2's wouldnt be enough for your tank Bruce.

Bruce · 12-23-2007, 09:36 AM

hmm, so do you think that two more #2s for a total of 3 would be good, or maybe get a #3 instead?

geekdafied · 12-23-2007, 02:38 PM

It would more or less depend on your rock work. Two #3's would be good, #4's would be better. These are not like your typical powerheads that shoot a stream of water out of them, its more like moderate flow of water. I have mine pointed up and towards the middle front so the flow meets in the middle which creates a nice double loop effect and its ever changing just like a wave machine so its not a constant flow of water. The pressure coming from them change as they consume electricity cause the flow of current changes so it does create a wave machine action.

Bruce · 12-23-2007, 05:33 PM

Yeah, I wish there had been a way for me to actually feel the flow before i bought the first one. The 3 is much better than the 2...oh well. I have one #2 and one #3 along with my skimmer and surface skimmer, moderate flow.

geekdafied · 12-23-2007, 11:31 PM

live and learn.