Xp-2000

Since there seems to be quite the buzz about this skimmer, I thought I'd post some pics of mine and report on its performance.

So far I'm blown away by what this thing does. The first pic is from the 8th. I hadn't emptied it for 3 days. My previous skimmer couldn't pull that amount of gunk in 2 weeks! The pic was taken around noon.

The next 3 pics I just took today, and will empty and clean it afterwards.

Two points I've become very aware of are, for one thing, a good skimmer is a godsend. I've never had a machine capable of extracting such foul skimmate, and such amazing amounts. I only have 2 fish, and less than 15 corals, so I can only imagine what it'd be pulling if I had more. The second point is that a skimmer neck absolutely, positively has to be removed and cleaned along with the cup often. In the last 3 pics, that's only 48 hours, but from past experience I know that it would take another few days to collect the same amount of gunk if I left it dirty. The fatty-like deposits on the neck all but prevent the column of bubbles from "climbing" the sides--and we need that climb to take place. Of course it will still work, but at a much compromised rate.

Enjoy.

48 hours ago, having sat for 72 hours:



Today, 48 hours after cleaning the nasty from the above pic:

 

Nice skimmer porn!! If my G3 ever kicks the bucket I'll be looking into one of those bad boys for sure.

~Will.

 

That's great to hear Sparky. It sounds like a skimming fool.

 

I just took a quick volume check. The collection cup on the XP holds 56 ounces. That's one cup shy of half a gallon. It's a big collection cup. For comparison, the cup on my old skimmer (which I don't recall ever seeing full), holds 20 ounces.

So this XP-2000 is pulling out daily, what the previous skimmer took nearly a week to pull.



My xenia used to be fat, thick, and pump constantly. Since the new skimmer's been put into the mix, the xenia is stringy, and looks like it has lost considerable mass. The pumping ends are barely recognizable--having been reduced to a mere stringy skeleton. There is no more pumping.

I'm not complaining, as I'm confident it's an indication that nutrients are really on the wane. I'm good with that.

 

That skimmer looks great, Sparky.
I was looking at these but due to the price difference I decided to go with the BM NAC6. Hope I didn't make a mistake. That thing is skimming like crazy!

 

You'll be happy with it, Will. It's a great skimmer.

It's a bigger fool than I was in elementary school. And THAT'S impressive!

Well heck, for $156 delivered, I suppose you made out pretty well, Jim. Let us know what you think.

 

I just got one. My first skimmer.

I have it in 6" of water as advised. How do you adjust the red valve correctly??

It seems that either my foam head isn't reaching the top or it is pumping water in there massively. I also am getting tons of microbubbles in the output.

Help appreciated.

Mark

 

that skimmate is unbelievable...

 

Sparky Im curious to know whare the water level is set at in the skimmer. Not sure the correct skimmer lingo on it. But where the bubbles break into bigger ones.

 

6" sounds about right. Mine's at 6 7/8", tatted4ever has his at 6, I think. When you turn the nut counterclockwise, it lowers the bubble level. This skimmer is so sensitive and accurate, that you can't set it visually and leave it. You must set it low, (open it up all the way), and each hour or so, give it a half turn clockwise (tighten the nut). When the bubble level is where you want it, it'll stay there. You absolutely, positively MUST have a consistent water level in your sump. Mine and tatted's water level is dictated by baffle. I think I read that yours is too, right? You finished your new sump, yes?

Sure is, cira050!

I have it about 2 inches below the very top of the column in the cup. Sort of set for wet skimming. That's pretty dark skimmate for wet skim, huh?
I'll snap a pic when daylight comes, Patrick