Cad Lights Conic Protein Skimmer (TIA-1150)

[gmann]

what water level are you having yours sit in? I have mine in 10" and its overflowing like crazy no matter what direction i turn the pipe

[Dearth]

Originally Posted by gmann

what water level are you having yours sit in? I have mine in 10" and its overflowing like crazy no matter what direction i turn the pipe

Try lifting it a bit as optimal operating for the Cadlights is 7-9 inches mine is set at 8 inches with no issues

[oupulino]

put at 7 " that is the best setting anyway the pumps in this skimmers are junk if you can returned do it and buy other skimmer .I like aquamax great skimmers and quality build pump not much a deferents in the price

[gmann]

thanks i will try 8"

[Dearth]

So its been a year since I bought the Cadlights skimmer and after a year I am still thoroughly impressed with the skimmer I've done 2 complete cleanings of the skimmer.

Likes

-Very easy to pull apart and clean very few moving parts
-Still very quiet with no vibrations
-still skims like it was new
-very easy still to adjust bubble flow
-power costs are low
-very easy to pipe if you need to


Dislikes

-Had to do a minor modification to the venturi to improve bubble flow(supposedly has been fixed in newer models)
-Anti-vibration rubber foot pegs are a waste of time they keep falling off
-collection cup drain tube plugs up easily(if you choose to use it I used it for 3 months didn't really like the drain tube)
-electrical cord is 2 feet too short


Overall it still performs well does as advertised and unlike some other name brand skimmer models I've seen in action this runs very quiet my lights cooling fans are noisier than my return pump and skimmer combined

I have no qualms recommending this to anybody

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by Dearth

So its been a year since I bought the Cadlights skimmer and after a year I am still thoroughly impressed with the skimmer I've done 2 complete cleanings of the skimmer.

Likes

-Very easy to pull apart and clean very few moving parts
-Still very quiet with no vibrations
-still skims like it was new
-very easy still to adjust bubble flow
-power costs are low
-very easy to pipe if you need to


Dislikes

-Had to do a minor modification to the venturi to improve bubble flow(supposedly has been fixed in newer models)
-Anti-vibration rubber foot pegs are a waste of time they keep falling off
-collection cup drain tube plugs up easily(if you choose to use it I used it for 3 months didn't really like the drain tube)
-electrical cord is 2 feet too short


Overall it still performs well does as advertised and unlike some other name brand skimmer models I've seen in action this runs very quiet my lights cooling fans are noisier than my return pump and skimmer combined

I have no qualms recommending this to anybody

Thanks for the long term review. I just happen to be looking for a new skimmer for a 75g FOWLR and will look into this one as a candidate.

[Dearth]

Just a quick update

Pump has been running almost non stop for approx 19 months now aside for 6 hrs for cleaning at 6 and 12 months and today no vibration or noises evident still runs silent no heat buildup detectable nor any electrical issues aside from the ridiculously short power cord (my biggest complaint)

Still skims well however adjustment pipe for flow sticks and can be a pain to micro adjust (been using pliers to adjust flow)

The impeller is still in great shape next to no buildup in the pump

Only issue is scum and slime buildup around the Venturi which was inhibiting bubble flow

Overall still extremely impressed with the Cadlights skimmer and still would have no issues recommending this to people

[Dearth]

Another update:

Its been almost 3 and a half years since I started using this skimmer

Pump is still in great shape no noise or damage visible and bubbler is still working well

other than the previously stated issues I have not noticed any major problems

I just cleaned it tonight after it has run continuously for the past year with next to no maintenance due to medical issues and have only had to do minor adjustments on the bubbler to optimize its operation

Still a good product IMO for those on a budget