The BERLIN TURBO HOB skimmer...some input needed.

[Anonymous]

I plan on upgrading my HOB skimmer(currently running a CPR BakPak). I am thinking of getting the berlin turbo HOB skimmer. I just wanted to see if anyone had any feedback or suggestions for HOB skimmers.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

[micagreenmachine]

I've got a Berling Classic Turbo. It's doing an ok job now, but not without some tweeking to get it to work right. I don't think it was ready for the market yet, personally, I think Red Sea put it on the market ASAP to compete with the Turbofloater and other "needle wheel" designs. Heck, back in 1992 we used to make ventury skimmers work the same as that Berlin Turbo does by making a mod to those Maxi Jet power heads. If I had known it would be as much of a PITA, I would've gotten something else. Mine isn't a HOT, but I'm sure that most of the workings (and problems) are the same. I'm still waiting for the new "quiet" impeller to come in the mail (it's only been a week, so I'm not disgrunteled with the customer service -yet-)

Can anyone else recommens a better HOT skimmer? I'm sure there's plenty of reefers out there that can....

I'm not saying that my Berlin skimmer totaly sucks, just that it's been a PITA to get it to work like it should've out of the box.

~Todd

 

[Anonymous]

How much room is needed between the wall and tank?

I have eight inches. One site says 7 1/2 inches are needed and another says 10 inches. Which is right?

Thank you

Dan

 

[freedom75]

ANEMONEBUFF
I use a HOB berlin turbo. First off I would say have at Least 10 inches. I had 7 and had to use a dremel tool to modify the base of the skimmer to get it to fit behind my tank. Number 2 they had to give me a new pump after only a month. When ask why they said it was a design problem with the pump. I also have to keep the air intake valve turned way down to keep it from making a screaming noise. And No the Ventura is not dirt it has been clean multiply times. Over all the skimmer does a heck of a job but it is noisy and touchy but once I got it set it has run with no problems at all. I would suggest drilling the collection cup and putting a tube to a larger container in the lower parts of the stand so you do not have to worry about taking the cup off because I cracked mine doing this. if not just make sure when you put the cup on use some vasaline or smothing to grease it so it will slip back off easy. Good Luck

John Wray
jwray@triad.rr.com
http://home.triad.rr.com/jwray/reef.html

[ November 18, 2001: Message edited by: freedom75 ]</p>