CPR BakPak Pre-Skimmer

[Anonymous]

I am getting all sorts of gunk on the water surfce of my 20H. I'm thinking about getting the pre-skimmer for my BakPak. Has anyone used it, and if so, what do you think? TIA.

 

[Anonymous]

Chris,
I've used/using the prefilter. For around $15. it' a good little investment. It works well for what it is designed to do, but can be a pain also. I always have to keep screwing around with the little spongy thing which is a pain to keep it set "just right". Then again, I am topping off manually. It fits nicely over the rios but seems a really tight fit over maxijets, but it is doable.

I don't know why, but they also seem to come in 2 different models. One is taller and thinner the other is shorter and fatter. Of course, I could have one prefilter and one bubble trap, and am to stupid to know the difference :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

I reccomend one. I didn't like the big giant factory made one, so I made my own.

B

 

[Anonymous]

Oh, I forgot to mention this. If you have anenome's they can still get sucked into the ph even with the prefilter! They go threw the little screw holes on the sides of it. What a freaking mess that makes.

 

[JohnD]

Chris,

I have a prefilter and it works great. The surface is clear of all oily scum.

I agree that it fits well with a Rio, but it is a pain with the Maxijet. A great investment. IMHO.

 

[ChrisRD]

As others have mentioned, they work good - just pay attention to your evaportion top-off because if your water level drops too much the powerhead feeding your skimmer can run dry...

 

[Anonymous]

What other powerheads are you using in the tank? I've tried the preskimmer years ago and found it to be a PITA. A couple of well placed powerheads will break up your surface scum very nicely.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

I've got one MJ1200 in there...pointed upward...it's just moving the gunk in circles.

I got the preskimmer last night and set it up tonight. I'll see how it goes...it's done a good job in the few hours it's been up...I already notice a difference.

Thanks to all who replied...I very much appreciate it!

 

[HClH2OFish]

IIRC, you can now get the prefilter that's specifically made for the MJ1200.

I'm looking to find one of these on eBay for cheap for my BakPak...LFS does sell these, but is asking $55!!!