I got my skimz through brs and am glad I did - because as you point out they handle warranty issues. My collection cup started leaking at the base seam after a few months and brs replaced it.
Found this site recently, and just picked up one of their two float units for $50. Well made, and doesnt hum and clack like the DIY one I made. ..
www.autotopoff.com
I just reassembled mine yesterday, and one side wasn't spinning because the piece on the propeller that the shaft locks into had slipped inside the rubber collar thing and was loose in the propeller...
I've got a flame and a lineatus as well. They all get along fine, the lineatus chased the flame for a while when I first added the flame (flame was last). The checkerboard isn't a fairy wrasse though, it's one of the sleep in the sand types, so I think you'd have to add a couple of inches of...