Top Fathom

[seedless reefer]

Linda is going to use this top fathom skimmer....

http://www.bedding.com/show_product/58552/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=58552">http://www.bedding.com/show_product/58552/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=58552</a>

Manufacturer recommended pumps are a Little giant or an Iwaki, both of which of course sit in the cabinet which I am hesitant to do. I am worried about heat build up and noise and possibly room in the cabinet.

It looks like I could outperform either of the two recommended pumps with a Mag12 at less cost and it would sit inside the sump and take up no room in the cabinet.

Thoughts?

 

[linda lee]

Bedding.com?? You found the skimmer at a place that also sells a 4-star down comforter????

 

[glxtrix]

lol, I've seen some random things thu that site.

 

[reef_addict]

I have a Top Fathom skimmer on my 58 gal reef tank. I would not recommend this brand of skimmer. I live in West Cobb if you want to come look at this skimmer in action but I would not recommend it to anyone!

 

[saltwater junky]

ouch

 

[linda lee]

Reef_Addict;146649 wrote: I have a Top Fathom skimmer on my 58 gal reef tank. I would not recommend this brand of skimmer. I live in West Cobb if you want to come look at this skimmer in action but I would not recommend it to anyone!

I'd like to know what exactly the problem is you have with this skimmer. I've read reviews that are good, but you're the only one on the boards who has indicated personal experience. Yes, might come by and check it out if that's okay. Thanks for your input!!

 

[cameron]

Top Fathom is old tech and won't skim as well as newer models. Unless you are getting a crazy good deal, I would look elsewhere.

 

[linda lee]

Cameron;146689 wrote: Top Fathom is old tech and won't skim as well as newer models. Unless you are getting a crazy good deal, I would look elsewhere.

It was given to me.

 

[cameron]

There you go! not sure what model, but I would look at the Ocean Runner or Eheim pumps. Both are going to relatively small and both are reasonably quiet. The Eheim would be my top choice if noise is a serious consideration.

 

[linda lee]

Cameron;146695 wrote: There you go! not sure what model, but I would look at the Ocean Runner or Eheim pumps. Both are going to relatively small and both are reasonably quiet. The Eheim would be my top choice if noise is a serious consideration.

Thanks!! which Eheim? could you possibly provide a link?

 

[humptrax]

Linda Lee;146774 wrote: Thanks!! which Eheim? could you possibly provide a link?

drs foster smith sell it. they're expensive but they get awesome review, especially about noise and longevity.

 

[cameron]

Depends on what Fathom you have. There are about a dozen of them and a few different size pumps are recommended. Do you have a model or can you post the dimensions of the skimmer?

 

[linda lee]

Dimensions are http://topfathom.com/top-fathom.html">here</a>.

I have the TF200

TF's pump recommendations are [IMG]http://topfathom.com/pump.html">here</a>. (Of course, probably a lot of new pumps have hit the market since this site was created)

And the assembly instructions are [IMG]http://topfathom.com/Hobbiest.html">here</a>.

 

[humptrax]

http://www.aquatic-care.com/venturiinfo.htm">http://www.aquatic-care.com/venturiinfo.htm</a>

looks like you want a 250-400 GPH pump, depending on how wet/dry you want your skimmate. apparently, this skimmer is hard to get dialed in and a Mazzei Venturi upgrade helps a lot.

 

[george]

Seedless Reefer;146641 wrote: It looks like I could outperform either of the two recommended pumps with a Mag12 at less cost and it would sit inside the sump and take up no room in the cabinet.

I had a similar designed skimmer about 10 years ago. The gph rating of the pump is not the whole story on making it work right. You need the force/pressure that comes from those recommended pumps that the mag can't deliver in order to make those venturi work right. Otherwise you end up with almost no bubbles and a skimmer that overflows water all the time.

 

[linda lee]

Cameron, what kind of pump does your skimmer require?

 

[cameron]

George;146829 wrote: I had a similar designed skimmer about 10 years ago. The gph rating of the pump is not the whole story on making it work right. You need the force/pressure that comes from those recommended pumps that the mag can't deliver in order to make those venturi work right. Otherwise you end up with almost no bubbles and a skimmer that overflows water all the time.

This seems strange to me... wonder why the pressure would matter. It would seem the water speed is what causes the air to draw in. I may have it totally wrong though... just seems that way to me.

Cameron, what kind of pump does your skimmer require?

I have a recirc needlewheel pump. Mine comes with two AquaBees for the recirc part and you only need a small feed pump to get water into it such as a Maxijet. I ran mine without a pump and the overflow just flowed into the skimmer. Most recircs only need 1.5 times total system water volume for optimum results so in my case anything around 230gph was fine.

If George is right, you will have to look at a high head pump and I don't think there are many to choose from in the 400-600gph neck of the woods. If he is wrong the Eheim 1260 or an OR2500 is a great choice. Course George may have a very good point.

 

[mufret]

These skimmers will do best when used with a small pressure rated pump. Flow isn't everything in this situation. The restriction of the venturi will cause a pump designed primarily for flow, like the mags, to be very inconsistent. Using these types of pumps, thus results in some of the negative reviews they receive. They are older technology but will "do the job" if setup properly.

PS. Adding a better venturi, as mentioned, will provide improvements but the pump choice will have the most impact on it's effectiveness

 

[enderg60]

they suck, the venturi's on them dont pull much air, are undersized and clog all the time.

they also pretty much just swirl the water inside the body, not much to it.

If it was given to you and its sized for a tank about 2-3 times what you have you should be fine. Other then that I would just pass it along.

the only good to come out of my old top fathoms was I used the top flang and cone for a custom skimmer, and the venturi's for some small skimmers I made for a 15g tank.

best thing you could do with that thing is strap a NW recirc pump on it with some uniseals, take the venturi off and just use that port as the input.

 

[enderg60]

oh and i forgot to mention how much of a PINA they are to tune.