by AquaNerd | Jul 15, 2014 | Equipment, Science
There’s a new nano sized protein skimmer hitting the market really soon from JBJ USA called the SK-45. Ideal for tanks up to 45-gallons, this new skimmer was purposefully designed to fit in the rimless JBJ aquariums, specifically the RL-45, RL-30 and the RL-20. It has a total footprint of just 3.75″ x 3″, which also makes it a good candidate for other nano aquariums as well. As far as features go, the SK-45 uses a needle wheel pump with an adjustable venturi valve, a height adjustable outage pipe that controls the internal water level, a large column for microbubble removal, double media sponges, large collection cup, and a mounting bracket for rimless aquariums. On top of those features, JBJ is also offering a limited one year warranty and, more interestingly, a free media sponge replacements for every six months over a two year span. The SK-45 will officially launch in a couple of weeks, but if you can’t wait until then to get a glimpse at it in action, feel free to check out the video below. by AquaNerd | Jun 17, 2014 | Industry, Science
Believe it or not, but marine aquariums have been around longer than disco and moon landings. To help illustrate that fact, Tunze was getting all nostalgic at Interzoo this year, showing off their very first skimmer which dates back all the way to 1963. Hard to believe, right? And although the skimmer does look a bit foreign to us, there are still several recognizable key elements that are still present in modern designs. Even more interesting is the fact that this was the very first venturi style protein skimmer ever produced, obviously laying the groundwork for an entire sub-industry that developed as aquarists saw a need for clean water. The unusual design consists of a top mounted pump (located in the black box on the top left of the picture) that feeds water into a specialized venturi adapter, which draws in air to mix with the water. The bubbled filled water is then dumped into the cylindrical body of the skimmer and the bubbles rise into the neck of the skimmer, depositing previously dissolved organic material into a collection cup. We initially thought the white pipe at the bottom of the skimmer was an early version of the riser tube drain, but upon closer inspection it actually looks to be the line feeding water into the pump device, which would mean the clean water is passively expelled through the bottom of the cylinder. This is definitely an old design that has been refined numerous times over the years, but judging by that foam production, Norbert Tunze knew exactly what he was doing. Special thanks to Shawn Wilson for the awesome images by AquaNerd | May 30, 2014 | Science, Tanks
We’ve got news of another product that will make its debut at the upcoming Interzoo. Skimz Singapore has announced that they will be displaying a pair of small DC powered protein skimmers under the Mini Monzter moniker. These two new skimmers feature the smallest DC pump on the market which is crammed into a tiny footprint, along with plenty of other features like bubble plates and gently transitioning cone shapes. Like most of the DC pumps currently out there, the Monzter Mini’s pump will have six preset speeds and a feed timer, allowing for precise control over water level and bubble content within the skimmer body. Despite their minuscule size, however, the Monzter Mini skimmers pack quite a punch. The smallest model, the Skimz SN123 Monzter Mini, has a tank rating of 500L (approximately 131 USgal) and the larger model, the SN143, can handle tanks up to 900L (approximately 237 USgal). Skimz SN123 Monzter Mini protein skimmer specs: Dimension: L163 x D187 x H490 (mm) Body Diameter: 120mm Pump: Skimz VSC1200 DC Air Intake: 120 – 360 L/h Total Watts: 6 – 12W For Aquarium: up to 500L Skimz SN143 Monzter Mini protein skimmer: Dimension: L188 x D196 x H490 (mm) Body Diameter: 140mm Pump: Skimz VSC2000 DC Air Intake: 240 – 660 L/h Total Watts: 9 – 18W For Aquarium: up to 900L Pricing and availability will most likely be announced at Interzoo. by AquaNerd | May 22, 2014 | Fish, Science
Interzoo is the largest international aquarium-based trade show on the planet, and it just so happens to be right around the corner. With the date quickly approaching, we’re starting to hear rumblings of new products that will be announced at the massive event, leading off with a new item from Vertex Aquaristik. In a move that shouldn’t even remotely come as a surprise, Vertex looks as though they will be announcing a larger model to their popular Omega protein skimmer line. While we don’t have any specifics about the products, as Vertex wouldn’t immediately address our questions, we do know that it will be the Omega 180 based on the engraving on what is very likely the skimmer’s lid. We assume the Omega 180 will utilize the same wine glass body, Sicce Syncra pump, bubble diffuser plate, vibration dampening pads, and other features found in the rest of the lineup, only beefed up to handle a heavier bioload. We did notice that large red fish, part of the Vertex branding, on the skimmer lid, which is absent in the original design of the Omega. Perhaps this is the only subtle change, but perhaps there is more. We’ll know more about the Omega 180 as the show draws closer. by AquaNerd | Dec 10, 2013 | Science
Bubble Magus is really stepping up their game as the end of the year draws closer. In addition to the DC powered Wave Pumps, which we spoke about yesterday, they also have a set of brand new DC controllable skimmer pumps and return pumps for those hobbyists in need of a bit more control. Info and images on the return pumps have yet to surface, they promise them shortly, so for now we’ll just focus on the new DC skimmers. Announced by Sea Side Aquatics, the skimmer pumps will come in two models. The largest of which, the S50, draws 45W while cranking out a peak air intake of 1500 liters per hour. The junior model, called the S20, draws only about 20watts and has an air intake of 900 LPH.
