ViaAqua Multi-Skimmer

[CountZero]

Has anyone used the ViaAqua Multi-Skimmer with the built in UV? I was looking at one and it seems pretty cool and I was wondering what other peoples experiences were with them. If I get it it will just be going in my 55gal FO tank.
Thanks
Zero

[MR294]

IMO they are a little gimmicky, kind of like an updated Skilter . For the money you would be better off with an AquaC Remora. We ran it on a tub with some freshly cured live rock and it pulled some skimmate out after a few hours. We then tried placing a Tunze comline and an AquaC in with the ViaAqua. Both caused the ViaAqua to cease skimmate production.

[NightSpirit]

Originally Posted by CountZero

Has anyone used the ViaAqua Multi-Skimmer with the built in UV? I was looking at one and it seems pretty cool and I was wondering what other peoples experiences were with them. If I get it it will just be going in my 55gal FO tank.
Thanks
Zero

I have one and it's junk, I'm trashing it for a remora pro.
It's loud and doesn't even do a good job.

[biotoxin]

Mr294, how can you compare a via aqua multi skimmer to a remora? Thats like comparing a pinto to a porsche. They arent even in the same class. I asked the same question on another forum about that skimmer and i didnt get any replies. Its fairly new and looks like the same design as a skilter. I would probably buy it over a skilter but im not really into the whole UV side of it, i just like the ability to filter and have water movement all in one. All i can say is try it and see, send it back if it sucks, cuz i wana know if its a POS also

[MR294]

Originally Posted by biotoxin

Mr294, how can you compare a via aqua multi skimmer to a remora? Thats like comparing a pinto to a porsche. They arent even in the same class.

Exactly my point. The ViaAqua performs quite poorly next to it, so I would spend the extra $30 and get a Remora if I were shopping for a HOT skimmer for a smaller tank. I really like the Tunze comlines as well, but not everyone wants an in-tank skimmer.

[biotoxin]

Apples and oranges my friend. You are basing your comparasin (and bias) on 2 separate products that arent really even in the same category. I dont know where you got your numbers either. Marine Depot.com:
Multi Skimmer = 73$
Aquac Remora = $163

Where's that extra 30$ ?

I look forward to our future posts where maybe we can compare a paper airplane to the space shuttle 8)

[MR294]

Originally Posted by biotoxin

Apples and oranges my friend. You are basing your comparasin (and bias) on 2 separate products that arent really even in the same category. I dont know where you got your numbers either. Marine Depot.com:
Multi Skimmer = 73$
Aquac Remora = $163

Where's that extra 30$ ?

I look forward to our future posts where maybe we can compare a paper airplane to the space shuttle 8)

In the original post he asked about the viaaqua with built in UV which retails for about $120 online. I paid $150 for my AquaC so thats where I got my numbers. I guess its about a $40 difference if you shop at Marine Depot, sorry Regardless the ViaAqua was designed to fit the same niche as the AquaC, a HOT skimmer for tanks of approximately 75g, and it does so quite poorly. It's mediocre at best as a skimmer, and the built in UV is a joke and clearly an afterthought in the design. The ViaAqua was also thoroughly outperformed by a Tunze only rated for less than half the tank size of the ViaAqua, and which can be had for the same price. There is really no point in wasting $70 or $120, either way its a poorly crafted, poorly performing skimmer. I've used Aquamedics, ETSS, Euroreefs, Precision Marine, Berlins, Excaliburs, Skilters, Prizms, AquaCs, CPRs, Seaclones, Tunzes, Amiracles etc. etc. etc. and I would have to rate it down there with the Seaclones and skilters of the skimmer world.

[MACATUA]

Whats wrong with a SeaClone? Mine pulls out all kind of nasty stuff. Is a pain to clean and gets pretty nasty quick, but it does it's job, doesn't it?

[biotoxin]

Yes i agree it will be outskimmed easily by more stand alone skimmers. Its failure is in its multi function. The uv is a joke obviously. The reason it cant skim (same failure as a skilter) is the shortness of the reaction tube decreasing dwell time. Its no surprise an aquaC remora would do much better. Im still tryin to figure out how CPR can charge 120$ for their skimmer. Im sure some kids for VOTECH in high school could make those for under $60.

[MR294]

Originally Posted by biotoxin

Im still tryin to figure out how CPR can charge 120$ for their skimmer. Im sure some kids for VOTECH in high school could make those for under $60.

I agree 100%. My friend and I are designing a skimmer, thats why we have been testing models that run the gamut from Becketts and downdrafts to a Lees airstone skimmer. Right now we are planning something similar to a Euroreef in construction, but completely sealed so it can be seated externally. Probably a recirculating needle wheel venturi like the Deltec, with a T from the return to feed the chamber. I really like the Beckett skimmers, but dislike the large pressure rated pump associated with driving it. Should be an interesting project for this winter.

[biotoxin]

let me know how it goes id purchase one if you make it work well