|
My Reef Creations MRC MR-2 Protein Skimmer
|
Pet Supplies:Aquarium & Fish:Filtration & Heating:Filters
|
Searched My Reef Creations MRC MR-2 Protein Skimmer in Reviews
Great Skimmer
| Installation and Operation |
This skimmer was really easy to install it came mostly assembled. requires cleaning every other day or so depending on bio load of tank. must make sure the beckett and air gate valve are cleaned monthly. once the skimmer builds a slime coat after three or four days it really produces a lot of skimmate. it did not take long to dial the skimmer after break in.
|
| Performance vs. Expectations |
it performed as directed by the manufacture.
|
| Value for money |
I think it is worth the money, I may shop around a little but I am very happy with the performance of the skimmer.
|
| Customer Support |
I have had very good responds with the customer service at MRC.
|
| Liked about it |
This thing pulls the junk out of the water. easy to maintain
|
| Didn't like |
The skimmmer has to set high in the sump or above the water line in the sump to work efficently. they could of raised the discharge some.
|
|
| Overall rating: |
|
5.0 |
| Overall satisfaction: |
|
5.0 |
| Would consider buying it again: |
|
5.0 |
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
|
Great skimmer...
| General |
Ah, the infamous MRC MR-2. A great skimmer in it's class, and still one of the better built skimmers on the market.
MR-2's are Beckett foam head driven skimmers which produce a very nice head of foam and pull out some major poo! But now days, they're being challenged by numurous pinwheel/needlewheel model skimmers available on the market. The biggest down fall of a Beckett driven skimmer is the fact that they are not very efficient when it comes to pump demand. They require a pressure rated pump to deliver the amount of head needed to power the Beckett venturi. These pumps are usually 3-4 times more costly to operate as a comparable classed pinwheel/needlewheel skimmer. This being said, there are still many reefers who swear by Beckett powered skimmers and they will use nothing else... this is because they do skim and they skim well.
For some it can be a tough decision to make... I personally lean towards the less wattage demanding needle wheels as I try to keep my tank as efficient as possible. |
| Liked about it |
Very nice build quality, can be ran internal or external. Options for upgrading skimmer if you upgrade your system.
|
| Didn't like |
Requires frequent adjustments. Requires a pressure rated pump which usually translates to higher wattages being pulled and more heat transfered to the water in the pump.
|
|
| Overall rating: |
|
3.5 |
| Overall satisfaction: |
|
4.0 |
| Would consider buying it again: |
|
3.0 |
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
|
Love these skimmers!
| General |
Man do I love the MRC skimmers! I first purchased my MR2 used from a fellow reefer. The skimmer came with a Gen-X pcx55. It took me a while to dial in the skimmer, luckily I love to tinker so I enjoyed the breakin period. I plumbed the pump in over the top of the sump which is not recommended by MRC or most reefers even though there are a few that do it this way. I did get a good amount of skimmate using this method and it was pretty dark nog even though I prefer to skim wet.
If you have it dialed in for a few days and suddenly it stops producing foam don't start adjusting the gatevalve, water level, or air on the beckett. First make sure you did not:
A. Feed the tank.
B. Put your hand in the tank.
C. Add some new plumbing or plastic to the tank.
Any of these can stop or inhibit foam production for a short time, it varies from tank to tank. I have found that new plumbing can stop foam production for days.
However if you did not do any of the above, check your beckett. If they get dirty the bubbles stop. That is the first thing I check now besides making sure my water level in the sump is consistent. Little pieces of Chaeto, snails, algae find their way into the becketts and inhibit the bubbles. I strongly recommend a screen over the inlet of the pump entrance in the sump.
I upgraded my MR2 to an MR3 by purchasing a used riser from a fellow reefer and a 2nd beckett from MRC. I also drilled my sump and replaced the pcx55 pump with a reeflo Dart. The Dart is not pressure rated but kicks out a TON of flow and easily powers both becketts using far less power than a pressure rated pump required to power two becketts, the Dart is whisper quiet too. The amount of bubbles created by using two becketts was a huge difference. The skimmate production went through the roof. I have never smelled something so vile, after a night of drinking Guinness, I cleaned my waste collector and almost vomited from the smell of the nasty sludge collected that was as dark as my treasured Guinness.
Notes:
My system is a 90 gallon display heavily stocked with a 75 gallon sump plumbed into the basement.
If you are having skimmate production issues check the becketts and I strongly reccomend an ATO system if your skimmer is in sump. Variations of the water level will play havok on your dial in attempts and slowly drive you insane.. |
| Liked about it |
It pulls out some of the nastiest skimmate I have seen.
Very well priced
Can be placed in sump or out of sump
It's a tinkerers skimmer
Does a great job of aerating the tank.
Excellent craftsmanship
MRC will custom tailor the skimmer for your needs.
Can upgrade the skimmer to an MR-3 or bigger without having to buy a whole new skimmer!
Great support from MRC even if you purchased your skimmer used!
|
| Didn't like |
Beckett skimmers are loud
The pumps can be expensive to run (pressure pumps are recommended)
The Becketts clog easy causing reduced efficiency.
Can be hard to tune in
|
|
| Overall rating: |
|
4.5 |
| Overall satisfaction: |
|
5.0 |
| Would consider buying it again: |
|
4.0 |
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
|
internal use: spec210 spec24 spec26 spec27 spec31 spec37
|
