Aqua Driver’s Skim Clean self cleaning head device is applauded by some and lauded by others, yet very few have actually used the German crafted cleaner. I’ll be the first to admit this product is not for everyone… and yes it does cost as much as a new high end skimmer ($750 to $900+ depending on size). [...]
Aqua Driver’s Skim Clean self cleaning head device is applauded by some and lauded by others, yet very few have actually used the German crafted cleaner. I’ll be the first to admit this product is not for everyone… and yes it does cost as much as a new high end skimmer ($750 to $900+ depending on size). However, there are examples where this skimmer neck cleaning device can be quite helpful and those that own them claim to love them. Without any hands on experience with this type of self cleaning head design we had to try it for ourselves.
For those unfamiliar with the device, the Skim Clean is a modernized version of the wet neck and self cleaning head designs that were popularized with large commercial systems in the past. With all skimmers, skimmate accumulates in the neck which can hinder performance. Cleaning this helps, but by removing the collection cup and washing with freshwater the surface tension of the water is changed and skimming is halted. The Skim Clean actually cleans the skimmer neck without removing the cup thanks to a creative self cleaning head “SCH,” DC motor / water pump design.
The large chamber that sticks above the skimmer’s collection cup houses the guts of the SkimClean. Here is the motor that rotates the silicone squeegee that physically removes skimmate build up in the neck. This is also where a small water pump is housed–something people often forget. A small silicone tube (think air line tubing) with an intake screen is dropped into the skimmer body. This is the intake to the pump, which then pumps the saltwater through a small nozzle that rotates with the squeegee contraption.
In essence it is a windshield wiper and washer system fitted into a small area and connected to a 12v DC motor that rotates it 360 degrees to clean the entire cylindrical neck. Yeah, it’s a pretty cool toy that only a reef geek could love. If my description left you with more questions than answers, the video below should clarify.
For our ATB External Small Cone skimmer, we picked up the Skim Clean 180 universal. There seems to be some confusion regarding the proper selection of the Universal Skim Cleans–but the sizing is quite easy. The silicone squeegee can be adjusted for a variety of neck sizes. What is crucial here is the outer diameter of the collection cup. The Skim Clean lid fits right on top. A depression in the lid prevents the Skim Clean from sliding around, this is then tightened via three nylon screws.
The numbers in the name of the universal models references the diameter collection cup that the Skim Clean fits. E.g. the Universal 180 model fits cups 180mm in diameter. The ATB Small / 840 v1.5 collection cup is 7″ or 178mm making the 180 a near perfect fit.
As we showed you a few weeks back, Aqua Driver is currently making custom wash down Skim Cleans that have an added spray bar in the collection cup to keep it clean; like an RK2 commercial spray down system that actually works. This does not improve performance, but keeps the skimmate holding portion of the collection cup cleaner. Although I was tempted with one of these newer desings, they do require a solenoid and high pressure water source to power the cup wash down. It is also best used with systems connected to a waste collector and electronic float switch to kill the skimmer pump once the waste collector reaches a certain point–that is because the additional water adds volume to the skimmate. These will be available in the states shortly, but the come at a price. The upgraded wash down Skim Clean SCH 180 costs $970.
Construction is top notch with a fit and polish you expect from a boutique German reef product. The CNC work is flawless, and the motor is encapsulated in the same plastic material seamlessly. The construction is as good, if not better than the high end skimmers on the market such as Bubble King and ATB.
Mr. Carsten Prang, the designer and owner of Aqua Driver, was extremely helpful in answering our questions and we tip our hat to him. While I don’t wish to steal the thunder of the Skim Clean, some promising new Aqua Driver products are currently under development…
Worth noting, the device needs a timer or controller to turn it on periodically. How often is a function of your skimmate and neck build up. We’ll be experimenting with this to dial it in. As for the performance of the SkimClean, I cannot yet say. More to come in the near future.
Related Posts
- AquaDriver Skim Clean with Wash Down System on ATB Large Cone
- Universal Skim Cleans now available + more Aqua Driver products on the way
- InterZoo 2008 – Royal Exclusiv Update + Skim Clean
- Planctonite Sweeper 2.0 Coming in February, Special Models for ATB!
- New Aqua Driver ZeoClean Reactor in the works
