Just last week the new white Deltec TC and SC skimmers became available for order. A few blokes in the UK picked these up and something seems slightly different on the photos and videos we’re seeing–the necks are extended approximately 1-2″ for a much more gentle body to neck transition. Back in May we shared [...]
Just last week the new white Deltec TC and SC skimmers became available for order. A few blokes in the UK picked these up and something seems slightly different on the photos and videos we’re seeing–the necks are extended approximately 1-2″ for a much more gentle body to neck transition.
Back in May we shared with you the new Deltec skimmers and at this time we asked Deltec if they had considered a new neck transition or possibly a cone body. The necks in the early TC and SC skimmers shared the same drastic reduction as the older AP and APF Deltecs– a major weakpoint in the overall design in my opinion and one that I publicly voiced. Deltec got back to use with the following:
There are many new designs coming out such as cones which theoretically would be the ideal shape to direct the air bubbles upwards however this is more down to looking different – until everyone copies. The actual benefit will not be that great compared with the more important things like air volume and bubble size.
As long as there is not turbulence in the chamber then there is no real quantitative benefit.
Overall I agree, a cone body does not make a good skimmer. However, cones and sloped necks offers some tremendous turbulence reducing benefits. It now looks as though they have realized that turbulence in the neck is an important aspect as well, as reflected in their production model skimmers currently being sold. It is interesting that their web product listings have not been updated with photos of the extended neck being seen on purchased models. It is also interesting that many of the early photos on the larger models are at an angle hiding the neck transition…
For a comparison here is the early TC 2560, with the new production neck shown on the TC 2560 and TC 3040 by Glen (a24audi).
Note: Deltec also changed the placement of the feed.
In terms of performance, the Deltec fans are loving them. Easy water level adjustments and quiet operation are being reported by early buyers. Check out the video below, again from Glen, showing the different features of the Deltec TC 3070 skimmer.
These skimmers are a quantum leap for Deltec, a company who dominated the high end protein skimmer market in the late 90s and early 2000s. But now, I don’t see them being as popular outside of their established fan base. The competition has increased greatly (distribution outside the UK is also a factor) and many of the features can be found elsewhere. What are your thoughts?
