Planctonite, a Spanish aquarium equipment manufacturer, has slowly been rolling out unique hand made products. Seen across their line are simple, but practical designs–as is the case with the Planctonite MiniBot 150 protein skimmer.
The MiniBot 150 has taken the increasingly popular, small footprint skimmer route; placing the AquaBee needlewheel pump inside the skimmer body. The [...]
Planctonite, a Spanish aquarium equipment manufacturer, has slowly been rolling out unique hand made products. Seen across their line are simple, but practical designs–as is the case with the Planctonite MiniBot 150 protein skimmer.
The MiniBot 150 has taken the increasingly popular, small footprint skimmer route; placing the AquaBee needlewheel pump inside the skimmer body. The T shown to the left is not the output, rather a unique venturi design that allows fine adjustments and helps this AB 2000/1 pump pull up to 800lph of air–one of the highest reported intake numbers for this particular pump. Air intake noises are quieted via an air silencer that Planctonite calls the “Shht” and sells individually–perhaps not the best name for the U.S. market.
The Sweeper, is a simple wiper blade collection cup and neck cleaner and comes with the MiniBot 150. It has taken some obvious cues from the AquaDriver SkimClean. The design is not as refined and lacks the spraying ability of the Skim Clean, but Planctonite’s products have a simplicity that comes across well.
- Footprint: 22 x 22 x 50cm (27cm tall)
- Pump : Modified Aqua Bee 2000/1
- 38w
- 800lph air intake
- Shht air silencer
- Sweeper wash down system
Planctonite rates the Minibot 150 skimmer for 600 ” real” liters, or 150 gallons. MSRP is currently €410 ($600 USD). An interesting product from the rarely discussed reefing land de España.
