Do people still use Beckett-style skimmers?

[jupiter]

I have a Beckett-style skimmer rated for 500 gallons. Are these skimmers still considered good skimmers? I don't see many posts about them since about 2005 so I can't tell if there are problems people found with the technology.

TIA

[zimboy]

Becketts are still in use, but their popularity is fading with the new needle wheel and mesh modded skimmers. From what I understand the becketts need more constant adjusting. Mesh mod seems to be the way to go at the moment.

[sasquatch]

Becketts are still the #1 bubble producer, there is a "new" mod for them, close off the air intake holes with marine epoxy and drill 3/32'' holes all around the band, the air intake/adjustment hose will probably have to be increased to at least a 3/8 id pipe, would love to see a pic of yours (my personal porn fix lol) I have a fantastic silencer design if you need one. Steve

[jupiter]

Wow thanks for the info and tips.

Steve, I attached a pic of my skimmer. I got it from Salt Water Connection in '03. It was beautiful when I bought it but I found that the quality of the acrylic isn't the best. It was extruded rather than cast. It was still a good skimmer though. I dropped it and it broke so I just need to glue it together again

I'd like to see the silencer design. I will look up the "mod" online and see what I come up with.

[sasquatch]

that should serve well! what pump did you run? the mod thread is over on R hmmm do I dare say C in the diy section

[sasquatch]

by the way! if your not getting into a really big tank you could stick a 3/4'' mazzie injector on it, look for a barbed one as the threaded ones are twice the dollars
eBay Canada – New and used mazzei injector on eBay.ca

[jupiter]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

that should serve well! what pump did you run? the mod thread is over on R hmmm do I dare say C in the diy section

MAG 24. I will check out the mod on ... you know where (if the lag doesn't kill me).

[jupiter]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

by the way! if your not getting into a really big tank you could stick a 3/4'' mazzie injector on it, look for a barbed one as the threaded ones are twice the dollars
eBay Canada – New and used mazzei injector on eBay.ca

Is this instead of modifying the Beckett? I do have an extra Beckett head lying around I can drill up.

And what's "not really big"? I was aiming for 150 gallons. I'd call that medium, I think.

[DrHank]

I've got becketts running on both my 210 gallon reef and 144 bowfronf FOWLR. I like them very much. I do agree that the hobby seems to be moving toward the NW skimmers though. On a smaller tank, I'd probably join the crowd but not on my big tanks.