20 www.ultramarinemagazine.co.uk

We’ve waited quite some time for TMC’s new REEF range

that was first shown off to the public at Interzoo earlier in the year. I’m not sure, as yet, if TMC will retire their older skimmer models or whether the two will run alongside each other, though it must be said that the REEF range must be run ‘in-sump’, so that may suggest that the V2Skim range may well continue.

The REEF-Skim range is comprised of seven skimmers, all with cone-shaped skimmer bodies. The range starts with the 50 which I understand is for small nano systems and has a tiny footprint, up to the powerful 2000, designed for systems up to 2,000 litres. All of the range come with Sicce Syncra SK pumps, though it appears that the needle wheels are specific to this range.

I’ve been sent the 500 model and I am very grateful to TMC who have managed to ship it to me on pretty much the same day they received the stock in their main warehouse. I’ve only had a day to play with it before our print deadline so I apologise now that I can’t tell you how the skimmer is performing several weeks in, but we can have a look at the skimmer’s build and operation.

I should also note that the 300, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 models are all available in DC versions that use a DC powered and controllable pump that

Review: REEF-Skim 500 from TMCBy Richard Aspinall Richard continues his look at TMC’s new REEF

range with a quick look at this new skimmer.Images: Richard Aspinall

allows for greater adjustment of the flow characteristics of the skimmer. These weren’t available to me given our deadline, so I’ll be looking at the AC version only, but don’t be put off, the AC ones seem to be great skimmers. I understand that along with speed control the DC controller has a feed timer and a ‘soft start’ feature to increase the life expectancy of the impeller. It is expected that DC will add around £20 to the overall price.

So starting from the bottom up: the skimmer has four ‘rubber’ feet that are screwed onto the base plate and won’t get lost as you clean it, with four screws that attach the bottom plate to the skimmer body. The pump, in this model, is secured with two plates, again held with plastic screws. The range uses Sicce pumps, which have been used widely by TMC and some other manufacturers and my experience with them has suggested they are quiet and durable.

Atop the pump outlet is an interesting bubble plate that sits within a shallow ‘dish’ – presumably the thinking behind this design is to create a swirling flow and increase water/bubble contact time.

The riser tube has a recommended water level decal, though the instructions (that are very well written and in full colour), suggest the 500 can be sat at various depths.

Issue 49 BY.indd 20 08/12/2014 12:54:07

21December 2014

The water level adjustment dial is the non-threaded type, so be careful with turning it – even small changes may have a big impact on the water level in the skimmer body.

The silencer has a nice feature, another adjustment control that alters the amount of air that can enter. Ozone can be added via an inlet underneath the silencer.

The collection cup cover in the 500 (and upwards) models, is supplied with a central hole, which I presume is for attachment of an automated cleaning head. Happily the collection cup has a drain and is supplied with a hose and a tap for easy emptying – a nice touch!

So, how does it run?Well, I’m limited by time here, but I will revisit this review in Issue 50 and let you know how it’s getting on, but so far the 500 is super quiet and pulling in a fair amount of air by the looks of things. It will need several days to settle in though and begin to show its true abilities.

So far I see no reason to assume this won’t be a great skimmer that will perform. It appears well-constructed and finished, and has a good pump at its heart. It’ll be easy to clean and service. At present I don’t know where it will be pitched in price terms, but I suspect it will be competitive.

 Review: TMC REEF-Skim 500

Issue 49 BY.indd 21 08/12/2014 12:54:19