Need Help with CPR BakPak - what's missing?

[hfmann]

Found this old CPR BakPak in my closet and could really use it right now. Obviously needs some sort of pump and bubble generator. What do I need to do to get this in working condition? What kind of pump, size? How to generate the bubbles? Also, doesn't look like there's anyway it can actually "surface skim" - is there a piece missing for that function?

Thanks.
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[texasreefer]

You need a new powerhead and venturi kit. I would order a Maxi-jet 1200 & venturi kit from http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Code=Maxijet

For the surface skimming you can order a surface skimmer attachment from http://www.drsfostersmith.com/shop2...pCatId=4423&prodId=8242&catId=937341&siteid=6

I run mine w/o the pre skimmer myself.

 

[hfmann]

Texas,

Thank you very much! It's nice to have such specific info and sources to go with it.

Although you don't use the skimmer attachment, don you know how it fits onto the powerhead. From the picture at Drs. Foster, I can't see how it works.
Why is there a drop from the output area to the spillway going back to the aquarium? Seems like it would crate a lot of unnecessary splashing?

Again, appreciate your help. Thanks.

Hal
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[LA-Lawman]

The pump that comes with the bak-pak is a rio 600RVt. Venturi pump. that drip tray is the 1st gen of that skimmer. you can cut a piece of polyfilter and use it as bubble trap or use a small bag of chemi-pure there.

the maxijet 1200 will work but you cant use the surface skimmer kit with it.

the surface skimmer fits around the pump and is tuned to be about 1/2 inch under the water. so the pump will skim the surface as it runs the skimmer.

the older bak-paks IMO work the best.....

 

[hfmann]

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the info.

The pump that comes with the bak-pak is a rio 600RVt. Venturi pump. that drip tray is the 1st gen of that skimmer. you can cut a piece of polyfilter and use it as bubble trap or use a small bag of chemi-pure there.

the maxijet 1200 will work but you cant use the surface skimmer kit with it.

the surface skimmer fits around the pump and is tuned to be about 1/2 inch under the water. so the pump will skim the surface as it runs the skimmer.

So, do I understand you saying if I want the skimmer, I've got to use the Rio pump? [Man, I hate Rio's but if that's what it takes...]

the older bak-paks IMO work the best.....

Do I have one of these? And why do you say that?

Thanks again.
Hal
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[O P Ing]

Why is there a drop from the output area to the spillway going back to the aquarium? Seems like it would crate a lot of unnecessary splashing?

hi.
The splashing is not too bad. There is a drop because it is easier to make than having a sloping sprout. The sprout is function as a hook to attach the skimmer onto the back of your tank, so this is the compromise that CPR came out with. You should ask CPRUSA directly to verfy my hypothesis.

 

[Anonymous]

The newer ones kept one side of that output as a support when hanging on the tank. Then they use a round hole and black PVC with a couple elbows going into the tank. The last elbow is adjustable for direction of flow.

Don't go any smaller than that Rio 600. I found that power heads are a pain, and must be kept clean. I also have a problem with salt creep blocking the air intake on my Maxi-Jet on another skimmer. I suppose that would also happen with any usage of them. But it is not something I ever had trouble with on the Rio. Right now it sounds as if my Rio might be having trouble with the shaft. Making a lot of noise and there is visible wear.

Some of these fellows talked about running an air-stone in the CPR Backpak to enhance it's job. I just wish there was less maintenance required on the skimmers. I suppose that would not be such a hassle if I ran a sump in the basement and wasn't worried about the hard-wood floors etc.

 

[hfmann]

Hey OP and Buccolic,

There is a drop because it is easier to make than having a sloping sprout. The sprout is function as a hook to attach the skimmer onto the back of your tank, so this is the compromise that CPR came out with.

Well, that makes sense. I'm not going to try to change it, just made me wonder if I was missing something.

Don't go any smaller than that Rio 600. I found that power heads are a pain, and must be kept clean. I also have a problem with salt creep blocking the air intake on my Maxi-Jet on another skimmer. I suppose that would also happen with any usage of them. But it is not something I ever had trouble with on the Rio

Sounds like I need to go with the Rio for a variety of reasons.

Some of these fellows talked about running an air-stone in the CPR Backpak to enhance it's job.

How does that get hooked up and integrated into the configuration?

Thanks everyone,
Hal
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