Back in March we revealed the then new HOT-1v2 protein skimmer from Precision Marine. The hang-on-tank skimmer surprisingly went away from the venturi needlewheel pumps that have become so popular over the years, instead it was being driven by a wooden bubble diffuser. The skimmer was rated for aquariums in the 50-gallon or less neighborhood and was adorned in the PM Redline colors. The HOT-1v2 drew some excitement from the aquarium community, and it looked to be a promising addition to their lineup especially since they haven’t really gone after the nano market that much. Despite this, PM has decided to do away with their HOT series of protein skimmers. Fortunately, they’re not abandoning this type of protein skimmer altogether.

Keep reading below to see what the PM HOT-1v2 is being replaced with.

Several months ago on PM’s Facebook Page, you may or may not have noticed their announcement that they would be carrying Bubble Magus products. You see where I’m going with this? PM has chosen to replace their HOT skimmers with the Bubble Magus BM-NAC5E. When asked why, the two-part response was mostly centered around the fact that the Bubble Magus skimmers were just so inexpensive. On top of that, apparently the guys at PM thought the Bubble Magus HOT skimmer looked better too, indicating that they weren’t entirely happy with the boxy look of their own hang-on skimmer. Wrapping it up, the PM rep stated that it was never a matter of performance, as they were pleased with how their HOT-1v2 performed, but it was just a matter of economics.

Precision Marine is expanding their lineup to include four new RO/DI water purification units. The reverse osmosis systems will include the typical array of filters, with membranes being either 50 or 100 gallons per day. The little extras that PM is also offering with these systems are the various feed and drain line fittings, as well as shutoff and check valves. Most of these valves and fittings don’t normally come with RO units, especially as standard equipment. So it’s nice to see PM making the extra effort without making the consumer pay through the nose.

Currently, only three of the RO units are showing up on PM’s website, with the prices ranging from $140 to $180. Each of the RO units is extremely affordable, which hasn’t always been the case with quality RO units in the past. This especially holds true if you consider all the extra valves that come along with each unit. The three models currently available are the RO50/3, RO100/3, and RO100/4. The first number in the sequence stands for the gpd, while the second number refers to the number of stages on the system. We suspect that the fourth, unlisted RO system will have more stages, and possible more TFC membranes or a pressure boosting pump, but that all remains to be seen at this point. It is also important to note that pressure gauges and a TDS meter aren’t included with the previously described systems, but they are important to the maintenance of the systems and will dictate when filters need to be replaced. Add-on TDS meters and pressure gauges are readily available and inexpensive, so adding them would be quite easy to do.

Below is a list of available equipment on the Precision Marine RO units. Obviously some of the features are present on certain units while not on others.

Precision Marine Reverse Osmosis with De-ionization System Features:

• Sediment Cartridge
• De-Ionizer Cartridge
• Activated Carbon Cartridge
• 50gpd or 100gpd Thin Film Composite RO Membrane
• Shut-Off Valve
• Check Valve
• Shut-Off Valve
• Saddle Valve/Water Feed Kit
• Drain Kit – Waste Water

Just yesterday we released images and information of Precision Marine’s brand new HOT-1v2 hang-on protein skimmer. At the time we wrote the article, PM hadn’t quite released all of the product information, so we could only go by what was shown in the pictures. Fortunately, PM has unveiled a few details on this new hang-on tank protein skimmer, including dimensions, tank ratings, and included accessories. The new HOT-1v2 includes a 3″ Limewood diffuser, along with a free spare diffuser, a Maxi-Jet 400 pump, and a drain valve that allows for easy access to the diffuser for maintenance. As for the skimmer’s dimensions, it measures 10″x3.75″ and takes up very little space behind your aquarium. This HOT skimmer is capable of handling saltwater aquariums at 50-gallons or less.

Precision Marine is gearing up to release an updated version of their HOT protein skimmer. Called the HOT-1v2, this skimmer is a hang-on-tank skimmer, hence the HOT moniker, and looks to use a Maxi-Jet feed pump to circulate water from the aquarium through the skimmer and an air pump to create all of the bubbles. In a world of aspirating pumps and needlewheel impellers, I’m not exactly sure why PM chose to use an air pump coupled with a wood air stone to create the bubbles. This of course isn’t their first rodeo, so we’ll assume the device lives up to its Precision Marine namesake. Pricing, specifications, and availability have yet to be released at this point, but they will be available soon.

PM showed off a lot of their equipment at NextWave just a couple of weeks ago, and we got to see this new skimmer in person. However, only their Mach protein skimmers were being functionally displayed at the event, so we didn’t get a whole lot of time with this new HOT skimmer. We did get see how well it was built though. Which is honestly not a surprise to me, since PM has been doing this for quite some time. Unfortunately, in my aquarium equipment overload moment, I didn’t get all the information on this skimmer that I wanted, so the details will have to wait for now.

Precision Marine is finishing out the year strong, adding a few more products to their already well-rounded lineup. Their newest release is the RFCa640 reverse flow calcium reactor. In the past, PM used Eheim pumps for their reactors, more specifically the 1048 and 1250 models. This new reactor, however, will feature a Sicce Syncra 3.5 recirculating pump. This model Sicce puts out over 630 gallons per hour, leading me to believe this PM calcium reactor is designed for the big boys. The RFCa6 reactor, for example, is rated for aquariums up to 400-gallons. Its pump, the Eheim 1250, only pushes 317 gph. Connecting the dots a little, I would assume the RFCa640 would be rated for tanks well over 500-gallons, potentially even more.

Pricing, availability and tank ratings haven’t been released for the RFCa640 yet, but they are already being added to PM’s website and the info will be available shortly. Plus, it would appear there is larger model of the RFCa series in the works as well. But again, details have yet to be seen at this point.

New Bubble Blaster Pump for PM Skimmers

I got the opportunity to talk to the owner of Precision Marine this past weekend and he informed me of a new line of protein skimmers currently in development. The new lineup will be called the Professional Series, catering to both the larger tank and more high-end crowds. Though details are scarce at the moment since the project seems to only be a concept at this point, I was informed that there will not be any cone-shaped skimmers in this lineup. Mike, PM’s owner, told me the reason for this exclusion is due to the cone skimmers having a decreased dwell time for the water within the skimmer’s body. This decreased dwell time causes less water to be properly filtered within a given period of time. This means the skimmer has to potentially work longer to pull out the same amount of organics. Despite not being cone-shaped, these skimmers will still be performers. The Professional Series will introduce bubble plates (absent in the PM Redline skimmers) and oversized plumbing in order to handle the massive amount of water and air coming from the Bubble Blaster-based skimmer pump.

Though details are very slim at the moment, these skimmers look to be promising. And as more details trickle in, we’ll keep you informed. Mike seemed very enthusiastic about the new lineup, and if their built as nicely as the rest of their equipment, the new skimmers will be great pieces of aquarium filtration.

New Bubble Blaster Pump for PM Skimmers