Cyclone BAK-PAK™ 2 Bio-Filter
The Cyclone BAK-PAK™2 Bio-Filter is the second generation external, hang on the back, combination Protein Skimmer and Biological Filtration unit from CPR. The BAK-PAK™ 2, like the original, is designed for tank sizes up to 60 gallons, but multiple units may be used for larger aquariums. Water first enters the Protein Skimmer column from the aquarium. It then flows through the biological chamber filled with Bio-Bale™ filtration media before returning to the aquarium.
The Protein Skimmer is driven by a rejuvenation venturi powerhead. Bubble dwell time is increased by the counter-current flow in the skimmer column. The quality of the foam collected can be controlled by raising and lowering the collection cup.
To set up the BAK-PAK™ 2, hang the unit behind the aquarium and plug it in, that`s it. New improved design incorporates an easy to clean intake tube and an enclosed, directional outflow to reduce salt splash and micro-bubbles entering into tank. The new design also uses a smoke colored break-resistant collection cup.
"A Marine Fish Monthly Product Review"
The Cyclone Bak-Pak incorporates a biological filter along with a very nice protein skimmer in one unit, which hangs on the back of your aquarium. No extra plumbing is required, in fact all you need to do is level unit with the adjustment screws provided in the unit.
For the purpose of our test, we installed the unit on a 55 gallon tank which was overloaded with animals, on purpose. This was done to fully test the unit. More animals were swimming in the tank than is recommended or you should ever have in your tank. Again, on purpose, we overfed the animals. Again, this was to fully put the unit through its paces.
After plugging the unit in, we lowered the protein skimmer collection cup lower than usual so we not only would get dry foam but capture some of the wet foam. Again, this was done on purpose to test the unit at a capacity far greater than it was rated. Immediately, we began to collect green water in the collection cup. It was necessary to empty the collection cup two or three times daily for a few days. All the while the water in the aquarium was becoming clearer. Finally, after about a week we raised the cup to the normal recommended level and continued to run the unit. We are now getting dry foam, and the water quality continues to improve. The water is clear and the fish seem more comfortable since the yellow has been removed.
The Cyclone Bak-Pak now has been on the 55 gallon tank for some two months. The water remains clear and the fish are healthy and swimming in normal patterns. A quick check proves the nitrites are well within the acceptable range and ammonia does not read with the test kit.
As mentioned the Bak-Pak incorporates a biological filter already filled with media and a protein skimmer, easily hung over the back of your tank. After testing we have concluded that this unit is ideal where the hobbyist does not want to do extra plumbing and add a lot of piping, extra pumps, etc. If you have a larger tank, simply add additional Bak-Pak units, one for each 60 gallons of aquarium water or portion of thereof.
Operation is very quiet, salt creep is kept to a minimum as the lip of the return port extends into the aquarium water, so there is no splash from water being returned to the tank. We can recommend this unit to any hobbyist who wants a clear tank and optimum water quality for his animals.
Skimmer body dimensions: 7.5" W X 3" D X 17" H
Overall dimensions: 7.5" W x 6.25" D x 19.5" H
Main Features
Specifications
Skimmer body dimensions: 7.5" W X 3" D X 17" H
Overall dimensions: 7.5" W x 6.25" D x 19.5" H
What's in the Box
- skimmer body
- RIO 600RV Powerhead
- Outlet Assembly
- Inlet assembly
- bio-bale filter media
- collection cupwith "O" ring and lid
- bubble eliminator
Manufacturer Info
CPR Aquatic Aquarium Supplies
In Arcata, located in Northern California, the sea is a way of life. From the advanced Marine Biology department at Humboldt State University, just up the hill from CPR’s headquarters, to Humboldt Bay, about a mile west, CPR is nestled in a perfect environment to develop equipment for marine aquariums. CPR was started in a small garage in 1987 to produce biological filters for local aquarists. People who used CPR filters were impressed by the high quality and affordable prices. Word spread and the company grew. Since then, CPR has expanded to a 10,000 sq. ft. production facility and has developed many innovative products over the years. CPR is incorporating new ideas and technologies all the time. Their goal is to allow aquarists to place the highest performing products in their tanks at reasonable prices.
Warranty
180 day manufacturer warranty
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CPR Bak-Pak Protein Skimmer
Reviews
Hope this one last...
by
CLYDE KLOTZ
Great
Posted: 3/29/2013 from Renton, WA UNITED STATES
3.5
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
Let's just say this is my 2nd CPR backpack because the 1st one wore out in less than a year. The other one I own has different pumps so I will give this one a try and go from there.........
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Scared at first
by
CURT CRECELIUS
Excellent!
Posted: 3/6/2013 from BLYTHE, CA UNITED STATES
4.5
5
Experience Level:
Beginner
Comments:
This was my first skimmer for my first saltwater tank. I was skeptical at first setting up was easy but when I got it up and running I had millions or micro bubbles like evryone else. Woke up this morning been about 18 hours since putting it in my tank. Bam bubbles reduced by half and only getting better. What makes the bubbles is any medications or additives in the water so just let it run for 48 hours before you think you wasted your money. Puting collection cup abou level with outlet water level works best for me.
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Bak-pak skimmer
by
DAVID BAYS
Great
Posted: 4/17/2012 from KERRVILLE, TX UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I have only had the bak-pak two day but the water
Alot cleaner and it seems to work real good. The only
Problem I have with it is it's a bit load but other
Than that it's great
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Terrible Skimmer
by
DAN HEILMAN
Unsatisfactory
Posted: 4/15/2012 from PERRYSBURG, OH UNITED STATES
1.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
This is a terrible skimmer, I have ran it for 5 days and I cannot for the life of me stop massive amounts of bubbles coming into the main tank. It may of helped if the filter material that it says it comes with actually came with it, but I close the air valve all the way then loosen one click and millions of bubbles come rushing into my tank. Also it produces no skimmate but my tank has been only set up for 2 months.
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improved
by
GREG CAMPBELL
Great
Posted: 11/28/2011 from ROCHESTER HILLS, MI UNITED STA
3.5
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
Did a air diffuser mod on my bak pak this week by feeding an airtube through the sump bio filter part and into the protein skim chamber. It greatly increased the bubble production and skimming capacity of the bak pak. Also had changed over to the Rio 800 for the pump because it is much quieter. Airstone mod cost me about $5 and this thing really works great now. Be sure to change the wooden air diffuser out every month or so. They will dissolve over time otherwise.
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Some points about the Bak-Pak
by
JASON B
Great
Posted: 8/9/2011 from OXFORD, MS UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Beginner
Comments:
As one poster pointed out, the inlets are not standard size and this is a pain BUT it's managable. You can use a piece of PEX pipe from Home Depot combined with standard black vinyl tubing also available from there. I forgot sizes but just bring your pump and inlet with you to the store and experiment there. Jam the PEX pipe into the inlet and then use the vinyl tubing to go from the PEX pipe to your pump. I used this to lower the pump level as I have my bak-pak hooked up to a JBJ nanocube.
Also, I HIGHLY recommend covering the exposed top. If you don't, the evaporation in a tank (especially a small one) is out of control. If I leave it uncovered, my evaporation rate is close to triple that of the tank normally.
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Unsatisfied
by
Doctor A
Below Average
Posted: 8/24/2010 from ROCKWALL, TX UNITED STATES
2.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
Most important point out of the way - the inlet and outlet are not metric or english sized pvc, but are custom molded and impossible to match. Water level in your tank too low? Tough luck.
Now that that is out of the way, let me review this skimmer by saying you get what you pay for, and you're not paying much. It's easy to adjust and make sure you're getting the right kind of bubbles per the manual, but the bubbles don't seem to collect much skim-mate, no matter how low I set the collection cup. I'm not running it on a clean tank either. It just doesn't work well.
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replace the rio pump
by
DAN ROOS
Excellent!
Posted: 8/21/2010 from REDWOOD CITY, CA UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
The Rio pump that comes with this is good but not as good as the new modified Accela pump found here. The new accela pump sucks in more air and has outlasted 3 rio pumps. im running 2 cpr bak pak skimmers and was testing to see what pump was better. By far the best investment is to buy the Accela pump.I used the silencer from the rio pump and used it for the Accela pump but i stopped using it because it reduces the performance the skimmer to much and currently looking for a alternative.when cleaning the pump just replace the air line tubing because of the calcium build up that collects inside.also when replacing the tubing, where it connects to the motor is a smaller diameter connector. make sure you clean it with a pipe cleaner. as the diameter gets smaller with calcium build up , the pump can't suck in as much air and reduces the performance greatly if not clean/scrapped well. CPR recommends replacing this whole pump once a year. this is not true if you keep it clean. my Accela pump is going on 6+ years now. when its clean well is works just as good as the day i got it. Cpr customer service had a hard time believing me...
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great product
by
FadelG
Excellent!
Posted: 5/31/2010 from SCOTTSDALE, AZ UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
It is my first skimmer. Had the tank running for 4 years without and don't know how. At first I wasn't sure about the skimmer. I had tons of microbubble and it wasn't producing any skim mate. Patience is the key. after 48hrs, the microbubble completely stopped and the skim mate is dark brown. It is doing an excellent job and it seems that all my corals and fish are much happier.
It is a 29 gal reef and I bought the bakpak 2R + Reef ready and I am very satisfied with it.
Get it out of the box, rinse it in hot water, adjust the cup at 1/8" below the water level and don't mess with it for 48hrs. Great Product
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works
by
JEFF ALTENBURG
Average
Posted: 4/11/2010 from Seattle, WA UNITED STATES
3.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I dunno guys. Its a good skimmer, nothing to get excited about. Doesn't produce that much foam, and micro bubbles are going into your tank for a week regardless of what you do.
if you have room for a larger, productive skimmer, then do it.
I like CPR's style, but this and the Urchin, both not as great as I had hoped
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