Crazy Skimmer - need some advice

[Singlemalt]

Last night I finally got to the point where I could test my skimmer. I have an ASM G4x with a Sedra 9000 and the mesh and gate valve mods. I put it in the sump which has about 17 inches of water in it which puts the bottom of the gate valve mod about 5 inches below the surface of the water in the sump.

When I turned it on I got lots and lots of bubbles - so many in fact that I can't stop them from overflowing the collection cup in the skimmer. Closing the gate valve all the way helps a little but not enough to stop the overflow.

The salinity is 1.026 as mesured by a swing arm hydrometer (I know I know I need something better) and the water temp is 81 degrees.

Anybody have a simlar problem?? Do I need a stand for the skimmer and the pump? If what's the best way to make one?

Thanks as always
Lou

 

[Ligershark]

i just made a stand for my reef devil skimmer today, i used 1/2 inch pvc pipe with elbows and tees and laid a piece of acyrlic on top as a table top. cost me about 8 dollars.

 

[Hawkeye]

Not familiar with the skimmer - but generally speaking - I would think its:

brand new - and needs a break-in period...

did you make sure the outlet pipe is wide open? If constricted or blocked - its possible the water would back up thru your collection container.

Is the air intake wide open? Perhaps constrict that some so (if possible with this skimmer) so that it doesnt generate so many bubbles...

I read the specs on the skimmer and it doesn't say that it needs to be on a platform so I don't know if that would solve the issue or not.

 

[RichT]

The recommended water depth of the G3's is at the top of the elbow on the pump discharge which is about 8". If your discharge is below the water then it is definitely too deep and will need a stand. There shouldn't be any back pressure on the discharge other then what is caused by the gate valve.

 

[reneeRN]

i have a couple of euroreef skimmers, i think they are similar. if your gate valve is all the way open, the next thing i would try is raising the skimmer a bit higher. then i would try decreasing the amount of air you allow in, using a cheapie plastic needle valve used on air pumps.

 

[MikeNapoli]

Definately what Tom and Rich said, it's to deep underwater. I also built a table for my skimmer.

I used 1/2" PVC, drilled holes in each peice at the top, and zip-tied a piece of eggcrate to the pvc legs. Put the zip-tie through the holes you drilled and around the eggcrate... pull really tight and the legs will be nice and sturdy. I learned this from Will at Aquatic Obsessions.

I'll try and post a picture tomorrow.

 

[Singlemalt]

Thanks to all for the advice - I built the stand from 1/2 inch pvc and eggcrate and the skimmer works like a charm. Not sure what I'd do without all the help I've gotten here.

Lou

 

[MikeNapoli]

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say - Happy to help.

 

[Hawkeye]

Thanks to all for the advice - I built the stand from 1/2 inch pvc and eggcrate and the skimmer works like a charm. Not sure what I'd do without all the help I've gotten here.

Lou

Well it's a good thing you came here - instead of following your DR plan listed on your avatar...I have done that a few times....(Heeeeeeeeellllllllllllllpppp!!) ;D