stoopid skimmer

[pickle311]

I can't get my freaking skimmer adjusted to save my life. It's got me so ****ed that I'm about to tear down the whole tank and drag it out to the road. Either that or the skimmer is about to have 16 holes in it from .40 cal hollow points. It's and ETSS 750pro, basically the same as the new 800. I'm running it off of a Sequence Barracudd that is split off to my UV. The skimmer either pours water out of the collection cup ot the level in it drops 8 to 10 inches.I'll get is skimming to where it will fill up my waste collector in about an hour then turn the gate valve maybe 1/8th of a turn the thing quits producing anything. The water level is maybe 1/2 inch up the riser tube right now and it may have 1 inch of foam on top of it. Anyone have any suggestions because I'm really getting ****ed and I don't feel like replacing it. I have way too much money in this setup and don't want to spend another $300 or $400.
Thanks

[don-n-sa]

well I can help with this one...I have the ETSS 800 pro

first I dont think that the skimmer will produce consistantly without a "pressure rated" pump, one that stays at a constant pressure...I run mine wiith a panworld, the one that is equal to the iwaki 55.

second...is you skimmer return submerged underwater? When I first set mine up I had a ton of trouble getting it set up...basically the same problems that you are having.

So before you go shooting your skimmer try having your skimmer return above the water line.

One other thing...I am asssuming that your skimmer is elevated above your waterline in your sump.

let me know if this helps you

Donny

[brewercm]

Also if you decide to shoot it, R.Allard has a 45 for sale that may take less shots than that .40. :lol

Just trying to help all reefers out here.

Actually follow Donny's advice and you should get it working great. Good Luck.

[pickle311]

hmmm, I really didn't think the pump would be an issue. The skimmer is elevated above the waterline in the sump. The output has a 90 on it and drops straight down into the sump and another 90 that allows the water to exit right at the water line, the top of the 90 sticks out of the water maybe 1/8th to 1/4 of an inch.

I also forgot to mention that the micro bubbles this thing is putting in my tank is ungodly. It looks like a snow globe.

[don-n-sa]

OK...get rid of the 90's

on these skimmers free flowing output is important as back pressure will cause the issues that you are expiriencing. I use inch and a half flex pvc with a strait shot to my sump.

as for the micro bubbles...all skimmers produce them some just more than others. Is the skimmere broken in yet? If not the bubbles will decrease as it breaks in.

to combat the micro bubbles hopefully you have baffles and you can wrap some filter media on the skimmer output...the kind of stuff in wet/dry filters, just be sure to change it weekly

[pickle311]

ok, I'll remove the 90s and see what I can get out of her. As for it being broken in, it's been running for at least 3 weeks.
Thanks for the help

[pickle311]

ok, I must have atleast 1 90 on the output, I have 1 1/2" flex pvc but it doesn't flex enough. I will end up with water all over my floors. I'm going to try it with 1 90 and see if it's any better. It should be, going from 3 90s to 1 will be much less restrictive.

[don-n-sa]

going from 3 90s to 1 will be much less restrictive.

you are correct sir... :)

[pickle311]

ok, it's all hooked up and running. There was obviously much more back pressure than I thought. I really had to crank down on the gate valve to get the water level to raise up. I guess I'll give it a little while and see if it starts skimming.

[don-n-sa]

there you go...it is already working better!!!... ;)

[pickle311]

there you go...it is already working better!!!... ;)

still not skimming though :lol

[don-n-sa]

it will...you probably had your hand in the water recently or fed the tank...I am not sure about other skimmers but with my ETSS 800, as soon as food or my hand touches the water the foaming stops almost immediately. It does not start foaming good for an hour or two after.

[pickle311]

no critters in the tank yet, I've been holding off until I can get this thing skimming. It is producing some foam now and it's much easier to control. It's getting better, I think we may have it beavis.
Thanks for the help

[don-n-sa]

it's much easier to control. It's getting better, I think we may have it beavis.
Thanks for the help

no problem butthead...sorry had to do it... :D

glad I could help