Some euroreef questions

[crossxfire2]

I DO know how to wet skim, and dry skim, but what is the difference in the quality of the skimmate?

Does the airflow restrictor really need to be connected to the air line at all? Does it skim best whenever the max amount of air is being used?

[Fish4life]

Dry skimmate will be dark and pastie and wet skimmate will be pea green. I would connect the air valve to the air line but leave it completely open.

hope that helps,

kurt

[crossxfire2]

Are there any advantages to running either one?

[erikharrison]

Well, some people change their water infrequently, and for them it may be more advantageous to skim wet. Skimming wet will strip the water more, and is not necessarily good. Dry skimming removes more of the waste and less beneficial bacteria in comparison to wet skimming. Wet skimming is good if you have a fish die, or an anenome that may be a touch angry. I prefer dry skim, but it just never works out that way, so it's a tad more wet than I prefer.

[crossxfire2]

Erik, that helps a ton!! Thank you!

[crossxfire2]

Also, I belive my euroreef rs80 skimms better when the water level in the sump is about a foot, rather than 6-8 inches.

[matt]

The reason the skimmer works better in deeper water is that there is less "head" pressure on the pump. The pump is pushing water into the skimmer, and the more distance between the water level in the sump and in the skimmer, the harder the pump is working to maintain the water level in the skimmer. Since it's working harder in shallower water, the water speed through the venturi is a little slower and less air is drawn in. This is the nice thing about recirculating skimmers, they take the 'head" pressure out of the equation.

[crossxfire2]

But if the pump is moving faster, there would be more turbulence in the reaction chamber. The more turbulence, the worse. So I wonder what would be the best water level to run a skimmer at?

[caferacermike]

lol, that's funny you'd mention that. Since you clearly stated "I belive my euroreef rs80 skimms better when the water level in the sump is about a foot, rather than 6-8 inches." this would imply that you already read that Euroreef recommends 6-8"