What I've found with these is that the water level in the skimmer is very hard to maintain steady. It drops when there is more foam produced, raises when there's less
IME this is all about to drain... errr the drain. Water level problems, to me, seem to be hooked to drain deficiencies or problems. Meaning, a properly mounted skimmer [esp Beckett] are mounted above the water line. To drain via gravity to the sump regulated by a gate valve. For instance when you feed heavily, a properly drained skimmer will, die in relation to lost surface tension..then surge due to the added organic load and regain its former level when the organics are removed. Most of the folks I've helped with this problem have a submerged drain; which would explain many inconsistent level problems. A pvc tee installed on the drain with one outlet vertical as a vent sometimes helps.

I dont disagree with you on pressure pumps, but from personal experience an Ampmaster 3k [seal problems and all] compare to an Iwaki 70rlt [for the two beckett skimmers I experimented with] at close to half the amp pull [measured at the plug]. Seen some of your skimmers Matt I wish mine was as well made..

Its funny we are having this fairly technical discussion, and myself, presumably knowledgable ;), found his Beckett inlet to have a piece of gravel AND activated carbon in it. Probably reducing my efficiency by 50% for around 4 months. I guess you never quit learning.

I have heard of the sequence install problems BTW. They are huge, still hear nothing but good once you wedge them in. The suction/discharge pipe diameter are killer. Some are 2", just keep in mind [sure you have] not to restrict the suction side. A sharp install guy once gave me a tip on increasing your bulkhead size.....(drum roll)

You can temporarily glue a piece of acrylic [silicon?] over your current hole [covering it completely] This will give you something to start your drill bit on the hole-saw going with, which will pull the teeth on the hole saw through. FYI. Hope anything I've posted helps.


Good Luck!!