What mods for a Euro Reef CS8-1?

eros · 07/26/2008, 04:45 AM

Just got a used CS8-1 from a fellow RC member. I've been looking at mods to do and so far I'm going to do the Mesh Mod which I am familiar with but I also want to do the Gate Valve Mod but don't know anything about it. I know that it helps increase the accuracy of the bubble height adjustment but I dont know how to perform the mod. Can someone show me some pictures of how it is supposed to go? Where am I supposed to mount the gate valve?
I'm also confused about the outlet pipe. I see the newer model Euro Reef skimmers split the outlet pipe like this one

Mine does not split the outlet pipe but just has a 90 degree elbow facing up that leads straight to the adjustable riser tube

Should I change the outlet pipe to look like the newer models? How will this effect the skimmer? Can I add the gate valve and split the outlet pipe or will they counteract each other.
Are there any other mods I should consider for this skimmer?
I've been using the search funciton but I haven't been able to figure these things out. TIA
Steve

STREAMLINEGFX · 07/26/2008, 02:22 PM

I am running I believe a CS8-2, and I changed my outlet pipe to the newer style. I ran my gate valve in between the three way split and where the pipe 90s and heads back down toward the pump. Since switch over to this set-up IMO it works 100 times better then before.

kau_cinta_ku · 07/26/2008, 02:45 PM

you could also do the mesh wheel mod to the the impeller.

eros · 07/26/2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by STREAMLINEGFX
I am running I believe a CS8-2, and I changed my outlet pipe to the newer style. I ran my gate valve in between the three way split and where the pipe 90s and heads back down toward the pump. Since switch over to this set-up IMO it works 100 times better then before.

Would it be possible to send me a pic of your mod so I can do something similiar?

REEF-n-Chicago · 08/09/2008, 11:35 PM

Also just recieved an 8-4 curious about the mods? Any of them. If someone could point me in the right direction or give me some pics it would be apprecated.

Jordan

eros · 08/10/2008, 07:34 AM

I ended up doing the gate valve mod and the mesh mod to mine. Seems to work better although I didnt run it much before performing the mods, the mesh reduced the size of the bubbles and the gate valve made adjusting WAY easier. I couldnt get this thing to produce without using the gate valve the bubbles were always either too high or too low. I will take some pics of mine for you. The gate valve and PVC I picked up a Orchard supply and the mesh you can order on ebay. The mesh is called Enkmat PF4 or something like that. I think you can use an algae scrubber material or something like that with similar if not better results. I tried using some synthetic steel wool and ran it on tap water and it worked very well. I didnt use it in the tank because I wasnt sure what the material was and didn't want to risk crashing my tank.

frank2926 · 08/10/2008, 08:34 AM

If it is a sedra pump then you can try boring out the venturi hole a little larger, and using larger diameter air hose. There is a very old thread around if you can dig it up . I could be wrong but I thought I had read somewhere that the meshmod makes smaller bubbles but does not increase the amount of air on the Sedra pump. As for modding an 8-1 other than the gate valve mod I dont think anything else will improve its performance. It already has a good bit of air for how short it is. They use the same size pump on a skimmer that is like 6 inches taller.

frank2926 · 08/10/2008, 08:34 AM

sorry, double post.

REEF-n-Chicago · 08/10/2008, 09:29 AM

I will look for that thread, Frank....
Sounds interesting

Eros, some pics would be great!

07/26/2008, 04:45 AM	#1
eros Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 878	What mods for a Euro Reef CS8-1? Just got a used CS8-1 from a fellow RC member. I've been looking at mods to do and so far I'm going to do the Mesh Mod which I am familiar with but I also want to do the Gate Valve Mod but don't know anything about it. I know that it helps increase the accuracy of the bubble height adjustment but I dont know how to perform the mod. Can someone show me some pictures of how it is supposed to go? Where am I supposed to mount the gate valve? I'm also confused about the outlet pipe. I see the newer model Euro Reef skimmers split the outlet pipe like this one Mine does not split the outlet pipe but just has a 90 degree elbow facing up that leads straight to the adjustable riser tube Should I change the outlet pipe to look like the newer models? How will this effect the skimmer? Can I add the gate valve and split the outlet pipe or will they counteract each other. Are there any other mods I should consider for this skimmer? I've been using the search funciton but I haven't been able to figure these things out. TIA Steve

07/26/2008, 02:22 PM	#2
STREAMLINEGFX Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Yuba City, Ca Posts: 216	I am running I believe a CS8-2, and I changed my outlet pipe to the newer style. I ran my gate valve in between the three way split and where the pipe 90s and heads back down toward the pump. Since switch over to this set-up IMO it works 100 times better then before. __________________ Ron Current Tank Info: 120g AGA (48"x24"x24") Mostly SPS. 3 - 250W SLS Reef Optix 3's w/ EVC 20K's

08/09/2008, 11:35 PM	#5
REEF-n-Chicago Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA (san pedro) Posts: 1,456	Also just recieved an 8-4 curious about the mods? Any of them. If someone could point me in the right direction or give me some pics it would be apprecated. Jordan __________________ Jordan My tank gets DRUNK every morning Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon w/ 100 gallon sump; 240 gallon

08/10/2008, 09:29 AM	#9
REEF-n-Chicago Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA (san pedro) Posts: 1,456	I will look for that thread, Frank.... Sounds interesting Eros, some pics would be great! __________________ Jordan My tank gets DRUNK every morning Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon w/ 100 gallon sump; 240 gallon

07/26/2008, 02:45 PM	#3
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	you could also do the mesh wheel mod to the the impeller.

08/10/2008, 07:34 AM	#6
eros Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 878	I ended up doing the gate valve mod and the mesh mod to mine. Seems to work better although I didnt run it much before performing the mods, the mesh reduced the size of the bubbles and the gate valve made adjusting WAY easier. I couldnt get this thing to produce without using the gate valve the bubbles were always either too high or too low. I will take some pics of mine for you. The gate valve and PVC I picked up a Orchard supply and the mesh you can order on ebay. The mesh is called Enkmat PF4 or something like that. I think you can use an algae scrubber material or something like that with similar if not better results. I tried using some synthetic steel wool and ran it on tap water and it worked very well. I didnt use it in the tank because I wasnt sure what the material was and didn't want to risk crashing my tank.

08/10/2008, 08:34 AM	#7
frank2926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: phila Posts: 1,645	If it is a sedra pump then you can try boring out the venturi hole a little larger, and using larger diameter air hose. There is a very old thread around if you can dig it up . I could be wrong but I thought I had read somewhere that the meshmod makes smaller bubbles but does not increase the amount of air on the Sedra pump. As for modding an 8-1 other than the gate valve mod I dont think anything else will improve its performance. It already has a good bit of air for how short it is. They use the same size pump on a skimmer that is like 6 inches taller.