ETSS Skimmer Club! - Page 23

diverdick · 11/05/2009, 04:41 PM

ETSS system question: Looking into upgrading from an 800. I am looking for opinions on which skimmer is better? 1000 or 1400?

C'mon, lets hear some voices

reefcolors · 11/05/2009, 07:10 PM

I don't know about the 1000 but I have have the 1400 and it really works good. Really pulls the gunk out of the water. Very pleased with it.

jkeeton · 11/05/2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefcolors

I don't know about the 1000 but I have have the 1400 and it really works good. Really pulls the gunk out of the water. Very pleased with it.

Reefcolors - do you have to keep adjusting it or check on it often? I have a 1400 on the way and have heard mixed reviews about it. Any tips or tricks you can offer me?

jjk_reef00 · 11/05/2009, 07:48 PM

Go with the 1400. The dual downdraft tubes is a very nice feature.

reefcolors · 11/07/2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkeeton

Reefcolors - do you have to keep adjusting it or check on it often? I have a 1400 on the way and have heard mixed reviews about it. Any tips or tricks you can offer me?

I'm currently using a Coralife high pressure pump rated at 1750 gph. This pump works good with the 1400 skimmer although IMO the skimmer can handle a little bigger pump such as the Iwaki 100. When I 1st set it up I used a Quiet One 9000 rated at IIRC 2250 gph. Although the QO 9000 has more gph rating it is not a HP pump and it didn't perform very good.
I have the return app. 5-6 inches under water in the sump with a tee on the end. The bottom of the skimmer sits about even with the top of the sump. The water in the sump is about 3" from the top of the sump. If you keep the water level in the sump within a couple inches of fluctuating it is ok other wise it affects the height of foam in the skimmer.
When you 1st start the skimmer (new) only allow a couple of inches of foam
in the 1st riser. It will get a head as it breaks in. It can take a couple of days or more to break in depending on your bio load. The 1st day I ran mine I was getting gunk at the top of the foam but it wasn't rising to the top and over flowing into the collector. So I adjusted it to make the foam go higher. When the skimmer really kicked in (sometime that night) I woke up to a small flood

Once the skimmer gets broken in it is pretty much set it and let it go. I use a sponge to wipe out the inside of the riser whenever needed. My drain tube goes into a 5 gallon empty salt bucket. Hope this helps. If I can help in any other way feel free to ask. Good luck.

jkeeton · 11/08/2009, 07:20 AM

thanks for the tips, I am looking forward to getting it up and running..

Madjack · 11/14/2009, 08:33 PM

For several years now I've been running my 600 with a Mag 12. The Mag 12 pumps approx. 1100 gph at 4' while my WMD40RLT pumps 750 gph @ 4'. So I figured more gph is better, right? Wrong!!!

No comparison. For the first time my skimmer is full of bubbles. I had to place a gate valve on the supply line to throttle it back with the outlet wide open. I would empty a 1 gal. milk jug maybe, maybe once a year, but every 3-4 days I would take a paper towel and remove all the gunk from the cup, neck and riser. Since I've changed pumps, I'm emptying the jug once a week, the tank is noticably cleaner and I'm getting better test readings.

At one point I had the tower filled with 8 or 9 - 1" bio balls. Now I have 5 and I believe I'm getting better response. [B]Tip -[B] tie some fishing line to the 1st ball in (thank you to someone on this forum who dropped the tip! first). This helps in collecting the balls for maintenance.

Question - are the smaller bio balls better than the large ones?

frankpayne32 · 11/25/2009, 01:55 PM

Hi everyone, I recently picked up a reef devil skimmer for practically nothing at my LFS. I am planning on using it on my new 160 gallon total volume system. Do we think that this will be enough to skim that size system? It will be moderately stocked with fish and predominantly SPS corals. Thanks!

Frank

dg3147 · 11/28/2009, 06:03 PM

A friend set me up with an AE tech skimmer; though, I don't know which model it is and cannot find a picture of it on their website. I will post a picture below.

I had several questions:
1) Any ideawhat model ETSS skimmer this is (24" tall x 8" diameter)? It is being powered by a pretty loud Catalina 2200 underwater pump. Who makes a quieter one that I can buy with enough gph?

2) It just started skimming today, 7 days into the break in period, on my newly set up tank. The skimmate is pretty wet and I imaging that, without adjustment, it will overflow the collection cup in a few hours. It's yellow colored, but not brown. Rocks are pre-cured with no fish yet.

3) It has also occured to me that the outlet valve is too far underwater and subject to 2-3 inches of water depth variation. Is it too deep? Should I raise the whole thing above the water level?

4) The bioball tower (with 10-15 balls in it) intermittantly has a water level an inch or so below the air intake valve. This creates quite a bit of noise.

I think that's enough questions for now. Great thread guys, and thanks in advance for all your help!

ostrow · 11/28/2009, 06:23 PM

No idea what model that is, but take that elbow off of the skimmer outlet. That can't be helping.

mojo~ · 11/28/2009, 06:42 PM

thats a early reef devil

jrmx635 · 11/28/2009, 07:44 PM

thats a good skimmer.
it's a reefdevil
rated for up to 175 gallons
run it with a mag 7 and you will definately need to prop it up higher.
your sump water level should be under the red handle
you should be able to run the water level inside the skimmer even with the top of the skimmer box(large round clear water chamber).
go to www.superskimmer.com and download the instructions.

WethandsCT · 11/28/2009, 07:48 PM

I just picked up at ETSS2000, going by ratings I have a Mag24 1700gph at 5'. Am I close to running enough pump?

diverdick · 11/28/2009, 08:17 PM

I have had a couple etss systems and when ever In stray from their recommendations I end up regretting it. Go with the Iwaki 100rlt and you will not be disappointed in the long run knowing its the right pump. IMHO

ostrow · 11/28/2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WethandsCT

I just picked up at ETSS2000, going by ratings I have a Mag24 1700gph at 5'. Am I close to running enough pump?

Not a chance in the world a Mag will drive that skimmer. You have to go with an Iwaki/Panworld/Bluelind HD pump or you may as well use a different skimmer.

On the Reef Devil: yeah, raise the skimmer up as per jrmx635's post.

jjk_reef00 · 11/28/2009, 10:11 PM

Don't ever power your etss with a mag, because mags are not pressure rated!
WethandsCT, I would even consider a stronger pump than the Iwalki 100 if your bio load is heavy. What size tank/ what do you plan on keeping in there?
I like the reeflo pumps, a lot cheaper and work just as well. Contact ETSS to find the target water flow at a specific head. Then contact reeflo to find the correct pump. Reeflo is very helpful and they have some great new pumps.

jjk_reef00 · 11/28/2009, 10:13 PM

Ideally you want the entire skimmer above the water level in your sump. Build a stand for you simmer and you will see dramatic improvements.

Aquaman · 12/02/2009, 03:26 PM

I've tried a number of skimmers over the years, from a berlin skimmer, ASM, Euro-Reef, ESV and a custom downdraft/becket model, I've modded several of them for recirculation. I've gone back to a downdraft. They seem much easier to tune, Just picked up a 800 Gemini for my 120.

jjk_reef00 · 12/02/2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaman

I've tried a number of skimmers over the years, from a berlin skimmer, ASM, Euro-Reef, ESV and a custom downdraft/becket model, I've modded several of them for recirculation. I've gone back to a downdraft. They seem much easier to tune, Just picked up a 800 Gemini for my 120.

That is what scares me about trying other skimmers. I'm always changing something on my tank, the last thing I want to worry about is fiddling with my skimmer. ETSS is so easy, just turn the knob. It is also easy to adjust between wet skimmate and dry. The only thing is that when I skim dry I have to clean the skimmer more often.

TomToro · 12/02/2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WethandsCT

I just picked up at ETSS2000, going by ratings I have a Mag24 1700gph at 5'. Am I close to running enough pump?

I'm running an etss 1400 with a Panworld 250ps (similar in ratings to the Iwaki 100rlt) and it's the right pump for me (didn't think so at first, but it's broken in and skimming lots of dark stuff). The lady who had it before me used a Mag 24 and she sold it as a package deal. I'm sure it sucked with that pump. Not pressure rated as others have said. I sold the Mag 24 and used the 250 instead. Great combo.

My buddy called the owner of etss and asked what pump to use for a 2000 and he said the Iwaki 100rlt. He wanted to upgrade to a 2500 with a longer neck and the guy said a 1/2hp pool pump would be needed.

One more tip from the owner: If your pump is too weak, remove some bioballs and it will reduce friction (reduces the amount of small bubbles too, though). Too much pump, add some bioballs. At least this is how I understood it (got it second hand from a buddy). He seems pretty accessible and very friendly. I spoke with him on another issue. Good guy.

jjk_reef00 · 12/02/2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomToro

I'm running an etss 1400 with a Panworld 250ps (similar in ratings to the Iwaki 100rlt) and it's the right pump for me (didn't think so at first, but it's broken in and skimming lots of dark stuff). The lady who had it before me used a Mag 24 and she sold it as a package deal. I'm sure it sucked with that pump. Not pressure rated as others have said. I sold the Mag 24 and used the 250 instead. Great combo.

My buddy called the owner of etss and asked what pump to use for a 2000 and he said the Iwaki 100rlt. He wanted to upgrade to a 2500 with a longer neck and the guy said a 1/2hp pool pump would be needed.

One more tip from the owner: If your pump is too weak, remove some bioballs and it will reduce friction (reduces the amount of small bubbles too, though). Too much pump, add some bioballs. At least this is how I understood it (got it second hand from a buddy). He seems pretty accessible and very friendly. I spoke with him on another issue. Good guy.

Yes, reeflo has some nice industrial pumps if you plan on running it that way. They are very reasonably priced as well. My commercial pump costed me less than my Iwalki did and I don't think it is any lounder. The sound is just more low pitch.

diverdick · 12/12/2009, 04:43 PM

I recently upgraded from the 800 to the 1400. Initially, I set it up on the Iwaki 70rlt pump, tuned it in and it proved to be a great skimmer, hands down. As most of us, I am a tweak'er...lmao. I see that the skimmer can take an iwaki 100rlt....so be it. I put one on today an quickly realized I am pumping ~ 1900 gpm through a skimmer.......holy smokes.... It took me about 10 min to swap out the 70 to the 100. Initially it was a little tame as you may expect having my hands in the water and such. I looked on about two hours later and holy wet skimate batman. Anyway, the drain is wide open and now I am worried this thing will flood me out while asleep. Can anyone chime in as to where they are unning their set up? I have mine elevated so that the drain is above the sump level. I have ball valves on the air intakes as well as the pump supply side. C'mon 1400 owners.....lets hear what you have seen...please

Kind Regards,

--Rich

jjk_reef00 · 12/12/2009, 05:25 PM

Do you have the waste collector cup? It will shut down the skimmer when it is full.
Also you can cut the air intake down a lot and that should reduce the amount of bubbles you get. Also I have a ball valve on the output of my pump, you could add one and cut the pump back a little until you adjust it properly. I've noticed these skimmers don't produce quite as much skimmate after they get a little dirty so yours may just be breaking in. If I'm not mistaken, you are not pumping 1900 gph, the etss skimmers have high head, so the rate is actually much less, but still extremely high.

diverdick · 12/12/2009, 05:36 PM

The pump is rated at 2000 gpm......I didnt think to add the skimmer head.....additional pressure?

Alex T. · 12/12/2009, 05:59 PM

Hello all. Been browsing RC for over a year now, but never really chimed in. I have a question for the ETSS pros out there. I currently run an Evolution 500 with an Iwaki 20RLT on my 150 sps/clam tank. It skims well. I get a really nice dry foam and can fill a milk gallon container of nasty @#$! in a little over a week's time. I have a fairly heavy bioload: 1 yellow tang, 1 achilles tang, 1 sailfin desjardini, maroon clown with BTA, 5 chromis, a sixline wrasse, two lyretail anthias and a royal gramma. All parameters seem fine. NO3 and PO4 both undetectable and corals are growing steadily. I am getting a little green film on my glass every few days; probably from the Cyclop-eez and Zooplankton supplement that I feed my corals with. I was wondering what you guys thought of jumping to an etss 600 or even the 900xr. Any thoughts? I'd never go with another brand; needle wheel, pin wheel, wagon wheel....whatever!!! ETSS is just too darn easy to set and forget. Thanks in advance.

11/14/2009, 08:33 PM	#557
Madjack Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 58	Test - Mag 12 vs Iwaki WMD40RLT on ESS 600 For several years now I've been running my 600 with a Mag 12. The Mag 12 pumps approx. 1100 gph at 4' while my WMD40RLT pumps 750 gph @ 4'. So I figured more gph is better, right? Wrong!!! No comparison. For the first time my skimmer is full of bubbles. I had to place a gate valve on the supply line to throttle it back with the outlet wide open. I would empty a 1 gal. milk jug maybe, maybe once a year, but every 3-4 days I would take a paper towel and remove all the gunk from the cup, neck and riser. Since I've changed pumps, I'm emptying the jug once a week, the tank is noticably cleaner and I'm getting better test readings. At one point I had the tower filled with 8 or 9 - 1" bio balls. Now I have 5 and I believe I'm getting better response. [B]Tip -[B] tie some fishing line to the 1st ball in (thank you to someone on this forum who dropped the tip! first). This helps in collecting the balls for maintenance. Question - are the smaller bio balls better than the large ones?

11/25/2009, 01:55 PM	#558
frankpayne32 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,177	Hi everyone, I recently picked up a reef devil skimmer for practically nothing at my LFS. I am planning on using it on my new 160 gallon total volume system. Do we think that this will be enough to skim that size system? It will be moderately stocked with fish and predominantly SPS corals. Thanks! Frank __________________ Frank Payne Advice to new hobbyists: listen to people that have a tank you would like to have one day, not to those with a high post count. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon in-wall (build thread is my homepage).

11/28/2009, 06:23 PM	#560
ostrow It's Dr. Goodluck Himself Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 11,654	No idea what model that is, but take that elbow off of the skimmer outlet. That can't be helping. __________________ It's the return of Dr. Goodluck Himself. fml! Current Tank Info: 156G "brick", 150 sump and 75 fuge replaces Fire, Destruction, Sad :(

11/28/2009, 06:42 PM	#561
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	thats a early reef devil __________________ Mojo~

11/28/2009, 07:44 PM	#562
jrmx635 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: rhode island Posts: 366	reefdevil thats a good skimmer. it's a reefdevil rated for up to 175 gallons run it with a mag 7 and you will definately need to prop it up higher. your sump water level should be under the red handle you should be able to run the water level inside the skimmer even with the top of the skimmer box(large round clear water chamber). go to www.superskimmer.com and download the instructions.

11/05/2009, 04:41 PM	#551
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	ETSS system question: Looking into upgrading from an 800. I am looking for opinions on which skimmer is better? 1000 or 1400? C'mon, lets hear some voices

11/05/2009, 07:10 PM	#552
reefcolors Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: PA, US Posts: 93	I don't know about the 1000 but I have have the 1400 and it really works good. Really pulls the gunk out of the water. Very pleased with it.

11/05/2009, 07:48 PM	#554
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Go with the 1400. The dual downdraft tubes is a very nice feature.

11/08/2009, 07:20 AM	#556
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	thanks for the tips, I am looking forward to getting it up and running..

11/28/2009, 07:48 PM	#563
WethandsCT Moved On Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 95	I just picked up at ETSS2000, going by ratings I have a Mag24 1700gph at 5'. Am I close to running enough pump?

11/28/2009, 08:17 PM	#564
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	I have had a couple etss systems and when ever In stray from their recommendations I end up regretting it. Go with the Iwaki 100rlt and you will not be disappointed in the long run knowing its the right pump. IMHO

11/28/2009, 10:11 PM	#566
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Don't ever power your etss with a mag, because mags are not pressure rated! WethandsCT, I would even consider a stronger pump than the Iwalki 100 if your bio load is heavy. What size tank/ what do you plan on keeping in there? I like the reeflo pumps, a lot cheaper and work just as well. Contact ETSS to find the target water flow at a specific head. Then contact reeflo to find the correct pump. Reeflo is very helpful and they have some great new pumps.

11/28/2009, 10:13 PM	#567
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Ideally you want the entire skimmer above the water level in your sump. Build a stand for you simmer and you will see dramatic improvements.

12/02/2009, 03:26 PM	#568
Aquaman Fishinchick's better half Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: St Cloud, FL USA Posts: 2,278	I've tried a number of skimmers over the years, from a berlin skimmer, ASM, Euro-Reef, ESV and a custom downdraft/becket model, I've modded several of them for recirculation. I've gone back to a downdraft. They seem much easier to tune, Just picked up a 800 Gemini for my 120. __________________ Tang Police most wanted Outlaw. ORCA Founder Previous tanks, 125,120, 55,37,20, 15, 10, 5 Current Tank Info: 65 reef

12/12/2009, 04:43 PM	#572
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	I recently upgraded from the 800 to the 1400. Initially, I set it up on the Iwaki 70rlt pump, tuned it in and it proved to be a great skimmer, hands down. As most of us, I am a tweak'er...lmao. I see that the skimmer can take an iwaki 100rlt....so be it. I put one on today an quickly realized I am pumping ~ 1900 gpm through a skimmer.......holy smokes.... It took me about 10 min to swap out the 70 to the 100. Initially it was a little tame as you may expect having my hands in the water and such. I looked on about two hours later and holy wet skimate batman. Anyway, the drain is wide open and now I am worried this thing will flood me out while asleep. Can anyone chime in as to where they are unning their set up? I have mine elevated so that the drain is above the sump level. I have ball valves on the air intakes as well as the pump supply side. C'mon 1400 owners.....lets hear what you have seen...please Kind Regards, --Rich

12/12/2009, 05:25 PM	#573
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Do you have the waste collector cup? It will shut down the skimmer when it is full. Also you can cut the air intake down a lot and that should reduce the amount of bubbles you get. Also I have a ball valve on the output of my pump, you could add one and cut the pump back a little until you adjust it properly. I've noticed these skimmers don't produce quite as much skimmate after they get a little dirty so yours may just be breaking in. If I'm not mistaken, you are not pumping 1900 gph, the etss skimmers have high head, so the rate is actually much less, but still extremely high.

12/12/2009, 05:36 PM	#574
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	The pump is rated at 2000 gpm......I didnt think to add the skimmer head.....additional pressure?

12/12/2009, 05:59 PM	#575
Alex T. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,803	Hello all. Been browsing RC for over a year now, but never really chimed in. I have a question for the ETSS pros out there. I currently run an Evolution 500 with an Iwaki 20RLT on my 150 sps/clam tank. It skims well. I get a really nice dry foam and can fill a milk gallon container of nasty @#$! in a little over a week's time. I have a fairly heavy bioload: 1 yellow tang, 1 achilles tang, 1 sailfin desjardini, maroon clown with BTA, 5 chromis, a sixline wrasse, two lyretail anthias and a royal gramma. All parameters seem fine. NO3 and PO4 both undetectable and corals are growing steadily. I am getting a little green film on my glass every few days; probably from the Cyclop-eez and Zooplankton supplement that I feed my corals with. I was wondering what you guys thought of jumping to an etss 600 or even the 900xr. Any thoughts? I'd never go with another brand; needle wheel, pin wheel, wagon wheel....whatever!!! ETSS is just too darn easy to set and forget. Thanks in advance.