ETSS Skimmer Club! - Page 24

jjk_reef00 · 12/12/2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diverdick

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

It is 2000 gph, not gpm. Hes there is considerable skimmer head, due to the height of the skimmer and the water being forced down through the bio-balls. Thus creating the bubbles. The ETSS 5000 requires a pump that can deliver 5000 gph @ 12psi. That is almost 30 feet. I run a 1.5hp commercial pump that is over 7000 gph @ 0psi, but 5000 @ 12psi.

diverdick · 12/12/2009, 08:52 PM

ooops....typo....2000 gph was intended

jjk_reef00 · 12/12/2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex T.

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.

IMO you cannot over skim. I was running a etss 1500 on about 500 total gallons very heavily stocked. It was doing a good job. I then got a great deal on a used ETSS 5000 and the jump between the two skimmers was amazing. I'm sure if you upgrade you will also notice a tremendous increase in skimmer performance. I would recommend the upgrade if you don't mind burning the extra electricity, you may be able to find a used one on RC if you are willing to wait.

I also love the set and forget. I've never tried another high end skimmer so I cannot compare with other brands. I'm curious what other users have experienced when comparing etss with other high end brands.

Alex T. · 12/13/2009, 02:24 PM

Thanks.

AE Tech's website states it guarantees SPS quality water in a 180. I know I'm 30 gallons shy of that in the display, but I also have a substantial amount of fish; not something I think they account for.

I think I'll try and locate the 900 xr. I really like the look of the tall tower. Are these ozone safe? I really don't mind spending the cash if there will be a substantial improvement in performance. I don't want to starve growing fish and corals for the sake of water quality. I'd rather feed them till they're happy and skim like there's no tomorrow. As for electric, the calculation in wattage use over a one month period is about $4.00 (I think I can swing that). Would the 900xr be worth the extra money, or should I just go for the 600. Or bigger?

diverdick · 12/13/2009, 02:45 PM

Alex, They are ozone safe but the manufacturers admit it is not the best way to apply o3. The flow rates on these systems are very high - to fast for good o3 introduction

jkeeton · 12/21/2009, 04:42 PM

anyone running the etss 1400 where are you running your water level in the tube to get propper skimming. I have tried it in several different spots but cant seem to find that sweet spot. Also you have a problem with it shutting down at times?

I just cant seem to get mine set up right, and its been running for about 3 weeks now and I am getting very little out of it.

thanks

diverdick · 12/21/2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkeeton

anyone running the etss 1400 where are you running your water level in the tube to get propper skimming. I have tried it in several different spots but cant seem to find that sweet spot. Also you have a problem with it shutting down at times?

I just cant seem to get mine set up right, and its been running for about 3 weeks now and I am getting very little out of it.

thanks

Take a picture of your skimmer set-up and share it with us. Mine kicked in inside 3 days. I am running an Iwaki 100 and the drain is above the sump level. The elevated drain allows un-obstructed flow out of the skimmer.

jkeeton · 12/21/2009, 06:09 PM

I am running a reeflo snapper gold rated at 2600 gph with a max head of 11ft, as you can see in the pictures this is about 2 days worth, and I get very little bubbles working. Once and awhile it will get heavy then stop, It will take a good 3 hours to start making bubble again.

This is with the skimmer working

Plumbing into my sump/refuge

jkeeton · 12/21/2009, 06:09 PM

skimmer also sits about 1 inch above the sump

diverdick · 12/21/2009, 06:21 PM

Elevation looks good. The pump you have, with the effective head you are under 1500 gpm +/-. Might be that. I would be sure to open the drain gate valve wide open & wait a couple days. Let the skimmer chill. Once it is left alone, you may be surprised at the results. Keep your hands out of the tank during this period as the oils on your skin seriously affect skimming, as do feedings. Hold off until it has a chance to get its groove on.

jkeeton · 12/21/2009, 06:28 PM

what pump are you running now and given any choice what would you run the same or different pump?

diverdick · 12/21/2009, 06:30 PM

I run an iwaki 100rlt. I ran it for ~ 1 month on a 70rlt and was able to tune it well & get good skimmate. Flow rate may not be your problem though. The 100 rlt pump kicks A$$ on a 350 gallon system.

jkeeton · 12/21/2009, 06:39 PM

I will let it run wide open for a day or so, and then see how it does I was thinking about tearing it all down and putting it back together again to see if that would do anything maybe a bad seal or something. My reeflo is only running the skimmer I have another pump that runs the tank.

jjk_reef00 · 12/21/2009, 07:38 PM

I'm also thinking that the pump may be your problem. The other thing that could be is the bio-balls could be clogged in your downdraft tubes. The water level is way to high, you should have 1" max that you can see. I cannot see the water on mine, only bubbles but I run a very high output pump.

jkeeton · 12/22/2009, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjk_reef00

I'm also thinking that the pump may be your problem. The other thing that could be is the bio-balls could be clogged in your downdraft tubes. The water level is way to high, you should have 1" max that you can see. I cannot see the water on mine, only bubbles but I run a very high output pump.

which pump do you run?

Wolfgang · 12/22/2009, 08:41 AM

When the Drain line is over Three Feet, you need to install a vent Tee, per Gary Pics on his ETSS 1000 on his Web Site. I have found you sometimes need it even with less. You Have way to many fittings on the output, causing back Pressure.
Finally, the water level is WAY too High in your skimmer!!!!! It should be only a bit over the Black Box.
I've used ETSS Skimmers for a very Long time. I just tried my first Cone, what a mistake that was!!!!! The ETSS line WAY out performs any Cone.
If Your Pump is too powerfull and not draining out of the Skimmer fast Enough, the Downdrafts are too full of water, not allowing any air to be pulled in= No Foam!
HTH!
-Wolfgang

diverdick · 12/22/2009, 08:50 AM

Excellent point Wolfgfang. Here is a shot of my 1400 drain for reference.

Peace

rigleautomotive · 12/22/2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfgang

When the Drain line is over Three Feet, you need to install a vent Tee, per Gary Pics on his ETSS 1000 on his Web Site. I have found you sometimes need it even with less. You Have way to many fittings on the output, causing back Pressure.
Finally, the water level is WAY too High in your skimmer!!!!! It should be only a bit over the Black Box.
I've used ETSS Skimmers for a very Long time. I just tried my first Cone, what a mistake that was!!!!! The ETSS line WAY out performs any Cone.
If Your Pump is too powerfull and not draining out of the Skimmer fast Enough, the Downdrafts are too full of water, not allowing any air to be pulled in= No Foam!
HTH!
-Wolfgang

Great post wolf,I was meaning to post about the same info as soon as i had a minute,beat me to it.

These skimmers work great when installed correctly.

jkeeton · 12/22/2009, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the info wolfgang, I will redo the output and make it as streight as possible with the vent and see how that goes. I can also install a blueline 70 pump if that may help?

Wolfgang · 12/22/2009, 10:15 AM

Your Wellcome! If your Gate is all the way open, and the skimmer is that full, then yes install a Smaller Pump, or install a Ball valve on the Output of the Pump and adjust untill the correct water level is achieved.
The Vent helps when the skimmer fills and then Rapidly empties itself.
This thing will rock once you set it up correctly.
-Wolfgang

jjk_reef00 · 12/22/2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkeeton

which pump do you run?

I use to run a Iwalki 100 on an ETSS 1500, and now I run a 1.5hp pump on an ETSS 5000. The Iwalki worked very well but could have even gone one pump higher on the ETSS 1500. I still think your pump is too weak, you need a pressure rated pump to force the water through the bio-balls at a high velocity (that is what creates the foam). My ETSS 5000 needs to pump 5000gph at 12psi (that is almost 30' of head). I'm sure your skimmer adds at least 10 feet of head. You should contact ETSS and find out what flow needs to be achieved at what head pressure and then size your pump accordingly.

CryptoFusion · 12/22/2009, 10:42 AM

I think this has kind of been done before in this thread but I'd really like to see some pics of the tanks along with the the ETSS skimmers that clean them. Not just the skimmers but your sumps and anything else you use along with it! Please post them if you have them!

jkeeton · 12/23/2009, 10:45 AM

Well I got it working a little better I changed pumps and went to a reeflo dart which seems to help but I agree it could use more power, I also changed the plumbing and that seems to help as well. But I am still not getting the foam I should be and it still shuts down after a sudden change in the tank. Such as the lights go off my auto top off kicks in anything that changes the water at all the skimmer shuts down.

diverdick · 12/23/2009, 10:52 AM

patients man

diverdick · 12/23/2009, 10:54 AM

BTW, Try placing your top off in another location so the fresh water is not immediately dumped into the skimmer. Any time you feed, insert additives, put your hands in the water - expect that result - loss of foam. This is true of most skimmers out there. You just happen to have one of the best IMHO

12/22/2009, 08:41 AM	#591
Wolfgang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 465	When the Drain line is over Three Feet, you need to install a vent Tee, per Gary Pics on his ETSS 1000 on his Web Site. I have found you sometimes need it even with less. You Have way to many fittings on the output, causing back Pressure. Finally, the water level is WAY too High in your skimmer!!!!! It should be only a bit over the Black Box. I've used ETSS Skimmers for a very Long time. I just tried my first Cone, what a mistake that was!!!!! The ETSS line WAY out performs any Cone. If Your Pump is too powerfull and not draining out of the Skimmer fast Enough, the Downdrafts are too full of water, not allowing any air to be pulled in= No Foam! HTH! -Wolfgang __________________ 75 Gal Reef Ready, Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer, Maxspect Riptide Gyre Pump, ATI 4x48 Sunpower T5, Bubble Magnus Doser. Current Tank Info: 75 gal Reef

12/22/2009, 10:15 AM	#595
Wolfgang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 465	Your Wellcome! If your Gate is all the way open, and the skimmer is that full, then yes install a Smaller Pump, or install a Ball valve on the Output of the Pump and adjust untill the correct water level is achieved. The Vent helps when the skimmer fills and then Rapidly empties itself. This thing will rock once you set it up correctly. -Wolfgang __________________ 75 Gal Reef Ready, Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer, Maxspect Riptide Gyre Pump, ATI 4x48 Sunpower T5, Bubble Magnus Doser. Current Tank Info: 75 gal Reef

12/12/2009, 08:52 PM	#577
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	ooops....typo....2000 gph was intended

12/13/2009, 02:24 PM	#579
Alex T. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,803	Thanks. AE Tech's website states it guarantees SPS quality water in a 180. I know I'm 30 gallons shy of that in the display, but I also have a substantial amount of fish; not something I think they account for. I think I'll try and locate the 900 xr. I really like the look of the tall tower. Are these ozone safe? I really don't mind spending the cash if there will be a substantial improvement in performance. I don't want to starve growing fish and corals for the sake of water quality. I'd rather feed them till they're happy and skim like there's no tomorrow. As for electric, the calculation in wattage use over a one month period is about $4.00 (I think I can swing that). Would the 900xr be worth the extra money, or should I just go for the 600. Or bigger?

12/13/2009, 02:45 PM	#580
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	Alex, They are ozone safe but the manufacturers admit it is not the best way to apply o3. The flow rates on these systems are very high - to fast for good o3 introduction

12/21/2009, 04:42 PM	#581
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	anyone running the etss 1400 where are you running your water level in the tube to get propper skimming. I have tried it in several different spots but cant seem to find that sweet spot. Also you have a problem with it shutting down at times? I just cant seem to get mine set up right, and its been running for about 3 weeks now and I am getting very little out of it. thanks

12/21/2009, 06:09 PM	#583
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	I am running a reeflo snapper gold rated at 2600 gph with a max head of 11ft, as you can see in the pictures this is about 2 days worth, and I get very little bubbles working. Once and awhile it will get heavy then stop, It will take a good 3 hours to start making bubble again. This is with the skimmer working Plumbing into my sump/refuge

12/21/2009, 06:09 PM	#584
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	skimmer also sits about 1 inch above the sump

12/21/2009, 06:21 PM	#585
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	Elevation looks good. The pump you have, with the effective head you are under 1500 gpm +/-. Might be that. I would be sure to open the drain gate valve wide open & wait a couple days. Let the skimmer chill. Once it is left alone, you may be surprised at the results. Keep your hands out of the tank during this period as the oils on your skin seriously affect skimming, as do feedings. Hold off until it has a chance to get its groove on.

12/21/2009, 06:28 PM	#586
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	what pump are you running now and given any choice what would you run the same or different pump?

12/21/2009, 06:30 PM	#587
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	I run an iwaki 100rlt. I ran it for ~ 1 month on a 70rlt and was able to tune it well & get good skimmate. Flow rate may not be your problem though. The 100 rlt pump kicks A$$ on a 350 gallon system.

12/21/2009, 06:39 PM	#588
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	I will let it run wide open for a day or so, and then see how it does I was thinking about tearing it all down and putting it back together again to see if that would do anything maybe a bad seal or something. My reeflo is only running the skimmer I have another pump that runs the tank.

12/21/2009, 07:38 PM	#589
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	I'm also thinking that the pump may be your problem. The other thing that could be is the bio-balls could be clogged in your downdraft tubes. The water level is way to high, you should have 1" max that you can see. I cannot see the water on mine, only bubbles but I run a very high output pump.

12/22/2009, 08:50 AM	#592
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	Excellent point Wolfgfang. Here is a shot of my 1400 drain for reference. Peace

12/22/2009, 09:25 AM	#594
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	Thanks for the info wolfgang, I will redo the output and make it as streight as possible with the vent and see how that goes. I can also install a blueline 70 pump if that may help?

12/22/2009, 10:42 AM	#597
CryptoFusion Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 62	I think this has kind of been done before in this thread but I'd really like to see some pics of the tanks along with the the ETSS skimmers that clean them. Not just the skimmers but your sumps and anything else you use along with it! Please post them if you have them!

12/23/2009, 10:45 AM	#598
jkeeton Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	Well I got it working a little better I changed pumps and went to a reeflo dart which seems to help but I agree it could use more power, I also changed the plumbing and that seems to help as well. But I am still not getting the foam I should be and it still shuts down after a sudden change in the tank. Such as the lights go off my auto top off kicks in anything that changes the water at all the skimmer shuts down.

12/23/2009, 10:52 AM	#599
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	patients man

12/23/2009, 10:54 AM	#600
diverdick Registered Member. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Canandaigua, NY Posts: 1,183 Blog Entries: 1	BTW, Try placing your top off in another location so the fresh water is not immediately dumped into the skimmer. Any time you feed, insert additives, put your hands in the water - expect that result - loss of foam. This is true of most skimmers out there. You just happen to have one of the best IMHO