EuroReef Club - Page 9

nebraskareef · 04/20/2005, 06:04 PM

This is my collection cup after about 3 days. 20g display, 10g sump. One royal gramma, numerous corals. The riser is not all the way up, but pretty far up. Jeff told me to keep it as low as it would go, to reduce the amout of SW removed in my little tank. I don't think this thing would even skim if I had it lowered all the way. Is this decent? I'm a little disapointed in the production. I've got it running in it's own vessel, in about 6.5-7 inches of water, it is fed pure overflow water per Calfo's reccomendation.

Please advise folks,
Daniel

Dr · 04/20/2005, 06:34 PM

Does not sound like you have that many waste makers in your tank and you probably feed on the light side.

The amount of stuff that you have in the cup is not a bad amount. I might get that much in a week on my 75gal with a CS 6-1, my tank is lightly stocked.

drock59 · 04/20/2005, 06:54 PM

ya that is good skimmate for what you got!!!! I get waaaayyy less than that in a 55 lightly stocked.

Also, anybody else have suggestions for silencing my venturi. More accurately what is causing the noise. Does anybody else's venturi tubing spit out water when they turn off their skimmer?

GreyG35 · 04/20/2005, 07:45 PM

Sorry if this has been covered before -- would a ER CS5-3 be enough skimmer for a 90 gallon FOWLR tank with a 30 gallon sump (moderately stocked)? ER says it is "ideal" for a 90 gallon -- do they assume that you have a sump in addition to the 90 gallons, since it is an in-sump skimmer?

I've read that ER understates the capacity of their skimmers, while ASM overstates. I had been looking at an ASM G2 or a Coralife Needlewheel but came across what looks like a good deal on the ER CS5-3 ($219).

Thanks for your help!

nebraskareef · 04/20/2005, 07:50 PM

That is a good deal on the 5-3, but..... I would go bigger if possible. If a larger ER is out of your price range, I've been hearing good things about the coralife skimmers, pricewise that is. I would get AT LEAST a 6 series ER for your 120g system. Not to say that the 5-3 wouldn't do a good job. You could always get the 5-3, and if it's not to your satisfaction, sell it for what you paid for it and try something else.

Thanks for re-assuring me on the skimmate guys, I needed it!

LCGoldman · 04/21/2005, 08:47 AM

When one is doing maintenance on the pump (thank you crab0000 for the private messages helping me to diagnose my overflow problem), do you have to remove the entire unit out of the sump or can the pump be (easily) separated?

Thanks in advance.

crab0000 · 04/21/2005, 09:34 AM

You should be able to pull the pump off the skimmer without removing the entire skimmer. The outlet of the pump just fits into a rubber bushing in the body of the skimmer. Glad to help.
Steve

LCGoldman · 04/21/2005, 01:29 PM

OMG this is so frustrating LOL... I cleaned the pump nine ways from Sunday... it looks almost as good as new... connected every thing back up... took off the rise and foam, but the gate valve assembly back on (opened up all the way)... and... OVERFLOW in the cup still

Mind you I'm getting a gazillion bubbles in the chamber (as before the cleaning too).

I really do want this gate valve assembly to work... and it did for a while before I did a water change the other day... since that time I can't control the water from over flowing the collection cup.

cozmo1 · 04/21/2005, 02:05 PM

i had the same problem when changing filter socks. the skimmer would nuts for a few days and by the time it finally settled down, it was time to change the sock again.

nebraskareef · 04/21/2005, 03:03 PM

Thats why you shouldn't even use filtersocks. Just syphon the crap out during a waterchange. You shouldn't have much accumlated detirus anywhere but your sump on a properly setup barebottom tank.

cozmo1 · 04/21/2005, 03:09 PM

umm..ok. my setup must be wrong then

nebraskareef · 04/21/2005, 03:13 PM

LOL. There shouldn't be any crap accumulating in the display...Really.

Filtersocks can starve your sps.

Add another pump to create more turbulence.

cozmo1 · 04/21/2005, 03:21 PM

detritus is minimal at best in my display. i use the filtersocks to hold carbon and to eliminate microbubbles in the system. i'm getting ready to upgrade to a sump with baffles. as soon as i do, the filter socks will disappear.

Beenalongtime79 · 04/21/2005, 03:23 PM

cozmo,

I tend to agree w/ nebraskareef on not really needing a filter sock w/ barebottom w/ a solid skimmer. I don't really agree about starving the SPS by using them, but the little detritus that accumulates when you are using a skimmer can be easily siphoned w/ each water change.

I mean if I were to choose b/w a filtersock and my skimmer, I'd go w/ my solid skimmer everytime.

Peace,
John H.

Beenalongtime79 · 04/21/2005, 03:25 PM

Cozmo,

I kind of doubted you had much in detritus build up in your tank... especially w/ the two streams in your tank...

Do you find that those two generate a gentle enough flow for your tank?

Peace,
John H.

nebraskareef · 04/21/2005, 03:28 PM

I too am not 100% sure on "starving" the sps with the filtersock. I have however read some of Calfo's articles about socks trapping plankton and the like. I don't know what micro size you were running, but it was just something that popped into my head.

I am in no way trying to spread false fact with the aformentioned comment.

I too figured with 2 6060's he would have had PLENTY of movement. But you never know how someone could have them setup. I'm sure you could place them in a really bassakward way that wouldn't really be moving water and creating turbulence like they were intended.

cozmo1 · 04/21/2005, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rufio173
Cozmo,

I kind of doubted you had much in detritus build up in your tank... especially w/ the two streams in your tank...

Do you find that those two generate a gentle enough flow for your tank?

Peace,
John H.

yeah, the flow is awesome and none of my corals are getting "blasted". i feed moderately and i change 5 gallons twice per week. detritus is very low.

cozmo1 · 04/21/2005, 04:12 PM

I'm sure you could place them in a really bassakward way that wouldn't really be moving water and creating turbulence like they were intended. [/B][/QUOTE]

imo, the way both 6060's are positioned, i'm getting pretty good flow as well as turbulence. all of my corals are getting good flow and there are no "dead" spots as far as i can tell. detritus is built up in the corner under my hob overflow and i blow the rocks off a day ahead of the scheduled waterchange. if you have a suggestion for better stream placement, please advise. there is always room for improvement

nebraskareef · 04/21/2005, 04:15 PM

sure, send me the streams and I'll do a little "experimenting" with them LOL.

-Daniel

cozmo1 · 04/21/2005, 04:21 PM

sure, i'll pm you with my paypal addy

LCGoldman · 04/21/2005, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LCGoldman
OMG this is so frustrating LOL... I cleaned the pump nine ways from Sunday... it looks almost as good as new... connected every thing back up... took off the rise and foam, but the gate valve assembly back on (opened up all the way)... and... OVERFLOW in the cup still

Mind you I'm getting a gazillion bubbles in the chamber (as before the cleaning too).

I really do want this gate valve assembly to work... and it did for a while before I did a water change the other day... since that time I can't control the water from over flowing the collection cup.

Talking to a buddy of mine, he suggested that there might be an optimal water level that would make it work. He suggested that the return part of the gate valve assembly should be submerged about one inch under the water line in the sump. If it's submerged too low, or above the water line he says the collection cup will overflow.

Has anyone else had a similar experience and/or can corroborate those findings?

jnb · 04/22/2005, 06:56 AM

or maybe even make sure the outlow is partially exposed to the air so there is NO back pressure - I don't understand the comment about you saying above the water line unless....you mean the water flow is approaching going uphill - as long as the flow is as free as possible is what you are shooting for

, get the sock out of there for a day or so and see....... after a while when everything slimes up microbubbles become a nonissue - many, many experienced reefers run NO mechanical filtration (unless you consider a skimmer mechanical...)

send a pic of your setup which shows water level, outflow, bubble level, etc - lose the sock until you get it tuned correctly

Quote:

Originally posted by LCGoldman
Talking to a buddy of mine, he suggested that there might be an optimal water level that would make it work. He suggested that the return part of the gate valve assembly should be submerged about one inch under the water line in the sump. If it's submerged too low, or above the water line he says the collection cup will overflow.

Has anyone else had a similar experience and/or can corroborate those findings?

BlueStag · 04/22/2005, 07:40 AM

Have this in the trading forum. Thought I'd post here too since this is where all the proud owners hang out.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=577942

LCGoldman · 04/22/2005, 09:02 AM

I brought the water level up and I'm going to try it again now. SON OF A GUN!! That did the trick. Apparently there can only be so much that the outflow can be under the water level (and definitely not above the water level).. It's working fine now

I guess I'll have to closely monitor the water level and top off (I guess my next project will be an auto-top off system.

nebraskareef · 04/22/2005, 09:13 AM

you could always put the skimmer in a container in the sump that will hold a static water level for the skimmer to run in.

04/20/2005, 06:54 PM	#203
drock59 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Corvallis, OR Posts: 3,802	ya that is good skimmate for what you got!!!! I get waaaayyy less than that in a 55 lightly stocked. Also, anybody else have suggestions for silencing my venturi. More accurately what is causing the noise. Does anybody else's venturi tubing spit out water when they turn off their skimmer? __________________ Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please. Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 93g Marineland cube. SPS dominated. Vortech mp40. 2 x AI sol super blues. SRO 2000 int skimmer. Mag 18 return. Korallin 1500 calcium reactor.

04/20/2005, 07:45 PM	#204
GreyG35 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spencerport, NY (Rochester area) Posts: 186	Sorry if this has been covered before -- would a ER CS5-3 be enough skimmer for a 90 gallon FOWLR tank with a 30 gallon sump (moderately stocked)? ER says it is "ideal" for a 90 gallon -- do they assume that you have a sump in addition to the 90 gallons, since it is an in-sump skimmer? I've read that ER understates the capacity of their skimmers, while ASM overstates. I had been looking at an ASM G2 or a Coralife Needlewheel but came across what looks like a good deal on the ER CS5-3 ($219). Thanks for your help! __________________ GreyG35 "...with fronds like these, who needs anenomes..." Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef with 30 Gallon Basement Sump - AM 2x250 MH, 2x54 T5 Actinics, CSS 220 Skimmer, 55 Gallon FW (starring 5 crazed clown loaches and a Black Ghost Knifefish named Bob)

04/20/2005, 07:50 PM	#205
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	That is a good deal on the 5-3, but..... I would go bigger if possible. If a larger ER is out of your price range, I've been hearing good things about the coralife skimmers, pricewise that is. I would get AT LEAST a 6 series ER for your 120g system. Not to say that the 5-3 wouldn't do a good job. You could always get the 5-3, and if it's not to your satisfaction, sell it for what you paid for it and try something else. Thanks for re-assuring me on the skimmate guys, I needed it! __________________ Originally Posted by tmz "Now if I drink the vodka the colors do look much better than if I drink the vinegar."

04/21/2005, 08:47 AM	#206
LCGoldman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,744	When one is doing maintenance on the pump (thank you crab0000 for the private messages helping me to diagnose my overflow problem), do you have to remove the entire unit out of the sump or can the pump be (easily) separated? Thanks in advance. __________________ Lonnie Financial Advisor, Planner, and Insurance Agent Current Tank Info: None

04/21/2005, 01:29 PM	#208
LCGoldman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,744	OMG this is so frustrating LOL... I cleaned the pump nine ways from Sunday... it looks almost as good as new... connected every thing back up... took off the rise and foam, but the gate valve assembly back on (opened up all the way)... and... OVERFLOW in the cup still Mind you I'm getting a gazillion bubbles in the chamber (as before the cleaning too). I really do want this gate valve assembly to work... and it did for a while before I did a water change the other day... since that time I can't control the water from over flowing the collection cup. __________________ Lonnie Financial Advisor, Planner, and Insurance Agent Current Tank Info: None

04/20/2005, 06:04 PM	#201
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	This is my collection cup after about 3 days. 20g display, 10g sump. One royal gramma, numerous corals. The riser is not all the way up, but pretty far up. Jeff told me to keep it as low as it would go, to reduce the amout of SW removed in my little tank. I don't think this thing would even skim if I had it lowered all the way. Is this decent? I'm a little disapointed in the production. I've got it running in it's own vessel, in about 6.5-7 inches of water, it is fed pure overflow water per Calfo's reccomendation. Please advise folks, Daniel

04/20/2005, 06:34 PM	#202
Dr Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 755	Does not sound like you have that many waste makers in your tank and you probably feed on the light side. The amount of stuff that you have in the cup is not a bad amount. I might get that much in a week on my 75gal with a CS 6-1, my tank is lightly stocked.

04/21/2005, 09:34 AM	#207
crab0000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jasper,GA Posts: 2,801	You should be able to pull the pump off the skimmer without removing the entire skimmer. The outlet of the pump just fits into a rubber bushing in the body of the skimmer. Glad to help. Steve

04/21/2005, 02:05 PM	#209
cozmo1 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,488	i had the same problem when changing filter socks. the skimmer would nuts for a few days and by the time it finally settled down, it was time to change the sock again.

04/21/2005, 03:03 PM	#210
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	Thats why you shouldn't even use filtersocks. Just syphon the crap out during a waterchange. You shouldn't have much accumlated detirus anywhere but your sump on a properly setup barebottom tank. __________________ Originally Posted by tmz "Now if I drink the vodka the colors do look much better than if I drink the vinegar."

04/21/2005, 03:09 PM	#211
cozmo1 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,488	umm..ok. my setup must be wrong then

04/21/2005, 03:13 PM	#212
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	LOL. There shouldn't be any crap accumulating in the display...Really. Filtersocks can starve your sps. Add another pump to create more turbulence. __________________ Originally Posted by tmz "Now if I drink the vodka the colors do look much better than if I drink the vinegar."

04/21/2005, 03:21 PM	#213
cozmo1 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,488	detritus is minimal at best in my display. i use the filtersocks to hold carbon and to eliminate microbubbles in the system. i'm getting ready to upgrade to a sump with baffles. as soon as i do, the filter socks will disappear.

04/21/2005, 03:23 PM	#214
Beenalongtime79 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 4,437	cozmo, I tend to agree w/ nebraskareef on not really needing a filter sock w/ barebottom w/ a solid skimmer. I don't really agree about starving the SPS by using them, but the little detritus that accumulates when you are using a skimmer can be easily siphoned w/ each water change. I mean if I were to choose b/w a filtersock and my skimmer, I'd go w/ my solid skimmer everytime. Peace, John H.

04/21/2005, 03:25 PM	#215
Beenalongtime79 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 4,437	Cozmo, I kind of doubted you had much in detritus build up in your tank... especially w/ the two streams in your tank... Do you find that those two generate a gentle enough flow for your tank? Peace, John H.

04/21/2005, 03:28 PM	#216
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	I too am not 100% sure on "starving" the sps with the filtersock. I have however read some of Calfo's articles about socks trapping plankton and the like. I don't know what micro size you were running, but it was just something that popped into my head. I am in no way trying to spread false fact with the aformentioned comment. I too figured with 2 6060's he would have had PLENTY of movement. But you never know how someone could have them setup. I'm sure you could place them in a really bassakward way that wouldn't really be moving water and creating turbulence like they were intended. __________________ Originally Posted by tmz "Now if I drink the vodka the colors do look much better than if I drink the vinegar."

04/21/2005, 04:12 PM	#218
cozmo1 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,488	I'm sure you could place them in a really bassakward way that wouldn't really be moving water and creating turbulence like they were intended. [/B][/QUOTE] imo, the way both 6060's are positioned, i'm getting pretty good flow as well as turbulence. all of my corals are getting good flow and there are no "dead" spots as far as i can tell. detritus is built up in the corner under my hob overflow and i blow the rocks off a day ahead of the scheduled waterchange. if you have a suggestion for better stream placement, please advise. there is always room for improvement

04/21/2005, 04:15 PM	#219
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	sure, send me the streams and I'll do a little "experimenting" with them LOL. -Daniel __________________ Originally Posted by tmz "Now if I drink the vodka the colors do look much better than if I drink the vinegar."

04/21/2005, 04:21 PM	#220
cozmo1 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,488	sure, i'll pm you with my paypal addy

04/22/2005, 07:40 AM	#223
BlueStag Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 1,054	Have this in the trading forum. Thought I'd post here too since this is where all the proud owners hang out. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=577942

04/22/2005, 09:02 AM	#224
LCGoldman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,744	I brought the water level up and I'm going to try it again now. SON OF A GUN!! That did the trick. Apparently there can only be so much that the outflow can be under the water level (and definitely not above the water level).. It's working fine now I guess I'll have to closely monitor the water level and top off (I guess my next project will be an auto-top off system. __________________ Lonnie Financial Advisor, Planner, and Insurance Agent Current Tank Info: None

04/22/2005, 09:13 AM	#225
nebraskareef MFCEO Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,495 Blog Entries: 1	you could always put the skimmer in a container in the sump that will hold a static water level for the skimmer to run in. __________________ Originally Posted by tmz "Now if I drink the vodka the colors do look much better than if I drink the vinegar."