WOOT lol Odyssea NEEDLE WHEEL skimmer! - Page 27

Whacked · 08/21/2008, 04:14 PM

just picked up the PS75
Its making some serious bubbles.
The problem is, it pumps foamy water into the cup and fills it in under 5 seconds.
Think i'll just put it in a 5g bucket for a couple days to break it in.
Also see what I can do to adjust the intake flow. That could probably help.

NealNano · 08/21/2008, 05:02 PM

Wow. Some of you have really milked out this flimsy little skimmer. I had one of these in my early days of reef keeping. I felt that the skimmer was way to touchy, more than the super skimmer that repleced it. I could never get it to stop putting out tons of micro bubbles into the tank. It never really skimmed that well for me. That was my 2 cents on my use with the PS75, glad to see others had more luck.

chevegan · 08/21/2008, 06:36 PM

whacked just turn it down. the biggest success came with mesh modding it just right. I don't remember exactly how many layers it needed. You would have to go WAY back and check lol.

Whacked · 08/21/2008, 08:14 PM

I had to pull out the outlet valve to verify whats wide open and closed so got the first problem solved.
I still have it in a 5g of saltwater just running and playing with it to get the 'feel'.
something I noticed, where the airline plugs into the intake, there are 3 openings for the airhose. I plugged in another airline but didnt notice any difference in bubbles.
I also noticed that without the outlet sponge, you have better control of the water level. microbubbles or not, I dont think i'll use it.
anyone else notice that?
I dont like sponges anyhow. they can get clogged much to easy.

I have a few pieces of acrylic lying around. Thinking of making a surface skimmer box. Would there be any disadvantage of having the outlet drain into the skimbox? I would think that any microbubbles would get sucked back in. would that mess with the surface skim abilities or would I need a divider?

Chevegan: I am re-reading the thread trying to find whats what

Are you still using yours or ???

chevegan · 08/22/2008, 01:44 AM

Yea I sure am, on my FOWLR at the moment. I never use sponges as they become nitrate factories, besides the fact that it screws with the venturi. The skimmer box won't affect it at all. What I would recommend and have never gotten around to doing is installing a drain.

The acrylic is a bit thin so you have to be cautious but it's been done. And in that way once you have it set you never have to mess with it again. Adding an additional airline probably will only make a difference if you mesh it. Give it a shot let me know what happens. I've gotta get around to doing that too.

Whacked · 08/22/2008, 07:42 PM

the drain would be nice. if you could mount a valve,... operate like normal but open valve into a bucket for vacation time.
whatever vacation is

I have it hanging on my tank now, on the front so its easy to tweak and watch.
I do have the sponge on the outlet, mostly for microbubble control. Once properly broke in I won't be using it.

I got to find the posts that describe the air intake muffler. That is where all the noise is on my otherwise dead silent cheap bastard skimmer.

Then find a local reefer with some extra mesh and give that a shot.
What is wierd, I have bought a EX250 powerhead a couple months ago (for a DIY skimmer that failed horribly and cost me more than the PS75). I compaired the impellers. Altho the non-skimmer powerhead can be described as a needlewheel, the one that came with the PS75 had more blades. good to know that I have a replacement pump on hand

next on the list is to aquire a aquaclear for a cheapass HOB 'fuge

Chevegan: good to hear its still skimmin! sounds like a good investment

razataz · 10/01/2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rckrzy1

How to put that 3/4 elbow into the ps 75 Will not fit in the top opening

The intake side does not look like the top pick. fckrzy said he dissembled it . Mine looks like this.

[

razataz · 10/01/2008, 11:38 AM

I was able to dremel a 1/2 elbow and slide it on.

[IMG] http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...83DSC04275.JPG [/IMG]

miatawnt2b · 10/01/2008, 12:13 PM

I love my lightly modded PS160. pulls all kinds of junk. The stock pump gave up the ghost a few months back, so I bought a RIO 1100 for it. Played hack and whack on the RIO impeller and modded it with some 3m mesh that I found in the paint department at Walmart for stripping paint. The RIO pump fit the same venturi I had made originally, so it was pretty much a drop in replacement. 90* elbow in the skimmer and that's it. This thing rocks.

I don't use any kinds of sponges either, though my skimmer is in my sump so I don't worry about microbubbles.

-J

sprite · 10/01/2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by razataz
I was able to dremel a 1/2 elbow and slide it on.

[IMG] http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...83DSC04275.JPG [/IMG]

did you dremel the 90 out so it would fit?

razataz · 10/01/2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sprite
did you dremel the 90 out so it would fit?

Yes.You have to make the elbow open larger.

miatawnt2b · 10/01/2008, 01:27 PM

you could probably even chop about 1/2" off of each end of the elbow and it would slide right in.
-J

DragonFish · 10/05/2008, 09:23 AM

Did they come out with a new venturi? I have one of the first models and lately I've not been too impressed. Also, the inside riser on my collection cup has been basically dissolving. Have they improved enough of this thing for me to buy a new one or just mod mine?

razataz · 10/05/2008, 07:38 PM

Is it okay to have the outlet pipe under the water line. inch or two

razataz · 10/09/2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by luke33
Jbeltmann, yep, your just an inch shy....oh well. Anyhow, here's pics of the venturi i made and the skimmer......it is totally milked out from the pump intake to the skimmer up. The bottom 2" are not milked at all, but that takes away the microbubble issue : ) Basically the venturi is a bulkhead with an air injector in it with some hose. I took the air injector and cut open the bottom of it at an angle and put it towards the pump, this is what pulls the air out of the injector. If you don't do this it'll still work, but if you have them backwards, you'll get nada. I would recommend doing this though, the proof is in the pics. If anyone lived around here i'd tell them to stop by. Ok, now for the pics.

Hope this helps!

I wish we could still see this pics.

tr0gd0r · 10/15/2008, 11:29 AM

I just got one of these skimmers today and had a couple questions. Anyone elses pump loud? I can hear the powerhead across the room. Also, did anyone figure out how to stop the plethera of microbubbles from expelling themselves into the tank? Does that just go away after its broken in or what?

Thanks

DragonFish · 10/15/2008, 02:00 PM

Yep, just wait a while. I've been running mine hang on for almost two years and if I remember correctly the bubbles stop after about two weeks.

tr0gd0r · 10/15/2008, 02:12 PM

what about the noise this thing makes? Also, where should the bubbles be set? I have them set about 1/4 of the way up the tube in the collection cup.

razataz · 10/17/2008, 09:57 AM

My pump is not loud ,But the air being sucked in threw the tubing is loud.

dreboogie · 11/05/2008, 12:36 PM

I am looking into the PS75 for a prop tank. I haven't gone through the entire 67 pages of this thread yet. I only have the option of running this as a HOB skimmer, does it work good that way, or only as an in-sump skimmer????

sprite · 11/05/2008, 07:59 PM

my experience it works better for me as a hob, for some reason its more consistant..when its in my sump(no baffles) and i need to topoff it will overflow the cup for some reason... i think most ppl that posted in here about it use it as a hob

pbradley0 · 11/05/2008, 08:54 PM

I have the ps160 and run it in my sump. I just have it separated by a baffle from my return pump to keep the water level consistent and have no problems with it overflowing.

I've been running mine for 1.5 weeks now and the microbubbles really started to slow down alot.

I'm also curious about where others have the water level set. I have mine set about 1/4 up the neck and it barely puts anything out.

Whacked · 11/10/2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tr0gd0r
I just got one of these skimmers today and had a couple questions. Anyone elses pump loud? I can hear the powerhead across the room. Also, did anyone figure out how to stop the plethera of microbubbles from expelling themselves into the tank? Does that just go away after its broken in or what?

Thanks

The pump or the air intake?
My pump is still dead quiet but the air intake was VERY noisy.
So I did the air intake muffler.
All it really consists of is about 2" air tubing and a empty pill/asprin/film canister.
Just drill 2 holes just big for the air tube. Put the 2" section in one and the vernturi airline in the other. Simple and very effective.

Whacked · 11/10/2008, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by razataz
How to put that 3/4 elbow into the ps 75 Will not fit in the top opening

The intake side does not look like the top pick. fckrzy said he dissembled it . Mine looks like this.

[

I "think" that mod was for the PS160 and they went in by cutting out the bottom.

I tried it on my PS75. Even tried the smallest elbow dremeled to fit. It didnt fit too well due to the outlet tube. I mangled a "fit" and found that it allows way too much water/bubbles back thru the outlet.

If I can figure out some sort of baffle, and a way to mount it, I'll try to direct the intake more but haven't yet and other things taking up my time.

Danyal · 11/11/2008, 12:34 AM

anybody know how to get the top off to clean the inside? i've got a build up of coralline algae in mine.

08/21/2008, 06:36 PM	#653
chevegan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 1,614	whacked just turn it down. the biggest success came with mesh modding it just right. I don't remember exactly how many layers it needed. You would have to go WAY back and check lol. __________________ Everything is copasetic. Reefing on a budget Current Tank Info: Do it right the first time, save up, spend where it counts OR end up another craigslist ad of money lost.--------Why is this hobby so damn expensive??!-------

08/22/2008, 01:44 AM	#655
chevegan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 1,614	Yea I sure am, on my FOWLR at the moment. I never use sponges as they become nitrate factories, besides the fact that it screws with the venturi. The skimmer box won't affect it at all. What I would recommend and have never gotten around to doing is installing a drain. The acrylic is a bit thin so you have to be cautious but it's been done. And in that way once you have it set you never have to mess with it again. Adding an additional airline probably will only make a difference if you mesh it. Give it a shot let me know what happens. I've gotta get around to doing that too. __________________ Everything is copasetic. Reefing on a budget Current Tank Info: Do it right the first time, save up, spend where it counts OR end up another craigslist ad of money lost.--------Why is this hobby so damn expensive??!-------

10/01/2008, 12:13 PM	#659
miatawnt2b Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,467	I love my lightly modded PS160. pulls all kinds of junk. The stock pump gave up the ghost a few months back, so I bought a RIO 1100 for it. Played hack and whack on the RIO impeller and modded it with some 3m mesh that I found in the paint department at Walmart for stripping paint. The RIO pump fit the same venturi I had made originally, so it was pretty much a drop in replacement. 90* elbow in the skimmer and that's it. This thing rocks. I don't use any kinds of sponges either, though my skimmer is in my sump so I don't worry about microbubbles. -J __________________ Proud member of the JTCCB (jebao tuners club for cheap bastards)

10/01/2008, 01:27 PM	#662
miatawnt2b Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,467	you could probably even chop about 1/2" off of each end of the elbow and it would slide right in. -J __________________ Proud member of the JTCCB (jebao tuners club for cheap bastards)

08/21/2008, 04:14 PM	#651
Whacked Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stockton, Ca Posts: 397	just picked up the PS75 Its making some serious bubbles. The problem is, it pumps foamy water into the cup and fills it in under 5 seconds. Think i'll just put it in a 5g bucket for a couple days to break it in. Also see what I can do to adjust the intake flow. That could probably help.

08/21/2008, 05:02 PM	#652
NealNano Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 764	Wow. Some of you have really milked out this flimsy little skimmer. I had one of these in my early days of reef keeping. I felt that the skimmer was way to touchy, more than the super skimmer that repleced it. I could never get it to stop putting out tons of micro bubbles into the tank. It never really skimmed that well for me. That was my 2 cents on my use with the PS75, glad to see others had more luck.

08/21/2008, 08:14 PM	#654
Whacked Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stockton, Ca Posts: 397	I had to pull out the outlet valve to verify whats wide open and closed so got the first problem solved. I still have it in a 5g of saltwater just running and playing with it to get the 'feel'. something I noticed, where the airline plugs into the intake, there are 3 openings for the airhose. I plugged in another airline but didnt notice any difference in bubbles. I also noticed that without the outlet sponge, you have better control of the water level. microbubbles or not, I dont think i'll use it. anyone else notice that? I dont like sponges anyhow. they can get clogged much to easy. I have a few pieces of acrylic lying around. Thinking of making a surface skimmer box. Would there be any disadvantage of having the outlet drain into the skimbox? I would think that any microbubbles would get sucked back in. would that mess with the surface skim abilities or would I need a divider? Chevegan: I am re-reading the thread trying to find whats what Are you still using yours or ???

08/22/2008, 07:42 PM	#656
Whacked Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stockton, Ca Posts: 397	the drain would be nice. if you could mount a valve,... operate like normal but open valve into a bucket for vacation time. whatever vacation is I have it hanging on my tank now, on the front so its easy to tweak and watch. I do have the sponge on the outlet, mostly for microbubble control. Once properly broke in I won't be using it. I got to find the posts that describe the air intake muffler. That is where all the noise is on my otherwise dead silent cheap bastard skimmer. Then find a local reefer with some extra mesh and give that a shot. What is wierd, I have bought a EX250 powerhead a couple months ago (for a DIY skimmer that failed horribly and cost me more than the PS75). I compaired the impellers. Altho the non-skimmer powerhead can be described as a needlewheel, the one that came with the PS75 had more blades. good to know that I have a replacement pump on hand next on the list is to aquire a aquaclear for a cheapass HOB 'fuge Chevegan: good to hear its still skimmin! sounds like a good investment

10/01/2008, 11:38 AM	#658
razataz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 46	I was able to dremel a 1/2 elbow and slide it on. [IMG] http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...83DSC04275.JPG [/IMG]

10/05/2008, 09:23 AM	#663
DragonFish Unregistered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI Posts: 1,988	Did they come out with a new venturi? I have one of the first models and lately I've not been too impressed. Also, the inside riser on my collection cup has been basically dissolving. Have they improved enough of this thing for me to buy a new one or just mod mine?

10/05/2008, 07:38 PM	#664
razataz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 46	Is it okay to have the outlet pipe under the water line. inch or two

10/15/2008, 11:29 AM	#666
tr0gd0r Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2	I just got one of these skimmers today and had a couple questions. Anyone elses pump loud? I can hear the powerhead across the room. Also, did anyone figure out how to stop the plethera of microbubbles from expelling themselves into the tank? Does that just go away after its broken in or what? Thanks

10/15/2008, 02:00 PM	#667
DragonFish Unregistered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI Posts: 1,988	Yep, just wait a while. I've been running mine hang on for almost two years and if I remember correctly the bubbles stop after about two weeks.

10/15/2008, 02:12 PM	#668
tr0gd0r Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2	what about the noise this thing makes? Also, where should the bubbles be set? I have them set about 1/4 of the way up the tube in the collection cup.

10/17/2008, 09:57 AM	#669
razataz Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 46	My pump is not loud ,But the air being sucked in threw the tubing is loud.

11/05/2008, 12:36 PM	#670
dreboogie Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ventura County Posts: 96	I am looking into the PS75 for a prop tank. I haven't gone through the entire 67 pages of this thread yet. I only have the option of running this as a HOB skimmer, does it work good that way, or only as an in-sump skimmer????

11/05/2008, 07:59 PM	#671
sprite Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 668	my experience it works better for me as a hob, for some reason its more consistant..when its in my sump(no baffles) and i need to topoff it will overflow the cup for some reason... i think most ppl that posted in here about it use it as a hob

11/05/2008, 08:54 PM	#672
pbradley0 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 185	I have the ps160 and run it in my sump. I just have it separated by a baffle from my return pump to keep the water level consistent and have no problems with it overflowing. I've been running mine for 1.5 weeks now and the microbubbles really started to slow down alot. I'm also curious about where others have the water level set. I have mine set about 1/4 up the neck and it barely puts anything out.

11/11/2008, 12:34 AM	#675
Danyal Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: woodland Posts: 221	anybody know how to get the top off to clean the inside? i've got a build up of coralline algae in mine.