Your opinion on my skimmer?

[t5Nitro]

I emailed euro reef about a problem my skimmer was having where it would only really start producing bubbles up into the neck of the skimmer and very few below. They said it's common to happen if they go too long with maintainance. Anyway I took the pump out and cleaned using vinegar and I'd say it's way better but still doesn't sound the same.

They told me in the email there is a potential for the pump to short and cause danger in the water.

What do you all think? Cleaned and working better but still doesn't sound the same as new when on. Go ahead and use it or do I need a new skimmer asap?I have had it turned off now for a few days since the email.

Someone had been giving me the heads up on the used skimmers here but they're still pricey.

Any thoughts on the new vertex skimmers? They aren't very expensive.

[tkeracer619]

What is the condition of the magnet / pin wheel assembly. Are there a bunch of pins missing?

[Crowed]

did you check air tube? maybe you have lime or salt buildup there..

[Crowed]

if you think about buying a new skimmer, vertex are very good skimmers for their price..

[t5Nitro]

No pins missing and I cleaned the air tube already. There was some stuff in it.

[t5Nitro]

I should also ask how far the water level should be above the pump. It is right at the top of the pump. Is this a problem?

[Charlie Davidson]

Vertex are OK, I own a 180, and a octx200- I prefer the octx200 over the vertex..
New software here at RC is causing double post, so first reply is now below..

[Charlie Davidson]

Can you post pic's? That is very helpful!
Is skimmer sitting in 5-6" of water? ( that seems very low to me)
Have you run RO/DI water into airline while its running? the airline connector at pump (ventri) can be cleaned by using a small drill bit.

[rkaires]

You could have lime build up inside the air inlet on the venturi tube. You'll be surprised how hard it is. Get a drill bit the same size as the inside diameter of the air inlet tube on the venturi. Using your hand, insert the bit with you fingers and turn as your going in to remove any build up. I had to do this in the past when I used Euro Reef skimmers.

[Chris27]

I heat a bowl of DI water up in the microwave once a month, and then have the venturi draw that water through the tubing, and into the skimmer. It helps keep the air path nice and clean. I think Vertex actually has this listed in the directions.

[arredondojason]

also you may not need a new skimmer you could get a new pump and save alot of money that way.

[SnowManSnow]

or even UPGRADE PUMPS

[t5Nitro]

The part at the very bottom of the air tube that goes to the plastic piece? That hole may be clogged? I can take a look at that.

^ What kind of upgrade pumps are out there for them? I'd just order a new pump then. Makes sense.

[arredondojason]

not sure I run an AquaC EV skimmer but you should be able to call euro reef and they can give you some ideas on pumps that will run better.

[t5Nitro]

How high should the water level be on the skimmer for optimum performance? I'm just measuring the sump level now and it's at around 4." It looks extremely low. How high do I need to raise it?

[scottwhitson]

What model Euro-reef? Ours is an RS 135 with a sedra 3500 pump and it is running in about 12" of water. We run ours with the adjustment pipe all the way down and the air all the way open and it skims great for us. If you aren't getting very many bubbles at all I would also do as suggested and pull the air line off and check the air inlet at the pump.

[t5Nitro]

Wow, I've never ran it that deep. It'd be good to raise the water to that level anyway. Then my drains would be underwater and be less noisy.

Maybe I just need to do that. I run it with the pipe all the way down and mostly closed to try and get it skimming well. I'll raise the level up on the sump.

Just waiting for some feedback on my saltwater. I stored some in a brute trash can for around 3 weeks I have leftovers and it has a smell to it (left can open for a little bit and it seems fine and no growths).

[cubsare1]

i also have the rs 135 and run it in about 10" of water

[t5Nitro]

Is the sedra3500 the stock pump scott? I'm going to raise the sump level up and run it as well as check the air tube inlet. If it still doesn't run right I'll just order a new pump.

Oh, and yes, I have the RS135 as well.

[scottwhitson]

Mine came stock with the Sedra 3500.

[tatkinson]

I would def say something's clogged somewhere. The pump could also be worn and have become weak.

Personally, I think the Sedra pumps are trash as are the ER impellers. Euro-Reefs stance on the pump is that the Sedra is the perfect pump for the skimmer and nothing else is going to work as well. They, at least in my experience, will not offer any information as to a suitable substitute.

I had two issues within a year (not due to neglect as I have pumps with over 10 years on them still running) with my 3500 and got fed up with the impeller and pump prices so I decided to wing it myself. I had an old Pentair (quiet one I think) laying around so I took the needle wheel off the Sedra impeller and epoxied it to the Pentair shaft/magnet and the Pentair has been working flawlessly for over a year. I don't know the GPH of the Pentair, it was higher than the 3500 and for me it has been an improvement in both reliability and skimmate production. Please don't think I'm saying the pentair is a great pump but it's still miles ahead of the sedra.

Also Drs. has a needlewheel Eheim, I think it's $199 though.

[rkaires]

Originally Posted by t5Nitro

How high should the water level be on the skimmer for optimum performance? I'm just measuring the sump level now and it's at around 4." It looks extremely low. How high do I need to raise it?

4" is way too low for your skimmer. I had an RS100 running at 8". The pump is working against alot of back pressure. You should see a big improvment at 8 to 10".