Trying to get more out of my skimmer

dcforester1 · 02/15/2010, 08:28 PM

I have a Euro Reef skimmer I am not totaly happy with its performance. I have done the mesh mod, and fixed the water height. I also changed the output pipe. These things helped, but I was wondering if I could change the pump. It currently uses a Sedra 3500. Could I upgrade it to a Sedra 5000, or would that not work. I didnt know if the pumps were specific to the skimmer, or if you could put a bigger one. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks Derek

luckyk0505 · 02/15/2010, 09:52 PM

What model is your euro reef? bigger pump doesn't mean it is going to skimm better

dcforester1 · 02/15/2010, 10:25 PM

I am not sure, I bought it second hand. I think it is a DS model for a 90gal tank. I have about 80gal total volume.

dcforester1 · 02/15/2010, 10:59 PM

There has got to be some DIYers out there who know. I dont want to waste the $$$ on a new pump to have the same results.
Thanks Derek

fishchef · 02/16/2010, 03:52 PM

I had to modify my skimmer so that the input was from surface water. Better output.

reefergeorge · 02/16/2010, 04:51 PM

I have a rs-180, and just ordered a bubble blaster pump for it.

What is the neck size on your skimmer?

jonbry123 · 02/16/2010, 04:56 PM

Derek,

I have a Bermuda Rogue which is an awesome skimmer. Over the year though I found that if salinity is off or PH is off this seems to affect the skimmer. Also you'll find many including myself do not purify the water prior to reaching the skimmer, i.e., water is not going through any kind of filter media before reaching the skimmer. Also they seem to work better in sump if the water level is stable or the same height at all times. Just my observations for what their worth.

Bryan

dcforester1 · 02/17/2010, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbry123

Derek,

I have a Bermuda Rogue which is an awesome skimmer. Over the year though I found that if salinity is off or PH is off this seems to affect the skimmer. Also you'll find many including myself do not purify the water prior to reaching the skimmer, i.e., water is not going through any kind of filter media before reaching the skimmer. Also they seem to work better in sump if the water level is stable or the same height at all times. Just my observations for what their worth.

Bryan

Thanks I do have a filter sock, and my water does look clean, maybe that is part of it.
Thanks Derek

fishguy86 · 02/17/2010, 11:15 PM

my xp 2000 octopus cone skims very well behind a 7 inch filter sock .. its amazing how much beter the good skimmers are,, i've started selling off all of my old euro reef design skimmers ...usually get atleast 100 dollars for them and put that towards beter units ,, just added a vertex 200 cone skimmer with the red dragon pump to my 300 gallon system looks like its going to do a very good job as well..

dcforester1 · 02/19/2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishguy86

my xp 2000 octopus cone skims very well behind a 7 inch filter sock .. its amazing how much beter the good skimmers are,, i've started selling off all of my old euro reef design skimmers ...usually get atleast 100 dollars for them and put that towards beter units ,, just added a vertex 200 cone skimmer with the red dragon pump to my 300 gallon system looks like its going to do a very good job as well..

You know how to kick a guy when hes down.LOL Thats what started this whole thing. My brother got a Vertex, and it was skimming water 2min after it was set up. I was wishing mine worked 1/2 as good.
Thanks Derek

fishoutawater · 02/19/2010, 11:35 PM

What is the neck size on your skimmer? My sedra3500 is pulling 21scfh/600lph. That should work well on up to about a 3 1/2" neck.

lordofthereef · 02/20/2010, 12:31 AM

I know that euroreef and asm are basically the same skimmer and that many people l do see a performance bump from going from the sedra 5000 to the sedra 9000 on their ASM skimmers. That said I have not tried it. Assuming that you bought the skimmer with the stock size pump it originally came with I woud bet is is the equivalent to the ASM G1 or G2 (sorry I don't know euroreef models). I would take a look in the euroreef and/or asm forums.

02/15/2010, 08:28 PM	#1
dcforester1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 468	Trying to get more out of my skimmer I have a Euro Reef skimmer I am not totaly happy with its performance. I have done the mesh mod, and fixed the water height. I also changed the output pipe. These things helped, but I was wondering if I could change the pump. It currently uses a Sedra 3500. Could I upgrade it to a Sedra 5000, or would that not work. I didnt know if the pumps were specific to the skimmer, or if you could put a bigger one. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Derek

02/20/2010, 12:31 AM	#12
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	I know that euroreef and asm are basically the same skimmer and that many people l do see a performance bump from going from the sedra 5000 to the sedra 9000 on their ASM skimmers. That said I have not tried it. Assuming that you bought the skimmer with the stock size pump it originally came with I woud bet is is the equivalent to the ASM G1 or G2 (sorry I don't know euroreef models). I would take a look in the euroreef and/or asm forums. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

02/15/2010, 09:52 PM	#2
luckyk0505 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 368	What model is your euro reef? bigger pump doesn't mean it is going to skimm better

02/15/2010, 10:25 PM	#3
dcforester1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 468	I am not sure, I bought it second hand. I think it is a DS model for a 90gal tank. I have about 80gal total volume.

02/15/2010, 10:59 PM	#4
dcforester1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 468	There has got to be some DIYers out there who know. I dont want to waste the $$$ on a new pump to have the same results. Thanks Derek

02/16/2010, 03:52 PM	#5
fishchef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,222	I had to modify my skimmer so that the input was from surface water. Better output.

02/16/2010, 04:51 PM	#6
reefergeorge Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: St Louis MO Posts: 4,222	I have a rs-180, and just ordered a bubble blaster pump for it. What is the neck size on your skimmer?

02/16/2010, 04:56 PM	#7
jonbry123 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: allentown, pa Posts: 581	Derek, I have a Bermuda Rogue which is an awesome skimmer. Over the year though I found that if salinity is off or PH is off this seems to affect the skimmer. Also you'll find many including myself do not purify the water prior to reaching the skimmer, i.e., water is not going through any kind of filter media before reaching the skimmer. Also they seem to work better in sump if the water level is stable or the same height at all times. Just my observations for what their worth. Bryan

02/17/2010, 11:15 PM	#9
fishguy86 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: columbia S.C. Posts: 94	my xp 2000 octopus cone skims very well behind a 7 inch filter sock .. its amazing how much beter the good skimmers are,, i've started selling off all of my old euro reef design skimmers ...usually get atleast 100 dollars for them and put that towards beter units ,, just added a vertex 200 cone skimmer with the red dragon pump to my 300 gallon system looks like its going to do a very good job as well..

02/19/2010, 11:35 PM	#11
fishoutawater Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: salt lake city, ut Posts: 577	What is the neck size on your skimmer? My sedra3500 is pulling 21scfh/600lph. That should work well on up to about a 3 1/2" neck.