Reef Devil Skimmer, Bio Balls

[joegoersch]

Hello. I'm fairly new to the hobby so still have a lot of questions.

I just bought a used Reef Devil Skimmer for my 29 gallon DT with a 29 gallon refugium. I have been warned that Bio Balls are "nitrate factories" and not optimal. The Reef Devil, however, seems to use bioballs as an essential element of its inner workings.

My three quesions:

1) Will the bio balls in the Reef Devil act as nitrate factories ?
2) The instruction manual (poorly written) states that these (mini-) bio balls wear out and should be replaced every 6 months. How can they wear out ? How can you tell that they have worn out.
3) The Reef Devil seems to produce big bubbles, maybe I'm doing something wrong. My current CPR Bak Pak skimmer makes tons of micro bubbles. Should the Reef Devil also be producing micro-bubbles ?


Thanks !!!

[joegoersch]

bump !
Any ideas ???

[aculross]

You can search for ETSS threads around here or visit the site - I have an older ETSS skimmer which I love. The bioballs are used to mix the water and air in the downdraft tubes - not many are used so I wouldn't worry about the nitrate factor.

I'm sure I should, but I rarely replace them (bad ETSS owner !)

I don't think they wear out, but get "gunked" up

[meat1974]

I have a reef devil I got used also. You should put 8 bio balls in it and run it with at least a mag 7 pump. I would run the skimmer in vinigar over night first to clean it up. My lid had one small hole in it so I made it bigger and added another. I also took sandpaper and made the transition on the neck off cup smoother. Make sure it sits in 6 to 7" of water level. Mine has never made real small bubbles but it will pull some bad stuff out. They are the type you have to mess with.

[joegoersch]

Originally Posted by meat1974

I have a reef devil I got used also. You should put 8 bio balls in it and run it with at least a mag 7 pump. I would run the skimmer in vinigar over night first to clean it up. My lid had one small hole in it so I made it bigger and added another. I also took sandpaper and made the transition on the neck off cup smoother. Make sure it sits in 6 to 7" of water level. Mine has never made real small bubbles but it will pull some bad stuff out. They are the type you have to mess with.

In VINEGAR !!!! The thing is huge !!! I'd need 10 gallons of vinegar to fill a sump that could fit it !!!

[joegoersch]

Originally Posted by meat1974

I have a reef devil I got used also. You should put 8 bio balls in it and run it with at least a mag 7 pump. I would run the skimmer in vinigar over night first to clean it up. My lid had one small hole in it so I made it bigger and added another. I also took sandpaper and made the transition on the neck off cup smoother. Make sure it sits in 6 to 7" of water level. Mine has never made real small bubbles but it will pull some bad stuff out. They are the type you have to mess with.

Thanks for the info. I won't worry about the small bubbles ! Now I can sleep !

[tkeracer619]

you don't run strait vinegar that would suck

Fill the tub with cold water, turn on the skimmer, and pour in vinegar until it acts like its in salt water. Then just a splash more.

[joegoersch]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

you don't run strait vinegar that would suck

Fill the tub with cold water, turn on the skimmer, and pour in vinegar until it acts like its in salt water. Then just a splash more.

Thanks...Like I said I'm a newbie. That could've been pretty smelly had I used it straight.

I'll try that tonight. Thanks again for your suggestions

[llebcire]

Welcome to the hobby! You've found a great resource in Reef Central and here's the ETSS thread.

These skimmers are some of the best on the market when driven with the correct pump.

1) Bioballs producing nitrates has been a hot topic on here from day 1. The number and application of the bioballs in an ETSS will not produce nitrates.

2) The bioballs get dirty but the water flow will eventually smooth the plastic edges on the bioball and reduce turbulance and water shear which is crucial to proper operation. The combination reduces output.

3) You should have fine bubbles and it takes a few days to dial in and produce skimmate, but once it starts producing it's a set & forget skimmer (other than routine maintenance).

-Eric

[llebcire]

Skimmer in action

[joegoersch]

Originally Posted by llebcire

Welcome to the hobby! You've found a great resource in Reef Central and here's the ETSS thread.

These skimmers are some of the best on the market when driven with the correct pump.

1) Bioballs producing nitrates has been a hot topic on here from day 1. The number and application of the bioballs in an ETSS will not produce nitrates.

2) The bioballs get dirty but the water flow will eventually smooth the plastic edges on the bioball and reduce turbulance and water shear which is crucial to proper operation. The combination reduces output.

3) You should have fine bubbles and it takes a few days to dial in and produce skimmate, but once it starts producing it's a set & forget skimmer (other than routine maintenance).

-Eric

Eric,
Thanks so much for the pics and the helpful comments. A few questions since you speak from experience:
1) I have a 29 gal tank and 29 gal sump. I have both a spare Mag 3 and a Mag 5 pump. I was planning on using the Mag 3 to drive the Reef Devil. What do you think ?

2) Will any mini-bio balls work or should I buy the replacement ones from ETSS ?

3) What is that extra tube on top of your skimmer ? The clear vinyl tubing ? I thought that is air intake and should be left open...

Thanks again...

[llebcire]

Originally Posted by joegoersch

Eric,
Thanks so much for the pics and the helpful comments. A few questions since you speak from experience:

1) I have a 29 gal tank and 29 gal sump. I have both a spare Mag 3 and a Mag 5 pump. I was planning on using the Mag 3 to drive the Reef Devil. What do you think ?

2) Will any mini-bio balls work or should I buy the replacement ones from ETSS ?

3) What is that extra tube on top of your skimmer ? The clear vinyl tubing ? I thought that is air intake and should be left open...

Thanks again...

1) According to ETSS, for the Reef Devil: "No special (expensive) water pumps needed with this skimmer. Any pump rated @700-1000 GPH will work". These skimmers work better with a true pressure rated pump although the Mag7 is an option for this skimmer. I would use the Mag5 and look for a pump with more output.
Also -"Bioball Note: Smaller pumps and a lower flow rate through the skimmer requires less bioballs. This creates more air flow. Producing a larger volume to the waste foam. Fill the skimming tower about half way with bioballs."

2) I try and use mini's with a star shape similar to what ETSS uses and I'm still looking for a cheap place to buy - I'm shocked and what retailers want for some pieces of plastic.


3)Tubing to quiet intake: "Air intake, small elbow, on the skimming tower injector cap. Normally needs nothing connected to it. It aids in air intake noise reduction. It should be facing up. It needs to be cleaned of salt buildup occasionally. For extra quieting of the intake air 2-3 ft of vinyl tubing can be connected and placed above the skimmer. For extra intake filtration a foam sponge can be attached directly to this fitting or with vinyl tubing."

[joegoersch]

Originally Posted by llebcire

1) According to ETSS, for the Reef Devil: "No special (expensive) water pumps needed with this skimmer. Any pump rated @700-1000 GPH will work". These skimmers work better with a true pressure rated pump although the Mag7 is an option for this skimmer. I would use the Mag5 and look for a pump with more output.
Also -"Bioball Note: Smaller pumps and a lower flow rate through the skimmer requires less bioballs. This creates more air flow. Producing a larger volume to the waste foam. Fill the skimming tower about half way with bioballs."

2) I try and use mini's with a star shape similar to what ETSS uses and I'm still looking for a cheap place to buy - I'm shocked and what retailers want for some pieces of plastic.


3)Tubing to quiet intake: "Air intake, small elbow, on the skimming tower injector cap. Normally needs nothing connected to it. It aids in air intake noise reduction. It should be facing up. It needs to be cleaned of salt buildup occasionally. For extra quieting of the intake air 2-3 ft of vinyl tubing can be connected and placed above the skimmer. For extra intake filtration a foam sponge can be attached directly to this fitting or with vinyl tubing."

Thanks ! I did the vinegar thing last night. No foam collected in the collection cup, but I accomplished two things. I nicely cleaned the skimmer and I nicely stunk up my daughters bathroom !

Thank again, I really appreciate your help !