Help Modding my skimmer

[corsi1330]

One of my pumps on my skimmer is not pulling like it once did. This skimmer has been awesome but want to upgrade the pumps and add a gate valve. Never done this before so looking for help. This is an old Euroreef 8-4 which is 36" tall and an 8" body. Currently is run by two Sedra 3500 pumps. The holes in the skimmer body are 3/4".

 

  Reef Dynamics sells upgrade kits which uses two modified Eheim 1262's and the gate valve. This would work but are pricey. I know I will most likely have to drill bigger holes and cap the old ones and looking for any advise? Thanks, 

 

Brian

 

 

[taiscici]

You just need to add 1 bubble blaster 5000 and it will be perfect. I have one for sale in the for sale forum

[Coral Hind]

Have you cleaned and soaked the pump and needle wheel lately?

 

You don't need a gate valve, in fact I don't like them. Just use the existing riser pipe for level control and add on the PVC. Here is a picture of the PVC modification on an ASM model which is similar to the EuroReef.

 

 

I think the riser tube on the skimmer is a 1 1/4". I used a bushing to take it up to 1 1/2" and rant he rest of the PVC in the larger size. Not shown in that picture is cap on the top of the tee.

[Cliff Puckstable]

What does that PVC contraption do to skimmer performance? Curious bc I have an asm.

[Coral Hind]

It really cuts down on the splashing, salt spray, and noise. Plus the foam can act as a wet dry type filter and create nitrates.

[Cliff Puckstable]

I see, thanks.

[Coral Hind]

corsi1330 - You should soak the skimmer body in vinegar and remove the algae from the inside. That would help the performance some. The rough coralline will cause the bubbles to break up prematurely instead of rising up to the top.

[corsi1330]

Yeah, I took both pumps apart and cleaned them really well. For some reason one of the Sedra pumps is not drawing like it used to. I think it is time for new pumps which should make this a beast? Did you glue the PVC to the riser? Thanks

 

Have you cleaned and soaked the pump and needle wheel lately?

 

You don't need a gate valve, in fact I don't like them. Just use the existing riser pipe for level control and add on the PVC. Here is a picture of the PVC modification on an ASM model which is similar to the EuroReef.

 

 

I think the riser tube on the skimmer is a 1 1/4". I used a bushing to take it up to 1 1/2" and rant he rest of the PVC in the larger size. Not shown in that picture is cap on the top of the tee.

[corsi1330]

Yeah after posting my pic I was thinking the same thing...lol

 

corsi1330 - You should soak the skimmer body in vinegar and remove the algae from the inside. That would help the performance some. The rough coralline will cause the bubbles to break up prematurely instead of rising up to the top.

[corsi1330]

+1 I am not of fan of cleaning the foam every week!

 

It really cuts down on the splashing, salt spray, and noise. Plus the foam can act as a wet dry type filter and create nitrates.

[Cliff Puckstable]

My air intake inlet was 99% clogged with some kind of hard build up where the soft tubing slides onto. Also I'm sure you already know but if that intake is flipped it won't bubble up.

[Coral Hind]

None of the PVC is glued together, just pushed together firmly.

[steveoutlaw]

Brian-

Why not sell the pumps you have on RC or here and get 2 Sicce PSK1000 pumps and install them at recirc?  Two Sicces will cost you about what one 1262 from Reef Dynamics will and they kick butt.  Avast has the pumps in stock I believe.  It's really easy to do.  I'd be happy to help if you need.\

 

Steve

[corsi1330]

Yeah, I actually emailed Avast tonight asking for help. I cleaned the skimmer today (major task, will never let it get that bad again!)and seems to be running much better. Still want to upgrade at least one pump preferably two. Thanks for the offer for help and am sure I will be asking more questions.

 

Brian-

Why not sell the pumps you have on RC or here and get 2 Sicce PSK1000 pumps and install them at recirc?  Two Sicces will cost you about what one 1262 from Reef Dynamics will and they kick butt.  Avast has the pumps in stock I believe.  It's really easy to do.  I'd be happy to help if you need.\

 

Steve

[Der ABT]

if i was you i would try one pump first, for my asm g3 i had a psk5000 sedra go bad, had the avast cs1 waiting for an install and decided to borrow the pump since the asm was already in there.

it was alot more water/air than the skimmer body could handle unfortunately

granted a 1262 is probabaly more than the psk5000 i would just consider taking it slowly to make sure you dont go to far over.

but the psk1000 kicks some tail, that thing produces ALOT of bubbles.