Help finding new Skimmer

[jamesbuf]

I'm prepared to buy a new skimmer for my 125gal. I already have a Berlin HO turbo, which alot of people say arent' that good, but I find it pretty good actually. I get a good cup of green smelly gunk every week. I'm eventually going to hook up another tank to house a couple triggers (I miss the carnage!!!!) and have that go inline with my other tank. So say if I get a 55gallon for that, I need a skimmer for around 200gal. I'll still use the berlin too of course.

Somebody has a ETSS Evolution 500 for sale for $200, right in my price range. A new one costs $385. Are these skimmers good?? I know the deltecs are good, but I don't have deltec money. I searced and read a few posts on skimmers, but wanted opinions on the aformentioned model. Any help is much appreciated guys.

 

James

[flowerseller]

I have a DIY version of the ETSS only my down draft tower is 60" tall.

I made mine about 12-14 years ago from a picture in a magazine called "Aquarium Fronteers".

It works great and I love them over ANY skimmer I've seen since I made it.

You must run this skimmer full throttle and have a pressure pump with some ass behind it.

[jamesbuf]

I just bought the skimmer so I guess its a moot point to tell me about it now. Can't wait to see what crap it gets out of my water.

[flowerseller]

Good for you.

Set up correctly, you will be more than pleased.

 

What pump will you use to feed this?

 

If you have any start up questions, drop me a line.

 

TIP:

During the first 24-36 hrs, run the skimmer with the outflow wide open.

The purpose of this is to allow your water to be fully oxygenated before adjustments are made to begin the actual skimming process. And NO, YOUR WATER IS NOT AS OXYGENATED AS IT"S ABOUT TO BE.

Make adjustments and allow several hours for them to take effect before adjusting again.

 

Have a wet/dry vac on site and handy.

[jamesbuf]

So I've had my ETSS Evolution 500 setup since Saturday night. I don't know if I need a stronger pump for it or what??? My berlin HO turbo is kicking its ass. I've gotten a little bit of light green water in the collection tub, while the berlin has filled up half way with dark green sludge. I've even adjusted the outflow but the bubbles that come up aren't even really that colored. I have a mag 7 on it right now, but I'm wondering if I should start looking for a used mag9.5 or bigger. I need a submersible so I'm thinking I should stick to the mag series. Also, does it matter how deep the water is in the sump where the skimmer is?? Any suggestions?? Thanks guys.

[jamesbuf]

anybody have any experience with this type of skimmer???

[davjbeas]

I have used an ETS reef devil skimmer for years. They don't even make the model anymore.

I run an Rio 2100 for the pump. make sure there are bioballs in the air-water mixing column. and that they are clean. this will make sure you get the best air/water mixing. These skimmers need to be elevated so that the exit gate valve is above the water level in the sump. You will need to do some fine tuning on the

gate valve. water level in the skimming chamber should be 1-2 inches below the collection cup.

Good Luck.

 

David B.

[jamesbuf]

Thanks for the help. Not sure how I'm gonna be able to get the water down below the exit gate. I still think I need a larger pump. Finally found the instruction manual online and the evolution 500 calls for a 900gph pump and I only have a 700gph pump. I'm pretty sure that will do the trick since the foam is a few inches from getting over the top. I also replaced the bioballs before I set it up. Ebay here I come

 

I have used an ETS reef devil skimmer for years. They don't even make the model anymore.

I run an Rio 2100 for the pump. make sure there are bioballs in the air-water mixing column. and that they are clean. this will make sure you get the best air/water mixing. These skimmers need to be elevated so that the exit gate valve is above the water level in the sump. You will need to do some fine tuning on the

gate valve. water level in the skimming chamber should be 1-2 inches below the collection cup.

Good Luck.

 

David B.