AquaC CLUB!
- Thread starter JohnL
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ThrowinRoost89
New member
how often do you guys have to clean the riser tube on the ev's?
mine gets coated in the gunk in about 3-4 days and it stops makin skimmate.....
im runnin a 240- w/1262
mine gets coated in the gunk in about 3-4 days and it stops makin skimmate.....
im runnin a 240- w/1262
ScottL4619
New member
This is about as dirty as I let the riser column get. This is about 4 days of build up, and I have about 1/2 litre of additional skimmate in my waste container. It will continue skimmer for another week most likely looking like this, but I feel that the amount of skimmate drops dramatically after it looks like it does now. Will get cleaned tonight.
CaptainCoral
New member
ThrowinRoost89.... If foam can't reach the cup after 4 days without a cleaning, it will need more air. If it looks like Scott's, :thumbsup: ! That would be a position many folks would like their skimmer to leave them after 3-4 days and if so, you should disregard the "more air" advise, but I would do so anyway. I clean mine out about every three days. I don't notice any drop in performance before that, so I don't bother. Of course , sometimes I'm too busy or lazy and go longer, but never more than 7 days.
ScottL4619... That looks fantastic, Bravo!
Ok, a sneak peak of my new toy. It finally hit me like a ton of bricks. In my face the whole time. I had to order it.
I got serious about the proper valve this time. I guess I'm not surprised about the results, that's why I bought a 100 SCFH model. It's number RMB-53 ssv.....5" with stainless steel valve. Now to get serious about getting it hooked up properly to my window tubing. I need to figure out a cost effective way to reduce the humidity coming in through the window tubing. A triple stage trap of some sort with an air particle filter, desiccant and vapor phase carbon. Any Ideas folks? A cheaper, easier trap perhaps? I'm up for suggestions and advise. I'd like to have that worked out before it's hooked up full time, to keep it clean.
ScottL4619... That looks fantastic, Bravo!
Ok, a sneak peak of my new toy. It finally hit me like a ton of bricks. In my face the whole time. I had to order it.
I got serious about the proper valve this time. I guess I'm not surprised about the results, that's why I bought a 100 SCFH model. It's number RMB-53 ssv.....5" with stainless steel valve. Now to get serious about getting it hooked up properly to my window tubing. I need to figure out a cost effective way to reduce the humidity coming in through the window tubing. A triple stage trap of some sort with an air particle filter, desiccant and vapor phase carbon. Any Ideas folks? A cheaper, easier trap perhaps? I'm up for suggestions and advise. I'd like to have that worked out before it's hooked up full time, to keep it clean.
CaptainCoral
New member
Oh, that pic is with the valve all the way open, and more than I need. 
ThrowinRoost89
New member
its worse than his, you wont be able to see through mine.
do you guys take the skimmer out and clean it?
ive just been taking a toothbrush and wiping the stuff off the sides, and cleaning the cup in the sink.
and its prolly more like 7 days.....
ive got about 1/5th of a milk jug filled in about 2 weeks.
its pretty dark stuff and my tank is newer.
ill grab some pics
do you guys take the skimmer out and clean it?
ive just been taking a toothbrush and wiping the stuff off the sides, and cleaning the cup in the sink.
and its prolly more like 7 days.....
ive got about 1/5th of a milk jug filled in about 2 weeks.
its pretty dark stuff and my tank is newer.
ill grab some pics
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CaptainCoral
New member
I just keep my old socks when they get holes in the soles to wipe down the foam tower with. Usually takes a trip or two to the sink. Try your best not to let any cleaned skimmate fall back into the skimmer.
eaglesrx
New member
hey, sorry to jump in late on this thread.
I just got my first aquac remora HOB skimmer, so I'm quite a newbe when it comes to skimmers. So, far I've been running it for 5 days. I have an average bioload: 2 perc clowns, 1 orchid dotty, fed formula 1 pellets once daily in a 28gallon.
However, I have a couple of questions:
1. I've been getting good wet skimmate. However, it's a light tea-colored skimmate. I've been raising the collection cup. However, when can I expect to get the nasty, dark, coffee colored skimmate? Or is this just the bioload that my current tank is producing?
2. Manual states it's std to have microbubbles for up to the first week or two. Has anyone had their microbubbles stop sooner? I'm still keeping a small sponge underneath the output to serve as a bubble trap.
thanks and don't mean to hijack this thread!!
I just got my first aquac remora HOB skimmer, so I'm quite a newbe when it comes to skimmers. So, far I've been running it for 5 days. I have an average bioload: 2 perc clowns, 1 orchid dotty, fed formula 1 pellets once daily in a 28gallon.
However, I have a couple of questions:
1. I've been getting good wet skimmate. However, it's a light tea-colored skimmate. I've been raising the collection cup. However, when can I expect to get the nasty, dark, coffee colored skimmate? Or is this just the bioload that my current tank is producing?
2. Manual states it's std to have microbubbles for up to the first week or two. Has anyone had their microbubbles stop sooner? I'm still keeping a small sponge underneath the output to serve as a bubble trap.
thanks and don't mean to hijack this thread!!
CaptainCoral
New member
It's the club thread. All owners are most welcome.
Your skimmer is probably still breaking in. After it's finished, I suggest to "tune" it after periods of absence/feeding. Mornings and after work before feeding the tank or adding anything (or touching the water) are great times to check on it and make adjustments. I've never owned the remora or urchin, so I usually let others do the talking there. I've been using the ev models since 2002.
ScottL4619
New member
Perhaps you are skimming very dry and a lot of skimmate isn't making it out of the riser. If your riser is getting a ton dirtier than mine in the same time, I think maybe the bubbles are releasing their waste too low in the skimmer. Try lowering (I know it seems backwards) the water level a little bit. This should produce more turbulant bubbles and push more into the cup leaving the riser a little cleaner.
Keep in mind that everything you wipe off of the riser is skimmate removed from the system. So, even if it doesn't make it's way into the collection cup, it is still being removed from your tank.
Leopardshark
New member
After a couple years out of the hobby, it`s funny to see you all guys still trying to get the best out of your skimmers.
THis thread was really helpful to me as I had a very small pump for my skimmer, and thanks to captain coral´s advice I bought a big enough pump and that EV400 started pulling tons of junk out of my tank.
Ohh those good ol´days!
regards
THis thread was really helpful to me as I had a very small pump for my skimmer, and thanks to captain coral´s advice I bought a big enough pump and that EV400 started pulling tons of junk out of my tank.
Ohh those good ol´days!
regards
CaptainCoral
New member
:wave: Welcome back to the hobby Mr. Leopardshark! I remember reading a post saying you were leaving the hobby. My jaw dropped, my mind in disbelief. I see your "current tanks" line is the same. That was a beautiful tank you had. Do you still have it?
Yes they were! Two years already, huh? It's good to see you back posting!
Yes they were! Two years already, huh? It's good to see you back posting!
Leopardshark
New member
You know, once you´re into this hobby you never quit. I come back here from time to time, but I don`t have a tank right now.
I seldom post because all my knowledge is out of date right now.
I´m glad you´re getting the best out of your aquaC. It´s a really good skimmer and customer service is top notch. YOU JUST NEED TO FIND THE RIGHT PUMP FOR IT.
good luck and thanks!
CaptainCoral
New member
Don't forget about head pressure.
They really are only as good as their pump.
The ev400 with a mag 12....1200gph and 15' head probably wouldn't even make skimmate.
I consider my mak4 a middle of the road pump for an ev400..... 1190gph and 22' head. I'd be better served with the genx pcx-55hp.....1140gph and 26' head, or better still, the Pan World 150ps.....1100gph and 28' head. (the one Leopardshark had)
I don't think the mak4 is a true high pressure pump though, running the skimmer it reads 88-89 watts on my kill-a-watt. The other better pumps listed I think (since they're true pressure pumps) would be less forgiving in the electricity department, but those who have seen it, know what more pressure can do when you're already maxed out on flow.
I believe the key to getting the best pump, is to match the proper flow for your model and then get a pump with the ability to handle the most head pressure in that flow range.
The key to swallowing your pride when you realize you could have a better pump (for the second or third time?)......
:thumbsup: That pump I feel did the best on my ev180 when it was stock. It has a 14' cut off. I had also tried the Ehiem1260and62, both of which can handle less head than the mag9.5. It's good to see it works well for the ev120 users too.
They really are only as good as their pump.
The ev400 with a mag 12....1200gph and 15' head probably wouldn't even make skimmate.
I consider my mak4 a middle of the road pump for an ev400..... 1190gph and 22' head. I'd be better served with the genx pcx-55hp.....1140gph and 26' head, or better still, the Pan World 150ps.....1100gph and 28' head. (the one Leopardshark had)
I don't think the mak4 is a true high pressure pump though, running the skimmer it reads 88-89 watts on my kill-a-watt. The other better pumps listed I think (since they're true pressure pumps) would be less forgiving in the electricity department, but those who have seen it, know what more pressure can do when you're already maxed out on flow.
I believe the key to getting the best pump, is to match the proper flow for your model and then get a pump with the ability to handle the most head pressure in that flow range.
The key to swallowing your pride when you realize you could have a better pump (for the second or third time?)......
:thumbsup: That pump I feel did the best on my ev180 when it was stock. It has a 14' cut off. I had also tried the Ehiem1260and62, both of which can handle less head than the mag9.5. It's good to see it works well for the ev120 users too.
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CaptainCoral
New member
Hey you guys, I just had an Idea. Since I have my old ev180 that I'm not using and the mag9 as a spare pump, I can run it on my 75 gal with that plastic needle valve and see if it is too restricting for that size skimmer. One simple check with the Dwyer with stock and with needle and I'll be able to let you folks know the results. I wouldn't have to cut down the skimmer back to normal size or see how it skims, the reading will be enough to know. I'm not sure how many of you out there are interested in it, but I remember what that ball valve was like to deal with on the shorter towered ev models. If it is too restricting for the ev180, and for any ev240 and up users out there who may be interested, there is a way to hook it up through the air hole alone without the john guest hole. Using a "T" Both the ball valve and the needle valve can be on the same hole. You could then find the general sweet spot with the ball valve and then fine tune with the needle. It might be interesting to know what SCFH it pulls at the sweet spot anyway. I'll plug it in to the kill-a-watt for you all too.
CaptainCoral
New member
Well, I had started some testing with the stock valve on the ev180 with a mag7, and couldn't get anywhere near an accurate reading with the Dwyer I have. Frustrated, I stopped all the tests. I noticed in the manual that only the 10" models have inlet and outlet holes large enough to test these skimmers properly. The 2" dwyer models have an 1/8 inlet, the 5" have 1/4" inlet and the 10" had a 1/2" inlet. Since the ID air intake on a stock AquaC air valve is 3/8", it would take a $75 Dwyer to properly test an AquaC EV and a $101 with stainless valve. I find the plastic needle valve the best by far I've used yet. I emailed them over the weekend asking if there were any 1/2 John Guest versions....
Knowing what I know now, Id have just gotten the 3/8" John Guest version and run it on a 3/8" JG "T" in tandem with a 3/8" JG ball valve. One valve for ballpark, and one for fine tuning. Plug the skimmers air hole wih 3/8" JG and done. It would look much sexier than what I have going. It may be ugly but at least now I actually enjoy tuning my skimmer. I decided against making a water attachment to clear the air hole of build-up, and just ream the hole out with the butt end of a BiC pen (with ink removed) every three days with the rest of the maintenance tasks. With the 3/8" JG needle valve this would become a 10 second task.
So, I thought I would pass that on to you all.
Knowing what I know now, Id have just gotten the 3/8" John Guest version and run it on a 3/8" JG "T" in tandem with a 3/8" JG ball valve. One valve for ballpark, and one for fine tuning. Plug the skimmers air hole wih 3/8" JG and done. It would look much sexier than what I have going. It may be ugly but at least now I actually enjoy tuning my skimmer. I decided against making a water attachment to clear the air hole of build-up, and just ream the hole out with the butt end of a BiC pen (with ink removed) every three days with the rest of the maintenance tasks. With the 3/8" JG needle valve this would become a 10 second task.
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