AquaC CLUB!
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
MatthewLaw
New member
yes i agree, especially with the tangs and butterflies!!!
are you getting a decent amount of commotion/bubbles in that middle chamber (where the AQUA C stamp is located)? I have my water column about 1/2 inch from the top of that column. the next 1/2 inch is taking up by the commotion and bubbles
are you getting a decent amount of commotion/bubbles in that middle chamber (where the AQUA C stamp is located)? I have my water column about 1/2 inch from the top of that column. the next 1/2 inch is taking up by the commotion and bubbles
wow, maybe just maybe we have something here. I throttled back my pump to have the water level @ where the column starts ( where it meets with the black box as per instruction). I do have decent amount of commotion/bubbles but since my water lever is at the level with the main black chassis of the skimmer the bubbles try to build up and go into collection cup but it does take a lot since they have to travel/build up the full height of the column. If I open up the valve then the water level in the column increases easily by about 2 inches to about where the AquaC logo is. I never ran it with the water that high because I worry that the water will overflow from the Air valve. Do you have any issues with overflowing? Are you restricting AIR flow as well or are you running full open?
Hmm I wonder if this is the trick...
Hmm I wonder if this is the trick...
MatthewLaw
New member
i am not sure how to properly describe the height but have attached a few pictures.
here are some pictures from INSIDE the column. you can see some of the foam but i broke the foam column by taking the black cover off and adjusting the cup earlier today.
i know this may sound foolish but make sure there isn't anything blocking the intake of the pump my water level was really low and i found a piece of prawn in there. i removed it, water level greatly increased and actually overflowed from that valve on top of the 'black box.' since then no overflows
here are some pictures from INSIDE the column. you can see some of the foam but i broke the foam column by taking the black cover off and adjusting the cup earlier today.
i know this may sound foolish but make sure there isn't anything blocking the intake of the pump my water level was really low and i found a piece of prawn in there. i removed it, water level greatly increased and actually overflowed from that valve on top of the 'black box.' since then no overflows
MatthewLaw
New member
i would try to get the water level to a little above the 'A' on AquaC and then just wait and see what starts coming out.
i have my air valve (blue knob) opened half way and regulate heigh with the gate valve wheel.
i have my air valve (blue knob) opened half way and regulate heigh with the gate valve wheel.
MatthewLaw
New member
i was just looking at my pictures again and wanted to clarify that the actual water column does not get above the main permanent chamber; DOES NOT go into the column of the removable collection cup. i have found that if there is not a gap between the top of the main chamber (where the collection cup attached) and the water column, then there are hardly any bubbles
CaptainCoral
New member
You do not ever want the water line above the top of the black box.
Back a few pages, my first post (on page 34) I explain how to overdrive the plumbing (no valve on mag9) on an ev180 and still be able to drop the water line to just below the top of the black box.
The only reason to overdrive the skimmer is to be able to choke back the air more. The harder the pressure on the injector, the more air she can pull. If you're overdriving the skimmer, you need that air valve in place and cleaned regularly.
Gotta keep it short, I'm running out the door.
Back a few pages, my first post (on page 34) I explain how to overdrive the plumbing (no valve on mag9) on an ev180 and still be able to drop the water line to just below the top of the black box.
The only reason to overdrive the skimmer is to be able to choke back the air more. The harder the pressure on the injector, the more air she can pull. If you're overdriving the skimmer, you need that air valve in place and cleaned regularly.
Gotta keep it short, I'm running out the door.
markywmson
Member
Captain Coral
I was looking at your picture on page 34, for that elbow mod. I like that a lot. Is the pivot point at that little gap that's in the center of the 'arc'? How did you set that up to pivot? Is it just a piece of PVC not glued in?
I was looking at your picture on page 34, for that elbow mod. I like that a lot. Is the pivot point at that little gap that's in the center of the 'arc'? How did you set that up to pivot? Is it just a piece of PVC not glued in?
CaptainCoral
New member
Somewhere in the manual it states that if you are going to add plumbing to the gate valve which angles or points down, to use a "T" fitting and pipe up above water line to keep the exit water from creating a syphon.
I armed myself with that knowledge to create an intentional syphon to see if the water line would drop and remain stable. Having proven itself worthy, it remains exactly as it was assembled from spare parts without glue.
The only reason I have all the elbow pieces is because I wanted the exit water to flow that direction and exit closer to the wall of the sump. It was designed to turn from the threaded fitting, but they all turn just fine.
Most of us reefers have bins full of spare pvc parts with which to assemble one, custom fit to the available space. Friction fit only and it just needs some room to turn up or down to your desired water line. The skimmer may need to be raised, or the sump water line lowered if you need a stronger pitch on the custom exit plumbing (if back pressure from the sump water becomes a limiting factor).
This has really worked out well for me, and that little ev180 is handling a 220 gallon system.
I armed myself with that knowledge to create an intentional syphon to see if the water line would drop and remain stable. Having proven itself worthy, it remains exactly as it was assembled from spare parts without glue.
The only reason I have all the elbow pieces is because I wanted the exit water to flow that direction and exit closer to the wall of the sump. It was designed to turn from the threaded fitting, but they all turn just fine.
Most of us reefers have bins full of spare pvc parts with which to assemble one, custom fit to the available space. Friction fit only and it just needs some room to turn up or down to your desired water line. The skimmer may need to be raised, or the sump water line lowered if you need a stronger pitch on the custom exit plumbing (if back pressure from the sump water becomes a limiting factor).
This has really worked out well for me, and that little ev180 is handling a 220 gallon system.
Last edited:
CaptainCoral
New member
A little fish feeding tip.
I have found that feeding nori doesn't effect skimmer production as long as your hands don't touch saltwater. It can be mashed in a cup of RO/DI water with your fingers and poured in. I also have a pvc rod with vegi clip super glued to it. Can come in handy if you are tinkering with your skimmer and don't want to starve the fish waiting for a foam head to appear.
I have found that feeding nori doesn't effect skimmer production as long as your hands don't touch saltwater. It can be mashed in a cup of RO/DI water with your fingers and poured in. I also have a pvc rod with vegi clip super glued to it. Can come in handy if you are tinkering with your skimmer and don't want to starve the fish waiting for a foam head to appear.
YoitsArson
New member
Hey thanks for the advice Jim, I pulled the air valve out and man it was caked with salt. I cleaned it really good and 20 min later I was getting good foam in the tower so I think that may have been the trick.
SI_rEEfer
Member
I have had an Aqua C EV 120 for a number of years now. Recently I eliminated a bunch of mushrooms that were overrunning my tank.
Since I have done this I have noticed that the efficiency of my skimmer has significantly improved. It is pulling out much more and darker skimmate every day. I have also noticed a decrease in unwanted algea (brown and green), basically it has cleared up.
Is this just a coincidence or can having mushrooms actually affect skimmer performance. Maybe through chemicals they release (I am thinking along the lines of those they excrete for chemical warfare/defense).
Has anyone esle noticed this with their AquaC skimmer or any skimmer for that matter?
Since I have done this I have noticed that the efficiency of my skimmer has significantly improved. It is pulling out much more and darker skimmate every day. I have also noticed a decrease in unwanted algea (brown and green), basically it has cleared up.
Is this just a coincidence or can having mushrooms actually affect skimmer performance. Maybe through chemicals they release (I am thinking along the lines of those they excrete for chemical warfare/defense).
Has anyone esle noticed this with their AquaC skimmer or any skimmer for that matter?
wuelfman
Premium Member
i run a mag 24 on mine, a aqua c 240
i have run different pumps (mag 12 and 18)over the years and have found that it runs better with a larger pump
i have had a riser made for mine and run without any air restrictions at all
i still close the gate valve a little to get the water level at the top of the box
and
i have run different pumps (mag 12 and 18)over the years and have found that it runs better with a larger pump
i have had a riser made for mine and run without any air restrictions at all
i still close the gate valve a little to get the water level at the top of the box
and
markywmson
Member
Captain Coral
Thanks for the explaination of the exit pipe. I built one and for now it's just quieting down the water exiting from my Mag 7. I did, however, just buy a Mag 9 for my EV180. I know I'll need to use that custom exit now. Will I be good as I am? Or should I get the 1" injector? I can't remember what size skimmer that actually makes a difference on.
Thanks!
Thanks for the explaination of the exit pipe. I built one and for now it's just quieting down the water exiting from my Mag 7. I did, however, just buy a Mag 9 for my EV180. I know I'll need to use that custom exit now. Will I be good as I am? Or should I get the 1" injector? I can't remember what size skimmer that actually makes a difference on.
Thanks!
CaptainCoral
New member
wuelfman.....good to see you are still happy with your foam tower extension.....looks stinky!
markywmson...no need for a one inch injector with the mag9 since it has a 3/4" threaded outlet. The one inch injector was made for GCarroll when he was in the club and using a pump with a 1" outlet.
markywmson...no need for a one inch injector with the mag9 since it has a 3/4" threaded outlet. The one inch injector was made for GCarroll when he was in the club and using a pump with a 1" outlet.
ScottL4619
New member
My Mag 9 has a one inch output...
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