AquaC CLUB!
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CaptainCoral
New member
Lots of Marks around here lately. 
Yeah, the mag 7 will help. Or I should say that that's been the concensus around here.
Yeah, the mag 7 will help. Or I should say that that's been the concensus around here.
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Leopardshark
New member
Captain,
YouÃ"šÃ‚´ve been really helpful, and so all the other people who has given me their advice.
I just received an email from Steve @ AquaC. They are sending me the 1" injector.
My question is now this: SHould I wait and give it a try to the new injector along with the mag18? or should I buy an upgrade right now?
And speaking about upgrades, I could buy a mag 24, this is the simplest way to upgrade my pump, but I could also buy an inline pump, like the GenX Captain uses or I could buy an Iwaki or Panworld pump.
As I donÃ"šÃ‚´t want to make a fool buy again, I want to buy the best pump for the skimmer.
Which one would you buy?
Thanks
Marco
YouÃ"šÃ‚´ve been really helpful, and so all the other people who has given me their advice.
I just received an email from Steve @ AquaC. They are sending me the 1" injector.
My question is now this: SHould I wait and give it a try to the new injector along with the mag18? or should I buy an upgrade right now?
And speaking about upgrades, I could buy a mag 24, this is the simplest way to upgrade my pump, but I could also buy an inline pump, like the GenX Captain uses or I could buy an Iwaki or Panworld pump.
As I donÃ"šÃ‚´t want to make a fool buy again, I want to buy the best pump for the skimmer.
Which one would you buy?
Thanks
Marco
CaptainCoral
New member
Leopardshark......
I felt a little urgency, and wanted to catch you before you bought a new pump. I was re-reading, and I saw this quote.
Did they, (at AquaC) recommend this? I'm just a little concerned on that concept working for this skimmer.
I believe that may actually be reducing the velocity of the water. I could be wrong, but I sence that the pump can move more water volume that way, but at reduced velocity. (velocity being the factor that makes the pressure rated pumps have the best performance on these skimmers) and also the reason for the bigger power bills.
Sorry, I don't intend to be a nag. It just occured to me that may be the actual problem. Also, I realized that the people who wanted the 1" injector were using pumps with 1" outlets, and felt they'd be restricting their pump reducing it to a 3/4" tube right away. That way they don't have to reduce it until it gets to their injector. In fact, that way, it doesn't get reduced until it gets to the crimp in the injector. (greg uses the 1" injector on a Mag24 which has a 1" outlet.)
So I now recomend to try this, (and I should have thought to tell you this in the first place) run the shortest 3/4" flexible tube strait from the mag18 pump (no gate) to the 3/4" injector. Then drop that water line like I described, give it a day to adjust to new plastics, and see where that foam head reaches. I have a good feeling about this Idea. (and I believe this is how others having success using the lowest recommended pump for their aquac skimmers are "gettin it done")
Sorry I didn't think of this sooner, and I hope I catch you in time.
Here is a pic of a good 3/4 hose connector thats less restricted than a grey pvc nipple. It's 3/4 flexible pvc in the pic hooked up to it (for utility use) But vinyl hose could be stretched on there too.
That's a 3/4 inch female thread (to pump) and a 1/2" threaded reducer that the hose is twisted onto.
Yikes, I need to mop my bathroom floor. :eek1:
I felt a little urgency, and wanted to catch you before you bought a new pump. I was re-reading, and I saw this quote.
Did they, (at AquaC) recommend this? I'm just a little concerned on that concept working for this skimmer.
I believe that may actually be reducing the velocity of the water. I could be wrong, but I sence that the pump can move more water volume that way, but at reduced velocity. (velocity being the factor that makes the pressure rated pumps have the best performance on these skimmers) and also the reason for the bigger power bills.
Sorry, I don't intend to be a nag. It just occured to me that may be the actual problem. Also, I realized that the people who wanted the 1" injector were using pumps with 1" outlets, and felt they'd be restricting their pump reducing it to a 3/4" tube right away. That way they don't have to reduce it until it gets to their injector. In fact, that way, it doesn't get reduced until it gets to the crimp in the injector. (greg uses the 1" injector on a Mag24 which has a 1" outlet.)
So I now recomend to try this, (and I should have thought to tell you this in the first place) run the shortest 3/4" flexible tube strait from the mag18 pump (no gate) to the 3/4" injector. Then drop that water line like I described, give it a day to adjust to new plastics, and see where that foam head reaches. I have a good feeling about this Idea. (and I believe this is how others having success using the lowest recommended pump for their aquac skimmers are "gettin it done")
Sorry I didn't think of this sooner, and I hope I catch you in time.
Here is a pic of a good 3/4 hose connector thats less restricted than a grey pvc nipple. It's 3/4 flexible pvc in the pic hooked up to it (for utility use) But vinyl hose could be stretched on there too.
That's a 3/4 inch female thread (to pump) and a 1/2" threaded reducer that the hose is twisted onto.
Yikes, I need to mop my bathroom floor. :eek1:
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CaptainCoral
New member
Whoops, hey folks, I just checked the inside diameter of that pvc 1/2" hole, and it's the same size as the grey 3/4" nipple. :lol:
Sorry about that. I'm looking for a crack on this virtual ceiling to hide my embarassment, but hiding my eyes doesn't help here.
Also folks, I do not intend to come across as a "thread hyjacker". I know I post a lot here, and I think that the AquaC skimmer could be better accepted, if collectively "we satisfied patrons", band together to help others succeed rather than to try something outrageous, in order to get these skimmers working the way they actually do under proper guidence. In fact, I think that the solution to leopardsharks issues could have been addressed much sooner had we all been on our patron toes "so to speak". I don't mean to ask everyone to drop their daily personal issues to address others here in this thread as a priority over other things in their own lives, rather to "call to arms" all who have AquaC skimmers, that there are people leaving AquaC (and damaging it's reputation and ours for using an underdog skimmer) because of a lack of suport here, and in conversation in your community clubs.
Sorry about that. I'm looking for a crack on this virtual ceiling to hide my embarassment, but hiding my eyes doesn't help here.
Also folks, I do not intend to come across as a "thread hyjacker". I know I post a lot here, and I think that the AquaC skimmer could be better accepted, if collectively "we satisfied patrons", band together to help others succeed rather than to try something outrageous, in order to get these skimmers working the way they actually do under proper guidence. In fact, I think that the solution to leopardsharks issues could have been addressed much sooner had we all been on our patron toes "so to speak". I don't mean to ask everyone to drop their daily personal issues to address others here in this thread as a priority over other things in their own lives, rather to "call to arms" all who have AquaC skimmers, that there are people leaving AquaC (and damaging it's reputation and ours for using an underdog skimmer) because of a lack of suport here, and in conversation in your community clubs.
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Leopardshark
New member
Well, I had it installed as the mag18 instructions state, but IÃ"šÃ‚´m going to give it a try as how you mention.
Thanks for all your advice.
BTW, I just sold the mag18, so I have to choose between a mag24 or a panworld... I wanted the panworld, but IÃ"šÃ‚´m restricted to only one 1" bulkhead, the sump is glass so drilling another hole is not an option. SO I was thinking to use the same bulkhead to feed the return pump (actually itÃ"šÃ‚´s small, rated at 800gph) and also the panworld for the skimmer.
If I increase the diameter right after the bulkhead to 1 1/2" and then reduce it to 1" just before each pump, could that work?
TiA
Marco
Thanks for all your advice.
BTW, I just sold the mag18, so I have to choose between a mag24 or a panworld... I wanted the panworld, but IÃ"šÃ‚´m restricted to only one 1" bulkhead, the sump is glass so drilling another hole is not an option. SO I was thinking to use the same bulkhead to feed the return pump (actually itÃ"šÃ‚´s small, rated at 800gph) and also the panworld for the skimmer.
If I increase the diameter right after the bulkhead to 1 1/2" and then reduce it to 1" just before each pump, could that work?
TiA
Marco
CaptainCoral
New member
Oh crap, I'm too late!
Well, you have that new injector coming anyway.
I believe your issue now will be that you'll burn up more electricity with the panworld pump, where as the mag 24 actually runs with less electricity when gated, restricted, or with head loss. The panworld will probably need the gated input (in case it's too powerfull) and burn the electricity anyway when the gate is used. The Mag24 will probably need the gated input (in case it's too powerfull) and will use less electricity when you use the gate valve. (someone can kick me if I'm wrong) but I believe the mak4 and the mag24 use less electricity under head pressure. (hence, 1" injector and tubing w/mag24, and 3/4" injector and tubing w/mak4)
gcarroll was probably correct all along in suggesting the Mag24/1" injector combo. He'll "virtually" slap me if my memory serves me wrong, but I remember he had the air choked back with that combo. (which implys the pump was strong enough to get small bubbles with the lots of air intake)
The mak4 has a 3/4" exit and is still an option for use (with your 3/4" injector w/ 3/4"? tubing), along with the other pumps you're considering. It's probably also the reason I'm getting (true pressure rated pump) performance from a (slower velocity) Mak4 pump. What I mean is that the mak4 can achieve velocity in 3/4" plumbing what the GenX pcx55, panworld150, and iwaki55 achieve in 1". Those pumps have to operate at a higher velocity rpm to give pressure results. That extra juice to the impellar overides any head loss where power consumption is concerned. I hope I am making sense.
Well, you have that new injector coming anyway.
I believe your issue now will be that you'll burn up more electricity with the panworld pump, where as the mag 24 actually runs with less electricity when gated, restricted, or with head loss. The panworld will probably need the gated input (in case it's too powerfull) and burn the electricity anyway when the gate is used. The Mag24 will probably need the gated input (in case it's too powerfull) and will use less electricity when you use the gate valve. (someone can kick me if I'm wrong) but I believe the mak4 and the mag24 use less electricity under head pressure. (hence, 1" injector and tubing w/mag24, and 3/4" injector and tubing w/mak4)gcarroll was probably correct all along in suggesting the Mag24/1" injector combo. He'll "virtually" slap me if my memory serves me wrong, but I remember he had the air choked back with that combo. (which implys the pump was strong enough to get small bubbles with the lots of air intake)
The mak4 has a 3/4" exit and is still an option for use (with your 3/4" injector w/ 3/4"? tubing), along with the other pumps you're considering. It's probably also the reason I'm getting (true pressure rated pump) performance from a (slower velocity) Mak4 pump. What I mean is that the mak4 can achieve velocity in 3/4" plumbing what the GenX pcx55, panworld150, and iwaki55 achieve in 1". Those pumps have to operate at a higher velocity rpm to give pressure results. That extra juice to the impellar overides any head loss where power consumption is concerned. I hope I am making sense.
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Leopardshark
New member
No youÃ"šÃ‚´re not too late ,
I still have the pump and the buyers hasnÃ"šÃ‚´t made the deposit on my card.
I just installed the mag18 with 3/4 pipes, I used no 90Ã"šÃ‚° elbows, I managed to install it in a straight line. I turned it on with the skimmer just the way it was. The water line went a little bit higher, which means that is has more pressure!!
So now I lowered the water level to the top of the black box, and I will wait till tomorrow.
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll let you know what happens.
Captain, that is good information, thanks, but which route would you go given my case?
I think you were pointing me toward the mag24 direction... but IÃ"šÃ‚´m unsure yet.
Thanks for the info.
TIA
Marco
, I still have the pump and the buyers hasnÃ"šÃ‚´t made the deposit on my card.
I just installed the mag18 with 3/4 pipes, I used no 90Ã"šÃ‚° elbows, I managed to install it in a straight line. I turned it on with the skimmer just the way it was. The water line went a little bit higher, which means that is has more pressure!!
So now I lowered the water level to the top of the black box, and I will wait till tomorrow.
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll let you know what happens.
Captain, that is good information, thanks, but which route would you go given my case?
I think you were pointing me toward the mag24 direction... but IÃ"šÃ‚´m unsure yet.
Thanks for the info.
TIA
Marco
CaptainCoral
New member
Holy crap, we (ehem, where were you guys ) got to you just in time
I want to provide the best advise always! I do think this try is worth at least a day or two (only because of new plastic an aquac's sensitivity to it) to try that mag18. There are folks here (I mean in this club) who are getting solid results from the (lowest aquac recommended pump) and I suspect it's due to optimum set up conditions. (as noted in my illumination in the above posts)
As far as clearing any records of my recommendations, I want to say that I only would push you towards the mag24 and mak4 because they operate efficiantly. (meaning they have the pressure and velocity) without the electricity waste concerns "true pressue rated" pumps succomb to when gated, and restricted (as in crimped injector).
) got to you just in timeI want to provide the best advise always! I do think this try is worth at least a day or two (only because of new plastic an aquac's sensitivity to it) to try that mag18. There are folks here (I mean in this club) who are getting solid results from the (lowest aquac recommended pump) and I suspect it's due to optimum set up conditions. (as noted in my illumination in the above posts)
As far as clearing any records of my recommendations, I want to say that I only would push you towards the mag24 and mak4 because they operate efficiantly. (meaning they have the pressure and velocity) without the electricity waste concerns "true pressue rated" pumps succomb to when gated, and restricted (as in crimped injector).
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Leopardshark
New member
LOL, captain, I think part of the problem was the way I had it installed, but I still think upgrading my pump will make the skimmer perform better, donÃ"šÃ‚´t you?
Marco
Marco
CaptainCoral
New member
Yes! It will work the way it's supposed to now. (with the mag18) and using the largest rated pump (for each model) has consistantly (around here) been a recurring theme for optimum performance.
However, the better pumps allows the user to find that (pressure "sweet spot") on their own. You'll notice I've been an advocate (from previous post history in this thread) of using the best rated pump for each model used.
Providing advise for the best pump becomes "an issue" when the larger ev models are concerned, because some pumps can deliver the goods and provide power savings when gated (and restricted at the crimped injector), and the "elite" pressure rated pumps waste that power when gated (restricted at injector). Using the "elite" pumps leaves the user completely at ease (knowing the darn thing is at it's peak) with power loss if it's a concern. Using the lower rated pumps always leaves the user wondering about performance increases to be had with other pumps, albiet with power consumption issues at ease.
I have a strong feeling that the mag24/with 1" injector and tubing will produce results like I have with the mak4 and 3/4" injector and tubing.
If anyone has achieved better results (with an ev400 with Iwaki or similar pressure rated pump) than they were getting with either of these (mag24 or mak4) please speak up. I (we) are interested in your findings regarding this matter.
Oh no, that one's over my head. and I hope someone with better physics comprehension steps in here. (or I could hop in my 22' petrol consuming '95 Dodge Ram truck with my 1" bulkhead diamond coated glass holesaw and drill that sump for you). But the bar tab would be on you. hehe. :rollface:
ps....I am using an 2" bulkhead and 2" ball valve/union for my external pump on the ev400. I was getting cavitation to the pump with a one inch bulkhead. (though I probably had the water level in the sump too low when I did it) I think a higher water level in the sump could have corrected that though. (if there's room enough for that in your sump)
However, the better pumps allows the user to find that (pressure "sweet spot") on their own. You'll notice I've been an advocate (from previous post history in this thread) of using the best rated pump for each model used.
Providing advise for the best pump becomes "an issue" when the larger ev models are concerned, because some pumps can deliver the goods and provide power savings when gated (and restricted at the crimped injector), and the "elite" pressure rated pumps waste that power when gated (restricted at injector). Using the "elite" pumps leaves the user completely at ease (knowing the darn thing is at it's peak) with power loss if it's a concern. Using the lower rated pumps always leaves the user wondering about performance increases to be had with other pumps, albiet with power consumption issues at ease.
I have a strong feeling that the mag24/with 1" injector and tubing will produce results like I have with the mak4 and 3/4" injector and tubing.
If anyone has achieved better results (with an ev400 with Iwaki or similar pressure rated pump) than they were getting with either of these (mag24 or mak4) please speak up. I (we) are interested in your findings regarding this matter.
Oh no, that one's over my head.
and I hope someone with better physics comprehension steps in here. (or I could hop in my 22' petrol consuming '95 Dodge Ram truck with my 1" bulkhead diamond coated glass holesaw and drill that sump for you). But the bar tab would be on you. hehe. :rollface:ps....I am using an 2" bulkhead and 2" ball valve/union for my external pump on the ev400. I was getting cavitation to the pump with a one inch bulkhead. (though I probably had the water level in the sump too low when I did it) I think a higher water level in the sump could have corrected that though. (if there's room enough for that in your sump)
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Leopardshark
New member
Hi Captain,
Well, the water level in my sump is about 13" high, itÃ"šÃ‚´s pretty high and I designed that way so I could install big baffles to prevent bubbles going into my tank... the result is just perfect.
I think this water height would provide enough pressure for the 2 pumps with the 1" bulkhead... or if you could fly all the way down here in Mexico, I would really appreciate if you could drill my sump LOL!
So far, the skimmer right now looks a little better than the way it was plumbed before, but the bubble chamberÃ"šÃ‚´s neck is dirty so I canÃ"šÃ‚´t tell the difference. So IÃ"šÃ‚´m going to clean it and let the baby work all night long like that, suposedly the best way the mag 18 can be installed right?
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll tell you the results tomorrow.
BTW, I need to decide which pump to get.... time is running out...
Thanks for all your advice Captain!
Marco
Well, the water level in my sump is about 13" high, itÃ"šÃ‚´s pretty high and I designed that way so I could install big baffles to prevent bubbles going into my tank... the result is just perfect.
I think this water height would provide enough pressure for the 2 pumps with the 1" bulkhead... or if you could fly all the way down here in Mexico, I would really appreciate if you could drill my sump LOL!
So far, the skimmer right now looks a little better than the way it was plumbed before, but the bubble chamberÃ"šÃ‚´s neck is dirty so I canÃ"šÃ‚´t tell the difference. So IÃ"šÃ‚´m going to clean it and let the baby work all night long like that, suposedly the best way the mag 18 can be installed right?
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll tell you the results tomorrow.
BTW, I need to decide which pump to get.... time is running out...
Thanks for all your advice Captain!
Marco
CaptainCoral
New member
Marco, after cleaning it, and before turning in for the night, set up a large waste collector from the cups drain (if there isn't one already, it looked about quart sized from the pics). You know, just in case of a flood if it kicks in during sleep.
I suspect you're right on your sump water height/ bulkhead issues as well. It's sure worth a try right.
I suspect you're right on your sump water height/ bulkhead issues as well.
It's sure worth a try right.
Leopardshark
New member
Thanks Mark (I just realized we are named the same!)
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll do that immediately.
IÃ"šÃ‚´m going to order the panworld tomorrow and see what happens.
Should be here on wednesday or thursday.
Thanks for everything!!
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll do that immediately.
IÃ"šÃ‚´m going to order the panworld tomorrow and see what happens.
Should be here on wednesday or thursday.
Thanks for everything!!
CaptainCoral
New member
Well wait to see if you get a flood of wet skimmate tonite first for crying out loud.
But I may just be in fear of the pics you'll post with it (especially if your camera/camera skills are better than mine). hehe :eek1:
Leopardshark
New member
LOL, iÃ"šÃ‚´ll take pics tomorrow morning no matter what results ok??
IÃ"šÃ‚´m crossing fingers even do IÃ"šÃ‚´m probably not as optimist as you Captain
IÃ"šÃ‚´m crossing fingers even do IÃ"šÃ‚´m probably not as optimist as you Captain
robsmith32
New member
yeah, i'd like to reinforce that make sure your outflow of the skimmer is large , and possible sitting where overflow if any goes back into sump..
First night i had the ev180 with sen 900 going... I woke up in middle of the night with hearing pumps sucking noise.
went downstairs to find 20 gallons or so on my floor.
First night i had the ev180 with sen 900 going... I woke up in middle of the night with hearing pumps sucking noise.
went downstairs to find 20 gallons or so on my floor.
robsmith32
New member
or what aqua-c says is best internal, for the 120 is eheim 1260
many have had success apparently with mag7 though.
many have had success apparently with mag7 though.
badpacket
Premium Member
AquaC Remore mod
AquaC Remore mod
OK, so an AquaC Remora (non-Pro) on a decently stocked and aged 29g should be pretty good right?
Primary skimmate was a med light tea color until I recently started playing with it more.
First, went to HD lawn section and got some 3/4" fittings and pipe and started routing the MJ1200 intake from closer to the top of the tank. Got a nice boost on quality skimmate.
Then, ordered one of the AquaClear #70 (old #802) pumps which does 400 U.S. gal. (1514 l) / hour. Pump is quite a bit larger, and is more geared to an undergravel setup with the pump output being reversible.
However, even without the additional plumbing as added to the MJ1200, it is pulling out about the same amount as post-mod MJ1200. I'm sort of wondering if I should have tried the Mag3, as its probably smaller. Either way, the AquaC's seem like mid to upper-mid range skimmers, once you upgrade from the suggested pumps, and if you put a little work into getting water from the surface instead of just sucking it from the bottom of your stock MJ.
I'm really surprised AquaC hasn't by now included a "U" tube to do that, as it should improve the quality of their skimmer production.
BTW, I tried a mod someone on RC suggested, placing an airstone in the first chamber, and that also worked out surprisingly well.
Even with the napkin trick over the spraybar side of the skimmer, its a little louder than I like.
The Support is great though, I asked about buying a new O-ring, and they sent me one gratis.
For my new 72g, I'm debating going lowball with a Coralife SS, or ASM.
AquaC Remore mod
OK, so an AquaC Remora (non-Pro) on a decently stocked and aged 29g should be pretty good right?
Primary skimmate was a med light tea color until I recently started playing with it more.
First, went to HD lawn section and got some 3/4" fittings and pipe and started routing the MJ1200 intake from closer to the top of the tank. Got a nice boost on quality skimmate.
Then, ordered one of the AquaClear #70 (old #802) pumps which does 400 U.S. gal. (1514 l) / hour. Pump is quite a bit larger, and is more geared to an undergravel setup with the pump output being reversible.
However, even without the additional plumbing as added to the MJ1200, it is pulling out about the same amount as post-mod MJ1200. I'm sort of wondering if I should have tried the Mag3, as its probably smaller. Either way, the AquaC's seem like mid to upper-mid range skimmers, once you upgrade from the suggested pumps, and if you put a little work into getting water from the surface instead of just sucking it from the bottom of your stock MJ.
I'm really surprised AquaC hasn't by now included a "U" tube to do that, as it should improve the quality of their skimmer production.
BTW, I tried a mod someone on RC suggested, placing an airstone in the first chamber, and that also worked out surprisingly well.
Even with the napkin trick over the spraybar side of the skimmer, its a little louder than I like.
The Support is great though, I asked about buying a new O-ring, and they sent me one gratis.
For my new 72g, I'm debating going lowball with a Coralife SS, or ASM.
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