AquaC CLUB!
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Jaffo_botz
10 & Over Club
Hello fellow EV users...I just sent this to AquaC looking for help on my new EV-400. Any suggestions, I'm all ears (i've read the 40page skimmer post and everything above...let me know what else I should be considering.)
Ok, upgraded to a EV-400 from your legacy EV-150 for my 230G tank.
The EV-150 did it's thing for five years on this tank, driven by a Mag12 (w/~2ft head added). Always knew it was undersized for my tank, but so what, all was well..got ~1 cup of skim a day.
Got a good deal through MarineDepot for the EV-400...recieved it two weeks ago, driving it with a Mag24 (~5yrs old, was my return pump)...since I've hooked up (outside a couple of floods..my fault-didn't heed the warning for first day to place overflow hose back into tank) ... I haven't gotten more than a few ounces of 'real' skimate in two weeks with the EV-400...this thing has a mind of it's own and I need any guidance before I give up.
My setup....Dual corner overflows in the tank flow into a 50 Gal sump (in basement)....gravity fed to a second 50Gal refuge tub, which then it is returned to the tank.
The first sump contains a loosely partitioned section, where both the Ev-400 and Mag24 driving it reside....The 400 is on an eggrate platform, sitting in approx. 5 inches of tank water...skimmer output is at least 6" above the water line. The water level stays the same in this sump ....give or take <1" due to evap.
On the EV-400 output, I have a 1 1/2" male PVC thread/slip, then a 1 1/2" PVC 90degree elbow, pointing down...and then approx. 2" of 1 1/2"PVC straight extension (slows the splashing)...there is approx. 1"-2" gap between the final PVC output and the water level.
Water level in the skimmer itself is 1/4"-1/2" below the internal platform....This is set with the output gate valve.
The air valve was wide open...but I cut it back slightly as the 'skimate' was overflowing way too wet...literally filled up a 5gal bucket in an hour.
Since then, it's like Jekyl and Hyde. ie. Today, the foam in the tube has not reached past the half way pt....and it appears the bubble size has increased..so I adjust the gate valve a bit and open the air valve slightly...(it's 4:30pm, I fed the tank this morning at 8am, so not sure what the cause is on the level).......
What am I doing wrong? any suggestions would be appreciated as I'm at wits end. I can't be adjusting this skimmer everyday.
Pump the right size? is the output with the elbow creating back pressure...should I do 2" PVC output to eliminate any possilbility of a backpressure ? (my original plan was a second 90 degree, delivering the output 'parallel' to the water level...but I immediately noticed this caused the skimmer level in the tube to vary up and down several inches so I removed the second elbow right away).
Should the whole skimmer be out of the water, doesn't make sense this would be a diff? Any ideas let me know.
Ok, upgraded to a EV-400 from your legacy EV-150 for my 230G tank.
The EV-150 did it's thing for five years on this tank, driven by a Mag12 (w/~2ft head added). Always knew it was undersized for my tank, but so what, all was well..got ~1 cup of skim a day.
Got a good deal through MarineDepot for the EV-400...recieved it two weeks ago, driving it with a Mag24 (~5yrs old, was my return pump)...since I've hooked up (outside a couple of floods..my fault-didn't heed the warning for first day to place overflow hose back into tank) ... I haven't gotten more than a few ounces of 'real' skimate in two weeks with the EV-400...this thing has a mind of it's own and I need any guidance before I give up.
My setup....Dual corner overflows in the tank flow into a 50 Gal sump (in basement)....gravity fed to a second 50Gal refuge tub, which then it is returned to the tank.
The first sump contains a loosely partitioned section, where both the Ev-400 and Mag24 driving it reside....The 400 is on an eggrate platform, sitting in approx. 5 inches of tank water...skimmer output is at least 6" above the water line. The water level stays the same in this sump ....give or take <1" due to evap.
On the EV-400 output, I have a 1 1/2" male PVC thread/slip, then a 1 1/2" PVC 90degree elbow, pointing down...and then approx. 2" of 1 1/2"PVC straight extension (slows the splashing)...there is approx. 1"-2" gap between the final PVC output and the water level.
Water level in the skimmer itself is 1/4"-1/2" below the internal platform....This is set with the output gate valve.
The air valve was wide open...but I cut it back slightly as the 'skimate' was overflowing way too wet...literally filled up a 5gal bucket in an hour.
Since then, it's like Jekyl and Hyde. ie. Today, the foam in the tube has not reached past the half way pt....and it appears the bubble size has increased..so I adjust the gate valve a bit and open the air valve slightly...(it's 4:30pm, I fed the tank this morning at 8am, so not sure what the cause is on the level).......
What am I doing wrong? any suggestions would be appreciated as I'm at wits end. I can't be adjusting this skimmer everyday.
Pump the right size? is the output with the elbow creating back pressure...should I do 2" PVC output to eliminate any possilbility of a backpressure ? (my original plan was a second 90 degree, delivering the output 'parallel' to the water level...but I immediately noticed this caused the skimmer level in the tube to vary up and down several inches so I removed the second elbow right away).
Should the whole skimmer be out of the water, doesn't make sense this would be a diff? Any ideas let me know.
rdmpe
New member
What I like to do is this -
With the air valve wide open, I get it working in the ballpark of where I want it so that I am barely getting any foam to come up to the collection cup. Then I tweak the air valve back a little bit to get the bubbles really fine. This likely causes the bubble level in the tower to drop some due to the reduced air.
I tweak the gate valve so that the top of the bubbles are only about half way up the tower and let it sit like that while I go to bed or work or whatever. Then I check it and see if it has started producing anything. No feeding or doing anything to the tank during this time that might affect production! After I feel it is "stable" (may not be producing skimmate yet though) I adjust the gate valve a little bit to get the foam up where it needs to be.
The main thing I think is that you can't mess with it every hour. Have to let it sit overnight to build up some foam to see what it is doing. Then make an adjustment. And in order to find this baseline setting or sweet spot, you can't feed the tank or stick your hands in the water until you have it set. Otherwise it will not be at it's baseline condition...
HTH
Randy
With the air valve wide open, I get it working in the ballpark of where I want it so that I am barely getting any foam to come up to the collection cup. Then I tweak the air valve back a little bit to get the bubbles really fine. This likely causes the bubble level in the tower to drop some due to the reduced air.
I tweak the gate valve so that the top of the bubbles are only about half way up the tower and let it sit like that while I go to bed or work or whatever. Then I check it and see if it has started producing anything. No feeding or doing anything to the tank during this time that might affect production! After I feel it is "stable" (may not be producing skimmate yet though) I adjust the gate valve a little bit to get the foam up where it needs to be.
The main thing I think is that you can't mess with it every hour. Have to let it sit overnight to build up some foam to see what it is doing. Then make an adjustment. And in order to find this baseline setting or sweet spot, you can't feed the tank or stick your hands in the water until you have it set. Otherwise it will not be at it's baseline condition...
HTH
Randy
Jaffo_botz
10 & Over Club
Thanks for the tips Randy..I'll give it a shot.
Also from Steve at AquaC (quick response)...more advice, I'll let know if they work out.:
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the message, I can help you out. Because the skimmer is overflowing with wet foam, it sounds like it might be reacting with something in the water - usually an additive, supplement or water conditioner. Let me know if you're using any of these.
As far as the skimmer's inconsistency, I think that there might be several factors involved. The pump you're using is a bit strong for that skimmer, and may need a valve to allow you to throttle back the flow. However, the water level within the skimmer sounds a bit low as well (we now recommend running the water level in the foam tower flush with the top of the black box - I've attached a copy of the updated manual). From your description, I think that water is siphoning from the skimmer, causing a lower level than what is expected with that pump. I think that there are a few different variables affecting the skimmer that are counteracting each other, which is why the skimmer is running so inconsistently.
The first thing I would do is to put a valve on the flow side - assuming that the pump hasn't lost any pressure over 5 years of use, it will deliver too much flow for optimum performance, and needs to be turned down a bit. On the skimmer output, I would either use a tee fitting (see attached diagram) or drill a 1/4 - 1/2" hole in the top of the elbow as a siphon break. Open the skimmer's gate valve completely, then use the valve on the intake side to set the water level in the foam tower. Our previous recommendation was to run the water level even with the internal platform, but we now recommend starting about an inch higher than that, or even with the top of the box. This is 1-1/2" to 1-1/4" higher than the water level you described. From this point, you can raise or lower the water level a bit, depending on the type of foam you want to produce (wet vs. dry).
For max performance, the air valve should be wide open. Also, make sure that the hose on your drain fitting isn't submerged - this will cause backpressure, preventing foam from rising. Try that out, and let me know if it helps!
Also from Steve at AquaC (quick response)...more advice, I'll let know if they work out.:
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the message, I can help you out. Because the skimmer is overflowing with wet foam, it sounds like it might be reacting with something in the water - usually an additive, supplement or water conditioner. Let me know if you're using any of these.
As far as the skimmer's inconsistency, I think that there might be several factors involved. The pump you're using is a bit strong for that skimmer, and may need a valve to allow you to throttle back the flow. However, the water level within the skimmer sounds a bit low as well (we now recommend running the water level in the foam tower flush with the top of the black box - I've attached a copy of the updated manual). From your description, I think that water is siphoning from the skimmer, causing a lower level than what is expected with that pump. I think that there are a few different variables affecting the skimmer that are counteracting each other, which is why the skimmer is running so inconsistently.
The first thing I would do is to put a valve on the flow side - assuming that the pump hasn't lost any pressure over 5 years of use, it will deliver too much flow for optimum performance, and needs to be turned down a bit. On the skimmer output, I would either use a tee fitting (see attached diagram) or drill a 1/4 - 1/2" hole in the top of the elbow as a siphon break. Open the skimmer's gate valve completely, then use the valve on the intake side to set the water level in the foam tower. Our previous recommendation was to run the water level even with the internal platform, but we now recommend starting about an inch higher than that, or even with the top of the box. This is 1-1/2" to 1-1/4" higher than the water level you described. From this point, you can raise or lower the water level a bit, depending on the type of foam you want to produce (wet vs. dry).
For max performance, the air valve should be wide open. Also, make sure that the hose on your drain fitting isn't submerged - this will cause backpressure, preventing foam from rising. Try that out, and let me know if it helps!
CaptainCoral
New member
Jaffo_botz....
I personally wouldn't gate the input. With a good strong pump, like you have, you can get lots of air with the air intake ball valve choked slightly. (just before the whistle sound)
It sounds to me like your water level is set too low. (marble sized bubbles at the top of riser at that setting, and ping pong ball sized burping bubbles) I run my height at the max level. (just out of sight in the riser) This will skim very wet like you described if the air is all the way open. Dialing the air back some will get those bubbles small all the way to the top of the riser and give a nice thick skimmate. There also are no burping bubbles when set like this.
Hope this helps.
djtodd....
Glad to hear the good news! Now you can update that signature line.
I personally wouldn't gate the input. With a good strong pump, like you have, you can get lots of air with the air intake ball valve choked slightly. (just before the whistle sound)
It sounds to me like your water level is set too low. (marble sized bubbles at the top of riser at that setting, and ping pong ball sized burping bubbles) I run my height at the max level. (just out of sight in the riser) This will skim very wet like you described if the air is all the way open. Dialing the air back some will get those bubbles small all the way to the top of the riser and give a nice thick skimmate. There also are no burping bubbles when set like this.
Hope this helps.
djtodd....
Glad to hear the good news! Now you can update that signature line.
gcarroll
Active member
I'm not sure that Aqua C will recommend what I am about to tell you but this is what I did to my EV 400. I would put it up against almost any other skimmer on the market today.
One thing I noticed is that the EV 400 is recommended for use with several pumps. All of those pumps have a 1" output. Seems strange since the EV 400 has a 3/4" injector. For $10 I had Aqua C make me a 1" injector for my EV 400. OMG! This thing is now a beast. I now have to close my air valve approx 1/3 of the way just to skim wet. I close is 1/2 way to skim dry. I have over 30 fish in my 225 and feed heavily with no problems. I couldn't wait to see what a 1" injector could do with the air valve open all the way but my wish will finally come true since my new Aqua C EV 1000 will be delivered at the end of the week.
One thing I noticed is that the EV 400 is recommended for use with several pumps. All of those pumps have a 1" output. Seems strange since the EV 400 has a 3/4" injector. For $10 I had Aqua C make me a 1" injector for my EV 400. OMG! This thing is now a beast. I now have to close my air valve approx 1/3 of the way just to skim wet. I close is 1/2 way to skim dry. I have over 30 fish in my 225 and feed heavily with no problems. I couldn't wait to see what a 1" injector could do with the air valve open all the way but my wish will finally come true since my new Aqua C EV 1000 will be delivered at the end of the week.
CaptainCoral
New member
gcarroll....I'm jealous already! You can count me in on the "can't wait to see" thing. You know, to help share your anxiety burdens. 
But I'll need some pics, of course, when you're able.
But I'll need some pics, of course, when you're able.
CaptainCoral
New member
Wow! Though, I shouldn't be suprized. IMO, needlewheel skimmers comprimise neck length for body height, leaving nowhere near enough space for foam to expand. This is where ev's excell. Contact time is achived in the mixing box and foam expands in the riser.
It's a flawless design!
gcarroll
Active member
The pics will blow you away. The skimmer is completly custom. This time around I decided to try something that the other injection skimmers don't have. Just wait! OK here is a hint. Can you say tapered neck, in the cup! Also the tube is removeable for easy cleaning. Hopefully it works out and these will added to the future production line.
CaptainCoral
New member
OMG, I'm chomping at the bit!
You're going to need that tapered cup to handle all of that skimmate flow! I hope you had them double up the cups lid. :rolleye1: I'm going to dream of all things foul and stinky tonite.
CaptainCoral
New member
That sure does make that pepsi look small :eek1:
I see what you mean by the taper now. Probably needed for such a fat riser tube. (what size riser is that anyway?)
I see what you mean by the taper now. Probably needed for such a fat riser tube. (what size riser is that anyway?)
Amphiprion
Premium Member
Did you get Aqua C to customize that for you? I hope it works out and you continue to correspond with Aqua C so they can help make the skimmers even better.
drewdegenhardt
Premium Member
If I wanted to upgrade the pump on my remora what is the max GPH you would recommend?
Some thoughts on my 240. It has been working fine for 3 years now and after reading some threads on needle wheel skimmers and deltec claims I started to wonder if my 240 was not up to snuff!.
My first problem was intake restrictions, intake filter needed to be cleaned every week.
Next the injector needed to be cleaned once in a while...
I put the over flow box drains directly into a chamber that fed the up graded pump RLT JAP 40 PUMP.
Best improvement: I inserted a air feed line into the intake of the pump from the sump ( between ). I inject ozone in this fitting, I ajust the flow to just that the pump stops rattleing.
The second improvement is a needle wheel pump installed to the exit side of the box and recirculated back into the bubble chamber..
The differences in the ozone injector on skiimmate was much watery and is now rusty red instead of dark pond scum green. There is no turbulance in the chamber, just tiny bubbles.
The water level is at the injector second plate. Air is turned down to half throttle.
ORP was nevr over 330 with ozone and old setup. now will climb over 500 if I dont shut off the ozone.
Intank observations, sps have been opening during lights on now and sand seems to stay cleaner, I dont think my clams like it though, I need to feed more often now. Also all signs of hair algae are gone in over flow box. There is much better coraline growing on rocks.
Ill be able to compare soon these results against a H & S skimmer with 2 ehim pumps soon. Will try to keep yall posted on comparison and try to bring my camera home for some pics..
My first problem was intake restrictions, intake filter needed to be cleaned every week.
Next the injector needed to be cleaned once in a while...
I put the over flow box drains directly into a chamber that fed the up graded pump RLT JAP 40 PUMP.
Best improvement: I inserted a air feed line into the intake of the pump from the sump ( between ). I inject ozone in this fitting, I ajust the flow to just that the pump stops rattleing.
The second improvement is a needle wheel pump installed to the exit side of the box and recirculated back into the bubble chamber..
The differences in the ozone injector on skiimmate was much watery and is now rusty red instead of dark pond scum green. There is no turbulance in the chamber, just tiny bubbles.
The water level is at the injector second plate. Air is turned down to half throttle.
ORP was nevr over 330 with ozone and old setup. now will climb over 500 if I dont shut off the ozone.
Intank observations, sps have been opening during lights on now and sand seems to stay cleaner, I dont think my clams like it though, I need to feed more often now. Also all signs of hair algae are gone in over flow box. There is much better coraline growing on rocks.
Ill be able to compare soon these results against a H & S skimmer with 2 ehim pumps soon. Will try to keep yall posted on comparison and try to bring my camera home for some pics..
XeniaMania
Active member
Love my uni (Urchin in japanese)
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