BM NAC6....have some questions

[anderson0196]

I just picked up a used NAC6....need to get it cleaned up but have a couple quick questions for those experienced with these skimmers.

1) From what I've seen online the unit comes with protective "feet" to go on the screws that mount the bottom plate....mine does not have these. Would it be ok to dab some silicone on them or will I be taking that apart relatively often? Other suggestions besides silicone?

2) The sump area this will be in has an 8" baffle....I see that the recommended depth for it to run in is slightly higher. Will I be ok at this depth? If not I'll just have to monitor top off more frequently but have heard much of any fluctuation in depth can be problematic once the skimmer is tuned.

I would welcome any other tips, tricks or advice as I get it up and running such as parts that should be inspected/replaced while I have it dry.

 

[SkullV]

The feet are 100% necessary as it gives the necessary clearance for the cord underneath the skimmer. I would recommend trying to get some very thick rubber washers at the hardware store.

8" should be fine, but you will have to keep the gate valve at a relatively low number <2 to keep the foam head up.

Finally I would recommend replacing whatever impeller you have in there with the needlewheel impeller from SoCal Tropical Fish Outlet. It will keep things quiet as the mesh heads fall out of balance quite easily.

 

[anderson0196]

Thanks Skull.

I will take it apart to confirm, but I recv'd the new all white model and it should have the needle wheel already....stay tuned.

To clarify, you'd run it dialed down in 8" vs trying to maintain a higher water line? In other words, the constant 8" is preferred over a 9" to 10" fluctuating line?

Once I get an ATO setup I can just run the sump higher consistently....

 

[mojo~]

the 8 inches is fine. But yes you need the feet. You can go to lowes and get nylon nuts or use orings or something like that.

Mojo~

 

[SkullV]

Thanks Skull.

I will take it apart to confirm, but I recv'd the new all white model and it should have the needle wheel already....stay tuned.

To clarify, you'd run it dialed down in 8" vs trying to maintain a higher water line? In other words, the constant 8" is preferred over a 9" to 10" fluctuating line?

Once I get an ATO setup I can just run the sump higher consistently....

Yes, a constant 8 is fine. Constant is ALWAYS better when it comes to skimmers.

 

[meshwheel]

So what is optimum water level for this skimmer? 9 inches?

 

[SkullV]

So what is optimum water level for this skimmer? 9 inches?

9.5"-11", I run mine in 10" and it works like a champ. I also have the Avast Marine Swabbie to clean the neck for me every 4 hours so I rarely touch the thing.

 

[meshwheel]

Thanks! I am building my own sump, so my first wall where the skimmer will sit behing will be 10 inches! Thank you!

 

[SkullV]

Thanks! I am building my own sump, so my first wall where the skimmer will sit behing will be 10 inches! Thank you!

Thats exactly how I have mine. Good luck!