can I mod my skimmer to increase performance?

[waldomas]

I recently became interested in the ASM line of skimmers and have read in their forom of the modifications that you can do to increase their performance. The "gate valve" can be installed to make fine tuning a breeze, and the recirculation modification, to keep the water in contact with the bubbles ( or is it the other way around?) longer. Anyway, I have a Nautilus (sp.?) TE and was wondering if these mods could help my cause. The cost of PVC is minimal, but a recirc pump could be costly. I want to minimize cost but more importantly, I want it to be energy efficient and I want to minimize and heat added to the water. BTW this would be for my 180gal. 250 total. Any thoughts?

Waldo

 

[smcdonn]

I can't comment on the recirculation mod but I have done the gate valve on my euro reef and ITS AWSOME. Highly recomend it. I can't comment on the recirc mod though. cheers

 

[waldomas]

smcdonn,

Thanks fot the quick response. Oddly enough, once I dialed it in, its been good since. I almost hate to do the gate valve mod for fear of ruining a good thing. I am in the process of creating a direct feed but am reluctant to drill holes in the skimmer to do the recirc mod.

I have a lightly stocked tank (lg. foxface, 3 chromis, manderin, 6 line, skunk cleaner, various hermits/snails) and produce about a full collection cup's worth in about a week. It's pretty dark stuff.

 

[smcdonn]

I know what you mean. I thought about the recirc mod but mine is pulling plenty of junk how it is. Knowing me I would screw it up rather than do any good. One thing I do need to do is drill the cup so it can drain into a jug. I had mine overflow once and ever since, it seems like the stupid thing fills up in a day. Anyways I'm rambling. Cheers dude

Sean

 

[sherm71tank]

Sounds like you have it dialed in pretty good to me. If the tank looks good and you don't have any problems I'de leave it alone. Just be sure to keep an eye on your nitrates and phosphates. If they start rising then up the water change interval ( at least monthly ) and see how it goes. If they continue to rise then maybe think about a larger skimmer. I really don't think you are going to get much more out of modding a Kent skimmer. Good luck!