CSS65 Mesh Mod!

[sandalscout]

Yeah, I think that's the biggest benefit on my skimmers also. I also suspect that the overflowing issue may be partially related to that. I overflowed one time with it in place, and since removing that valve, have not had any problems. I also have noticed almost no difference in quality of skimming between my modded (fishline) and non-modded pumps.

Glad it's working good for you too! I'm fine sticking with my crappy little skimmers that no one else likes, thus I only paid $40 for them. hahahaha. Although, I got to say, I went overboard on the skimmer for the $90 (Octopus DNW-150) and that bad boy is skimming pure clear water currently, because the tank is so clean (granted, almost no bioload yet, but still).

 

[NeveSSL]

Nice, man. I'm really Jonesing for an Octopus skimmer, but my Coralife is doing fine for now so I just need to leave it alone.

Next tank I'll do an Ocotopus, though. Or maybe MRC... depending on how everything goes.

Brandon

 

[NeveSSL]

Well, guys, just FWIW, I've given up on the Mesh Mod. It worked great, without a doubt, BUT there are two drawbacks:

1. It tears apart after not too long.

2. It dirties up the skimmer so quickly you have to clean it once every 4 days to truly benefit from it.

I have actually ordered a standard impeller to go back to stock. I'm thinking about selling it and going with an Octopus (especially with the new design), but we'll see. The thing that's holding me back is that I'm not sure if it will fit in my sump!

Brandon

 

[ai-reefer]

look at that foam

 

[luckyfish]

Interesting thread Brandon. You actually talked me into and out of doing a mod my CS skimmer.

Where are you ordering your impeller from? My shaft cracked and now the pump is hard to get started once it stops.

 

[NeveSSL]

I just had the Critter order me one since that was where I originally purchased it.

Brandon

 

[MajorKook]

What kind of pump works best for this mod? I have a Sedra 3500 on my EuroReef skimmer and instead of replacing the impeller again, I was wondering if should get a different pump that might perform better.

I'm assuming I could mod the Sedra needle wheel impeller the same way.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idproduct=AG1651&child=AG1663

Can you do this mod on an Eheim pump?

 

[NeveSSL]

I'm not sure.

Some of the more popular skimmer pumps include the Tunze Hydrofoamers, QuietOnes, Sicce's, Air Stars, and others.

You would need to mach up a pump with your skimmer body, and that's beyond my personal knowledge.

Brandon