ETSS 5000 SKimmer

[jjk_reef00]

I'm getting this skimmer and need to know what kind of pump I should put on it. I was hoping someone out there with experience could let me know what they are using.

On ETSS home page they recommend:
1-2 HP High Pressure pool pump, capable of pumping 5000 gph @ 12psi

I was thinking Sequence 8400 but I guess reeflo doesn't make them anymore.

Anyone have any luck with a lower wattage pump on this skimmer?

 

[jd474]

I've used Haywards on them before. I don't have the specs, but I'd assume the reeflo is the lower wattage of the two. I've also built pumps with A.O. Smith motors from Pool/Spa places, and just put them on a strainer basket housing. Any spa shop should be able to sell you those motors (probably under the Centurion name) in 1/2 HP increments, or even an entire pump set-up? Sorry, probably not the exact answer you were looking for

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks jd474 it was good to at least get some feedback.
Do you know what HP you used? I was thinking about 1 1/2 hp because IMO these skimmers work better with the larger pumps.

How did you like the performance of the skimmer?

 

[Nanook]

I would get a Sequence Power 1000 Series:

http://www.mdminc.com/Power1000.aspx

 

[jjk_reef00]

That is exactly what I was looking at. The sequence 8400 or 8500. My supplier says reeflo stopped making it so I'm going to contact reeflo to see if they have a comparable pump.

 

[Nanook]

Reeflo doesn't have a comparable pump to the best of my knowledge. Just give Sequence pumps a call and they will point you in the right direction

 

[jjk_reef00]

I called reeflo and they changed the name from the 8400 to the commercial 1 1/2 hp pump. I've had nothing but good experiences with reeflo so I think I'm going with that.

 

[Nanook]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15628011#post15628011 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjk_reef00
I called reeflo and they changed the name from the 8400 to the commercial 1 1/2 hp pump. I've had nothing but good experiences with reeflo so I think I'm going with that.

Which pump did you end up getting? How do you like it?

 

[nsamouroux]

Cripes. What size tank / system are you putting that beast skimmer on? I'm looking at an ETSS 1400 and thought it was a large skimmer!

 

[jjk_reef00]

I'm waiting to receive my order on a 1.5 commercial pump from reeflo. I'm using my Iwaki 100 and it is pulling some junk but way underpowered...

I was running an ETSS 1500 on 400 gallons of total water.
I am doing sps and have 2 large tangs 1 large angel 1 large rabbit fish and a bunch of small fish. It worked well until one day I took my girlfriend to the LFS and she just had to have a California stingray.

Well ever since it has been hard maintaining good water quality because the ray eats a ton and produces a lot of waste.

Even with the iwaki 100 my orp has gone from 340 to 377 in 3 days. I do run ozone as well but before it would never get above 350 with the etss 1500.

Hopefully in a few years I can upgrade to a larger tank 500+ gallons and I saw the used 5000 here on rc and couldn't resist

 

[jjk_reef00]

Well I've been waiting 1 month for my pump. My LFS said they ordered it and reeflo didn't charge their credit card. I contacted reeflo and bought it direct from them. They are going to ship it immediately. I really hope I get it before this weekend.

I'm not very happy with my LFS right now... I'm trading them my ETSS 1500 for store credit and really wanted to use part of that credit to buy that pump.

My orp spike must have been from a water change because the Iwalki is just not cutting it with this large skimmer...

 

[jjk_reef00]

I ditched my LFS and went directly through Reeflo. I paid Monday and it arrived yesterday (Thursday). I really don't know what my LFS was doing! I got the 1.5 HP commercial pump and I must say I'm really impressed with this pump. Keep in mind the largest pump I've every owned was a 1/3 hp pump (blackfin, barracuda, iwaki 100).

It is surprisingly small for the amount of water it pumps, and I would say the noise of the pump is comparable to my Iwaki! It makes a different sound than the Iwaki. The noise is a lower frequency, and it is more of a hum sound (iwaki sounds like any external pump I've had before). The lower frequency travels a little more through the wall than my Iwaki did. I have my tank on a wall and the pump/sump/skimmer are all outside of the stand. The room behind the tank (master bedroom) is where you hear the noise, but in that room it sounds like a hotel air-conditioner so I'm very pleased. My biggest worry was the noise of the pump, and I'm relieved that is isn't really that noisy. Great work Reeflo!

Most of the noise I hear from my living room (where the tank is) comes from the pvc, and spaflex shaking because this thing pumps a tremendous amount of water. Additional noise could be from the downdraft tubes with the mixing water. The spaflex was actually touching the back wall. I went into the other room and it was very loud. Moved the spa flex a little and everything is great.

Any recommendations for reducing this noise? I think I'm going to have to live with it. IMO it really isn't loud but we'll see what the girl friend says when she visits next time...

I took a bunch of pics and I'll post them later this weekend. Thanks for all the help guys!