Euroreef gate valve mod?

attml

attml

New member
I know this has probably been asked a lot, I just can't find it in any threads because the search feature is disabled. Does anyone have some pictures and advice for doing a Euroreef gate vavle mod? I have a Euroreef CS6-1. I know I need the valve, a T, an elbow and some additional 1 1/2 inch pipe. Is there anything else I need? What else do I need to know (ie-don't go any higher to the bottom of the collection cup etc? I am going to the hardware store today. Any pictures or advice would be helpful and greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Mark
 
That sounds like about all. Just connect the gate valve to the output of the skimmer, then the tee, the 90 off of the tee and you can run a length of pipe off of the top of the tee. I will says that when I put the mod on my 6-2 it made my skimmer a whole lot noisier. I took it off for now, until I have some time to see if I can make it quieter.
 
I have a CS6-1 also. If you go to ER's site, you can see a pic of the configuration.

Its basically: output --> short pvc tube --> gate valve --> short pvc tube --> 90 degree elbow --> pvc tube --> Tee --> pvc tube extending up and downwards from the Tee.

You'll have to play around with how deep the Tee extends underneath the water to get it quiet.

Also, I made the mistake of trying to attach the gate valve to the stock riser tube. This made the 90 degree elbow too high causing water to overflow into the skimmate cup.

I need to swap out the riser tube with a shorter piece of pvc tubing.
 
When I researched it they recommended placing the TEE even with the transition piece between the skimmer body and the collection cup. This gives you the most adjustability. I am very happy with mine. I used all DIY parts and the hardest thing on the whole project was finding the gate valve. FYI- don't glue anything. A friction fit is more than adequate.

The Euro Reef thread has lots of good info mostly about the mod kit that ER sells.

Steve
 
I have been wanting to do this for some time now. Does a normal 1.5in PVC tube fit the return from the skimmer? Do you need to put anything on it to create a seal? Where did you guys get your gate valves, the local home depot does not carry them and I can't seem to find them anywhere else (except for brass and iron gate valves). The kit on Premium Aquatics seems far too expensive but maybe I am wrong?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6849767#post6849767 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hawaiianwargod
jent46bow,

try Lowe's or OSH.
Click to expand...

the local lowes does not carry them and I am not sure who OSH is. I found a site (usplastic) that sells them for like 18bux+s&H (of course they are out atm). Does that price seem high or right on?
 
you won't find the 1 1/2" pvc gate valve at Lowes or HD. Sometimes you can get them at ACE hardware. I would check some of you local plumbing supply places. They will probably have to order it for you.

And yes the 1 1/2" pvc is the same size as the riser tube. Don't glue it. Friction fit is fine.
 
What's the benefit of this mod? I have a cs6-1 and if it will help it skim even better...any links?
 
What's the benefit of this mod? I have a cs6-1 and if it will help it skim even better...any links?
Click to expand...

The mod allows you to slow down the output of the skimmer's overflow allowing for longer contact time and better skimming. It also allows you to better adjust how high the water in the skimmer will rise which allows you to control how wet you would like to skim. I perfer a wetter skim than I can get currently even with the riser tube at it's highest position so that is why I am modifying mine. I saw this mod a while back and it seemed to work good for a lot of folks.

Thanks for the replies guys!

Mark
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6850238#post6850238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jent46bow
the local lowes does not carry them and I am not sure who OSH is. I found a site (usplastic) that sells them for like 18bux+s&H (of course they are out atm). Does that price seem high or right on?
Click to expand...

That's where I ordered mine from... call around to see if any lfs or hardware stores carry them. You never know. One of my lfs just started carrying gate valves.
 
I can't find a pic of mine at the moment... here are pics of other members here on RC. Hope they don't mind. The second one is different, but I guess it works for him.

CS8-2-with-mod-kit.jpg


5152euro-mod.jpg


5138cs6-1_gate_valve.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6850238#post6850238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jent46bow
I am not sure who OSH is.
Click to expand...

OSH = Orchard Super Hardware
 
Thanks for the reply and pictures! This is what I came up with. I couldn't find a gate valve at Home Depot, another local hardware store, the local plumbing supply store or 3 pool supply places so I settled for a ball valve. Here is a shot of how it turned out.

Euroreef_GateValve_mod.jpg


So far the adjustment does allow me to raise and lower the water level the skimmer. It is too soon to tell and I am sure I am going to have to tweak how open I have the valve but it looks like it will work. Iw ill try to check back in a few days and update how it is going. Thanks again for everyone's imput, pictures and advice!

Mark
 
Hmmm..

So does this mod allow the water/foam level in the skimmer to be higher than with only the riser tube? I want to skim wet too and I always have my riser up all the way but it doesn't seem like enough.

Will the ball valve work as well as the gate?
 
I guess it doesn't really matter where the Tee or 90 elbow goes as long as the gate valve is in the right location.

6-line, this mod will allow you to skim "wetter". The ball valve should work, but a gate valve will give you a more precise tune.
 
Not to change the subject but do you guys know of any threads where people have upgraded the Sedra? I am going from a Sedra 5000 to a 9000 on my CS-8-2. Dan.
 
Hmmm...after having propulsion engineering training and such I was always taught that gate valves were for stopping and starting flow whereas globe and ball valves were for stopping, starting and throttling. I believe throttling doesn't fair too well with gates due to the fact the flow dead ends at the gate and has to work around it whereas a globe it flows around the stoppage (it is a smoother transition and it allows for this)...am i correct here?
 
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