H&S skimmer loud - add RD3 pump?

[andyman]

I've got an H&S skimmer (external model) plumbed into my system and it would be difficult to remove. Not to mention I really like my skimmer. Its a dual eheim 1260 model (A250 I think, 10" body).

Theres nothing wrong with the skimmer but its a bit loud. I've determined the noise are all coming from these 2 eheims. Has anyone thought about swapping out the eheim with 1 red dragon? Is it possible? I'd like to reduce the noise level. I looked at Bubbleking Deluxe 250 but I'm not sure a skimmer for $2.3k is worth it when I can just buy the pump for $700.


I looked at jabaeo an waveline but I can't seem to find any needle wheeled pumps for sale.

 

[viggen]

Have you given the pumps a bath? That is assuming they are old? Possibly they just need a good vinigar bath.... I believe Reef Dynamics suggests the pumps need cleaned every 3-4 months.

Does your H&S have a bubble plate? If not I would bet a single more powerful Red Dragon wouldn't work due to to much turbulance. I did this with my old Euro Reef. The old Dolphin DP800 pumps crapped out on my and I didn't want to spend $350-$400 a pump for a new ehim so I went the el cheapo route and used a single bubbleblaster 5000. It's WAY to much flow for the 12x30 in skimmer which results in nowhere close to the same performance as before despite the skimmer being run on a tank almost 2x the size of when it had the Dolphin pumps

 

[AcroporAddict]

I would run the pumps in a vinegar bath, followed by a disassembly and inspection of the needle wheels. I have the H&S A-300 external with the three 1260s. I imported mine directly from H&S a few months ago.

 

[andyman]

I've already inspected the pump. They are fine. There is no buildup of anything in the pump, the shaft, or the impeller. I also have 2 spare 1260 with impellers and they are the same. I think I'm just lowering my threshold for noise and I want it quieter. Basically I don't want to hear the skimmer at all. Is that possible? As for the RD3, couldn't I just dial back the pump to reduce turbulence? I could also make a bubble plate too.


andy

 

[moondoggy4]

Plumbing can be an issue, getting things to line up, the fittings should all be metric but getting them maybe difficult.

 

[andyman]

Not too concerned about plumbing. I can drill new holes. Drilling new holes should be a lot cheaper then buying a new BK skimmer.

 

[rishma]

Then possibly one of the most well balanced skimmers ever made. I would soundproof my cabinet and put padding under the skimmer to reduce vibration before I messed with it.

 

[andyman]

well i just leave it alone. Intalled the new 60W skimmer pump. RD3 mini-speedy 2500


Check it out! Still need to seal it up and test it out but physically it's installed.

 

[Klaus Jansen]

well i just leave it alone. Intalled the new 60W skimmer pump. RD3 mini-speedy 2500


Check it out! Still need to seal it up and test it out but physically it's installed.

Ooops... it´s going ? :spin2:

regards .. Klaus

 

[andyman]

Just a quick report. I've been running it for a while now and its fairly impressive. No bioload. Just running this in the kitchen sink. I gotta order a new silicon air hose and I should be set. The RD3 has a huge air intake compared to the one on the Ehiem.

 

[fessoclown]

Any update?
Interesting mod.

 

[andyman]

yup running just 1 rd3 at 46-48 watts depending on load. I don't hear the skimmer and I'm only using it with 1 pump on a A250 h&s. If i crank it up to 60watts it will overflow the collection cup. Its nice to be able to dial in the pump instead of the stand pipe. I've got the pipe currently at full open and I'm just adjusting the pump's rpm OR the water that feeds into the skimmer.

Skimmate is as good as running 2 eheims. I've got the 2nd ehiem hooked up but not running to act as backup.

 

[Kshack]

I have the same skimmer and have been going through washers evey 3-4 months. Also kind of noisey.
Was the conversion hard? What connectors were needed?
Any other information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken

 

[andyman]

I failed to document the conversion. But you basically have to re-use the existing fittings with a dremel and use a bunch of rubber couplers. You may need a lath to cut down some pvc to size.. But honestly i don't remember. It is really DIY project, which someone made a commercial version. The cost of the pump is about $700 imported from outside the US direct from royal exclusiv (the only way your gonna get a 60w version of the needle wheel pump). Overall kinda risky, expensive, etc. I think your better off buying a new skimmer during one of these blackfriday specials.

the only reason you'd go down this route is if you simply can't physically replace your skimmer like myself.