Need help setting up ETSS skimmer

[Peyote]

Hi, I've got an unmarked ETSS skimmer, I believe it might be equivalent to a 600 model. I'm trying to get it dialed in and don't think I have enough knowledge to go about this on my own.

Right now in my sump I'm using freshwater, since I'm a while away from filling it anyway. The skimmer is outside the sump and elevated so that the outlet is above the water line. Then I've got 1.5" PVC leading to the sump. There's about 14" from the submerged pump to the top of the downdraft tube.

I know the pump I'm using isn't great, but I'm hoping it will work...it's a Rio 2500. The outlet valve is all the way open. When I turn the pump on, I get bubbles, but the water rises up to the top of where the riser tube meets the collection cup. No matter what I do, I can't get the water any lower than that. I'm afraid it will be much too high when I actually intend on using it.

Any advice?

thanks!

 

[scooter86]

Foam fractionation will not occur in fresh water.

 

[scooter86]

Do You have bio balls in the tower?

 

[Peyote]

Yes, I have around 16 bioballs in there...usually around 4 come up into the riser when it's on. The freshwater is just to test it and make sure it's not going to overflow or anything

 

[Zen685]

Like scooter86 said, you won't be able to test the skimmer unless you're running it in saltwater. It won't make the bubble volume you need.

 

[Peyote]

I'm not looking for bubbles right now. I'm trying to see if the pump is enough or there's too much back pressure, etc. I'm really concerned about the water level

In other words, I'm worried that with the water level where it is, once I do start making foam, it will be too "wet" and too much foam will be collected

 

[scooter86]

The bio balls should never come up into the riser. I have been running an ETSS skimmer for 6 years and have never had bio balls get into the riser. Is this skimmer used?

 

[Peyote]

Well I'm not sure what to make of that happening. It is used. When I got it I sprayed it down and dumped some water out, and most of the bio balls fell out. I assumed they would eventually find a place and settle. Could it be related to the water level being high?

 

[bif24701]

Well I'm not sure what to make of that happening. It is used. When I got it I sprayed it down and dumped some water out, and most of the bio balls fell out. I assumed they would eventually find a place and settle. Could it be related to the water level being high?

The bio balls go in the downdraft tower. Insert them from the top, there should be a bar that perverts the bio balls going into the riser.

 

[Peyote]

That made a huge difference with the water level... Thanks!

 

[bif24701]

That made a huge difference with the water level... Thanks!

Wow, cool. That's the first confirmed comment I made that made a difference. THANKS!

Keep the skimmer neck clean and it will perform well. Clean it every week, with water only and a paper towel. Work for me.