Questions with my ETSS Evolution Skimmer

I plumbed the skimmer as the manual says today.
I can't read the image in the manual, I am not sure how high the water level is supposed to be.

It says to use a 900-950gph pump
I have a 780gph...

I also need a pump for my return, so I ordered a Mag Drive 950gph pump.

If I can use the 780 for my return, then I can place the 950 on the skimmer.
Otherwise I will need to use the 950 on my return.
I have a simple 600gph overflow, but I am not sure about the loss in the return system with the plumbing
 
If you are going with a scwd, I would recommend reaming out the inlet and outlets for more flow and also performing the "clean out adaptor" mod. Try doing a search in the DIY. It's a great mod for servicing the unit down the road.
 
I will look into that.

I don't think the search function works on this forum.
I have been trying everyday!!

Is there a different way to search?
 
I got my blue balls in the mail
I loaded up 20 like the instructions said
I have my current 780gph pump routed to the top of it.
My water level is a bit high in my sump 1/2"
I need to make a spacer for it.

The balls are not moving. They are all jammed up.
Is this normal?

When can I expect to see something in it?
145gal or RO DI water
Salt to make it 1.026
90 lbs of live sand
 
I have a 780gph pump now.
The instructions say to use a Mag 9.5
I bought one of these, but I don't have it yet.

I am still not sure about the water level.
The water level in my sump is high, I think I need to raise this skimmer
 
GPH does not mean that much. GPH + pressure rating (+ plumbing size + head height) is the total picture. so want a pressure type pump. mag 9 or 12 should be fine.

pictures make it easier.
 
I ran the skimmer over the long weekend.
I can see that it is working now with the 780gph pump.
I don't have the drain line hooked up, so it was just running back into the sump.

I assume when I get my mag 9.5 it should work better.

I still am not sure what the water level should be at??
I have it a bit less then an inch down from the black separator
 
The pdf on their website shows the water level should be around an inch under the top piece. It's hard to read but I think you are ok.
 
I installed a mag 9.5 on the skimmer today
Now the water is just filling the top cup up
Lots of wet foam
I have the bottom valve wide open
I am now dropping the water level in my sump.
But I am now close to the bottom valve, same thing.
I cannot run my sump this low!!
 
I have a little experience with this skimmer and I don't think the water level has much to do with performance of the skimmer. How well the skimmer produces skimmate depends on bioload of the tank and the type of pump you have on it. The Mag 9.5 will work well for the Evolution. What size sump do you have this sitting in? If it is in a compartment of the sump, how much water is in that compartment? If you have the bottom valve wide open you are allowing more water into the skimmer and you will get wetter skimmate. It is not unusual for the skimmer to not produce foam especially during a break-in period. I would close the valve about halfway or so and leave it for about 24 hours and see if you start getting a little skimmate. Allow about 24 hours between adjustments to see if the adjsutment helped any. If not then crack the valve open another quarter turn or so. These skimmers are very sensitive but once you get them set, they perform very well.
 
It is a 30 gal tank for a sump
The water level is 12"
But I have the skimmer on a spacer 3" tall
So I am really only 9" of water height
It is directly into the sump

The bottom valve lets water out?
The top input is from the Mag 9.5

If I close the valve 1/2 way the skimmer will overflow from the top
 
I have the top vent blocked
and the side barbed opening spilling into the sump
I plan on using that barb for remote collection, when I get it to work

I will have a picture soon
 
As you can see in the photo...

There is a waterfall of foam flowing over
I have the valve wide open

If I close the valve, more foam and the cup fills quicker

I do have some stirred up sand in my tank, if that matters

skimmer.jpg
 
Ok, you can use the search function. However, I have never really used the "Search" button, because it wont work. But this has worked well for me before.

Step 1) Go to the home page of Reef Central
Step 2) Find the "Main Menu" menu on the left.
Step 3) Find "Search Tools" on the Main Menu
 
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