Questions with my ETSS Evolution Skimmer

[theedudenator]

Why do I search now?
Is this a common problem?

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8063324#post8063324 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by theedudenator
When I get the Mag 9 I will post some photos.

Where in the instructions you saw that it require a Mag 9?
For tanks smaller than 90 it require a Mag 12, and for larger tanks require either a Sen 900 or an Iwaki 20 RLT, note that the Sen 900 and Iwaki are pressure rated pumps, Mag is not so you can not compare the sen 900 to the mag 9.

http://superskimmer.com/EvoInst Allweb.pdf

The water level in the sump shall be enough to cover the pump without allowing air being sucked in, The initial water level inside the skimmer column shall be somewhere between 1 and 4 inches below the middle flange. The exact level has to be adjusted after foam is being formed according to the foam characteristics.

 

[theedudenator]

It says mag 9.5 on their website for the ETSS 500 skimmer

 

[theedudenator]

I am not showing anything about the water level in the sump.
I am around 9 inches in my sump

Wouldn't a bigger pump make my problem worse?

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8160792#post8160792 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by theedudenator

Wouldn't a bigger pump make my problem worse?

The skimmer will work at increased performance and process more water but it seems to be working.
The overflowing despite you have the valve fully open is due to the backpressure of teh sump water column on the outlet of the skimmer. Rise the skimmer (not the skimmer pump) from the bottom of the sump 9Set it on top of some PVC couplings and eggcrate or something similar) this will reduce the backpressure on the output valve. Ideally you want to have the output valve of the skimmer above the sump water level, this will also prevent setting changes as the water level in the sump changes.

 

[theedudenator]

I am seeing that now
I have the skimmer as high as I can go.
Now, I dropped the water level in my sump by routing the incoming water away from the skimmer section
The skimmer has now stopped overflowing.

But now I am not sure how to handle my sump
It seems that I now have to change everything.

Do you think this Mag 9.5 will be ok for my 125gal tank??

Or should I just dump the skimmer and buy something that will work better for my situation

 

[theedudenator]

The skimmer water level is the same as the bottom output
It still has a bit overflow from the excess wet foam.

The entire bottom chamber is all microfoam.

Is there something else going on with my tank?

 

[jdieck]

You have it already, it does not cost more to give it a try for a couple of months.

 

[theedudenator]

But now I have my tank overflow lines routed to my tank return pump
I am bypassing the skimmer and refuge areas.
Less then ideal.

I guess I can build the sump different, but I am not sure how now...

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8161224#post8161224 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by theedudenator
The skimmer water level is the same as the bottom output
It still has a bit overflow from the excess wet foam.
Do you have the ouput valve fully open? If so try closing a little bit the valve in the discharge of the skimmer pump (Do you have one) at least until the excess foaming subside.
Do you use RO/DI water or tap with dechlorinator instead? Dechlorinators with slime protection or slime coat can create havoc with excess foaming of the skimmer just adjust the pump flow ntil the skimmer has skimmed out whatever excess stuf you have in there.

The entire bottom chamber is all microfoam.
This is perfect

Is there something else going on with my tank?
Just what I mentioned regarding some accumulated organics in the water that may cause excessive foaming.

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8161239#post8161239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by theedudenator
But now I have my tank overflow lines routed to my tank return pump
I am bypassing the skimmer and refuge areas.
Less then ideal.

I guess I can build the sump different, but I am not sure how now...

Try splitting the drain, some to the skimmer chamber and some to the return chamber. If it does not work you may need to put the drain back into the skimmer chamber and lower the level of the bulkheads to lower the water level on the skimmer chamber.

 

[theedudenator]

RODI water
no chemicals
Just salt

 

[jdieck]

OK, still you may need to restrict the pump ouput for a while or if there is room try adding two or three more bioballs to the mixing column.

 

[theedudenator]

Seems that something like this might work better for my sump and stand situation
Aqua C

From the specs, if I raise the skimmer as high as I can. The output valve will be up 12" The same as my baffle height in my sump.

This looks like it needs a Mag 7 pump to run also (which is cheaper for me)

 

[jdieck]

Once adjusted the ETSS is an excellent skimmer unless you really want to spend your money.

 

[theedudenator]

The only way I can adjust it is to build a new sump.
Then I am restricted on my sump water depth...

I don't see any other way to keep the water level down to 3 inches or so

 

[BlackHawk77]

I have a gate valve in input and output, makes for easy adjustments

 

[mta]

Skimmer should be raised above sump water level.Same issue with Aqua C.

 

[mta]

Instructions state that water should not be above output gate valve.You are restricting output flow.Stand the skimmer on something or lower water level in the sump.

 

[theedudenator]

I see that now...
The aquac has a valve up higher and the skimmer is shorter, so I can raise it in my sump.