Reeflo/Sequence Skimmer Club

[bernie lyons]

reeflo

reeflo

Thanks wizsmaster for your input . Wondering why bubble king external skimmers do not use the counter current method ?. I personally believe in mixing the water feed with the air mixture in the main reaction chamber .
bernie lyons

 

[chatme32]

wizsmaster,
I sent scott an email asking him to build a skimmer just like yours but I've not got a reply back yet. Does he take a long time to reply? or is it beter to call him?

 

[JenDub]

IMO counter current models cause more turbulence where the feed water enters the side of the skimmer. The nice thing with the reeflo is the unobstructed bubble motion.

I'm not convinced that a taller cup is better for performance since it puts more head pressure on the venturi. Needlewheel skimmers perform better with shorter, wider skimmer bodies (assuming you are not force-feeding the venturi with an air pump) while a beckett has the power to push a 48" tall column of water/air.

 

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11192681#post11192681 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JenDub
I'm not convinced that a taller cup is better for performance since it puts more head pressure on the venturi. Needlewheel skimmers perform better with shorter, wider skimmer bodies (assuming you are not force-feeding the venturi with an air pump) while a beckett has the power to push a 48" tall column of water/air.

Not entirely true. These reflo skimmers do work better with a taller neck. The reason being is the pump and the mixing chamber/body. The skimmer itself was designed to be taller but was reduced down in size to accomidate reefers that chose to use the skimmer under the stand. Look and Spas volcano. The added height reduces the turbulance even more " I am talking about bubbles crawling straight up to the cup". I am going to attemp to get video footage of the two in action this weekend.

If you saw the upgraded cup on the skimmer it looks like it belongs and the stock look dwarfed. Mike "acropora nut" is pushing 800-900 gph into this think and is not sacrificing the performance of the skimmer but gaining. Why do you think Spas and Whan create large tall bodies with their modified NW dart pumps? I have seen both cups/necks in action. The taller cup has gained extreme performance to an already monster skimmer. I will take my dwyer meter over to Mikes Saturday to show that air pull has not hindered due to the extra neck height.

 

[makdoogle]

I'm gonna have to agree w/JRaquatics. I'm no skimmer expert by any means, but I've seen him running both and I would say the new cup is with out a doubt an improvement.

 

[JenDub]

How big is the interior tubing on the larger cup?

Assuming it's the same diameter as the stock cup I don't see how putting an extra foot of height onto the skimmer would increase air intake. You may be able to push more water through the skimmer and the skimmer's volume is larger by a gallon or so but I'm not convinced it would be a dramatic different (for $250).

Would love to see a side by side comparison with two orca 250's (one with new cup/one with old) on the same tank...sounds like a good excuse for Paul to get another unit for his other overflow!

Here is a local DIY dart NW skimmer that used a similar neck:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1151478&highlight=loc+skimmer

I wasn't too hep on the taller neck although I have seen them put onto Euroreef skimmers, once again the extra height hinders the venturi...

 

[Rwinfrey]

Last time I spoke with Scott he said he going crazy working on the St.Judes tank so you may want to give him a call.

 

[bernie lyons]

skimmer

skimmer

I have compared the difference of either running the feed water into the skimmer in a swirl action above the bubble plate (air water mixture ) or just simply having the feed water shoot above and across the bubble plate (tumbling affect - similar to H&S external skimmers ) . I can tell you first hand that the feed water shooting across the air /water mixture -( bubble plate) did produced more turbulence than the swirl action but was significantly superior in skimming out more crud . So I have to wonder whether a bit of turbulence into the reaction chamber does help not only in contact time for the air to mix better with the water droplets but also in pushing the foam into the neck better ? Just my thoughts .
bernie lyons

 

[wizsmaster]

I ended up running down to a buddies fish store to help him move - didn't get home till after 1am ... no pics yet. hopefully tonight.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11191235#post11191235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rwinfrey
so you are the guy from Florida Scott was making that for I can't wait to see it in action did you get the float switch mounted in the cup can you show some pics of the NW if I am right it's custom also

Yes, that is I.
I got the auto shutoff - but it is not a float switch as I'd have guessed, it's a contact sensor - kind of like how the waterbug works.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11192279#post11192279 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chatme32
wizsmaster,
I sent scott an email asking him to build a skimmer just like yours but I've not got a reply back yet. Does he take a long time to reply? or is it beter to call him?

Sometimes it takes a little while for him to reply ... he's pretty busy. Right now he's out of town & working on the St. judes hospital project - His RC PM box is full, his phone is dead (fell in water) and i don't know if he does check his emails remotely ... Give him a few days, wait till next week, then try again. If you sent an email, give it a few days.
It wook me a little while to get in contact with him, but we made it work.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11193630#post11193630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rwinfrey
Last time I spoke with Scott he said he going crazy working on the St.Judes tank so you may want to give him a call.

His cell phone got wet & is dead for now ... as of last night.

 

[bubbletip2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11192891#post11192891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by makdoogle
I'm gonna have to agree w/JRaquatics. I'm no skimmer expert by any means, but I've seen him running both and I would say the new cup is with out a doubt an improvement.

I would have to agree as well. I had seen Mike's factory cup in operation several times when shooting pics for the TOTM. I don't ever recall him pulling mud out of the old cup.

Man Mike, I know you feed a lot but holy cow is that skimmer giving your tank an enema:eek1: Just curiuos, have you been giving your tangs laxatives?:lol:

 

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11193457#post11193457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JenDub
How big is the interior tubing on the larger cup?

Assuming it's the same diameter as the stock cup I don't see how putting an extra foot of height onto the skimmer would increase air intake. You may be able to push more water through the skimmer and the skimmer's volume is larger by a gallon or so but I'm not convinced it would be a dramatic different (for $250).

Would love to see a side by side comparison with two orca 250's (one with new cup/one with old) on the same tank...sounds like a good excuse for Paul to get another unit for his other overflow!

Here is a local DIY dart NW skimmer that used a similar neck:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1151478&highlight=loc+skimmer

I wasn't too hep on the taller neck although I have seen them put onto Euroreef skimmers, once again the extra height hinders the venturi...

The neck diameter size is the same as the stock, Just the necks length and cupsize changed.

The Upgraded cup allows for more water volume to enter the skimmer, which in turn adds more pressure in volume. This does add turbulance and would not get good results with the stock cup. The longer neck is used to calm the colmn of air as it reaches the cup. If you believe in dwell time then the longer neck also allows for this. Ultimately without going into a bunch of skimmer mumbo jumbo, It is proven on Mikes skimmer that it makes the skimmer a better performer.

Reasons off the top of my head why the Reef Specialty cup works better:
- More control over wet and dry skimmate pull
- More water volume can be added at a faster rate (X2 and maybe more)
- More dwell time
- The upward air movement in the neck is calmer
- The foam doesn't crown against the cups lid

Like I stated before these skimmers were designed to have taller necks but were created this way for the market "for under the cabinet location" You will see the 200 will have a longer neck in comparison to the 250.

 

[cweder]

I am thinking along the lines of Jendub. It would seem more air intake would be required to keep it running efficient. Otherwise your just raising the water level and getting a little more contact time, but adding back pressure to the pump making the venturi suck in less air.

I am getting mud out of mine every 3 days as is, but I am always looking for ways to get more. Maybe the key is the extra water being pumped through to keep the air draw thru the venturi consistant.

Overall, I think its a good idea that I was hoping would be available and plan on buying one.

I'd like more of Mikes feedback though. I'd like to know where he keeps his water level at know and if the air draw was affected any.

 

[pwhitby]

i would think that the neck is composed predominantly of bubbles, thus adding little in back pressure.

I would be interested in trying a new neck. Where did you get it from?

Paul.

 

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11195357#post11195357 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cweder
I am thinking along the lines of Jendub. It would seem more air intake would be required to keep it running efficient. Otherwise your just raising the water level and getting a little more contact time, but adding back pressure to the pump making the venuri suck in less air.

I am getting mud out of mine every 3 days as is, but I am always looking for ways to get more. Maybe the key is the extra water being pumped through to keep the air draw thru the venturi consistant.

Dont quote me on this yet but it does not seem like the extra neck height has effected the venturi and its air pull. I can confirm this tomorrow whith my dwyer meter. Mike at Reef Specialty is not in the business of selling products that will not bennefit a fellow hobbiest just to make a profit. He wants others to be as successful as he has been.

 

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11195399#post11195399 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
i would think that the neck is composed predominantly of bubbles, thus adding little in back pressure.

I would be interested in trying a new neck. Where did you get it from?

Paul.

Reef Specialty.

Mike also stated that the air becomes more dense with the new cup and is one of the reasons for its superb performance

 

[wizsmaster]

i'm wondering .. with the taller neck, how has it influenced your cleaning ritual for the skimmer?
My guess would the you have more dry foam near the top, depositing on the sidewall, thus requiring more frequent cleaning of the neck? Also - did you guys raise the water level, or leave t as most run it right below the black collar on the neck? If you raise it ... remember to not shutoff the pump unless you have raised the silencer - otherwise water will come shooting out & drain your sump/tank slowly.

 

[Rwinfrey]

wizmaster not trying to bug you but WHERE ARE THE PICS

 

[pwhitby]

Well, hopefully after thanksgiving, I will be able to report back on my thoughts about the new cup.

Cant wait to get it installed and running.

Thanks Mike.

Paul.

 

[wizsmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11202835#post11202835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rwinfrey
wizmaster not trying to bug you but WHERE ARE THE PICS

but you are bugging me! (j/k)

i took some last night reallyquick ... and they came out really crappy.

auto shut-off

wetneck

drain in the body

 

[wizsmaster]

gate valve, air (large) & ozone intake (small)

drain in the cup w/ valve

sleepy morning picture ... i had just woken up. salt bucket for comparison