Reeflo/Sequence Skimmer Club

[ikatobiko]

I am using a KI (Key Instruments) Air Flow Meter (5 to 150 scfh) to measure the air-pull on my Orca 250 Pro. I can't get more than 35 scfh which is around 1000 lph, around 50% of what this skimmer is claimed to achieve (70 scfh ~ 2000 lph). Any ideas on how I can get greater air-pull?

 

[nickts40]

So after 7 weeks of running the skimmer and operating great, it is now gurgling and the head rises then collpases. Tell me it's not a blocked venturi and I really do have to take this beast apart(drain) once a month to clean it out.

 

[JRaquatics]

Two thing can cause what you are experiencing Nick. One being the venturi is clogged the other being that you are feeding too much water into the skimmer.

 

[nickts40]

Thanks JR. I turned off the air and the water level was higher than what I had originally set it at in the skimmer neck. I turned down the water flow and it looks like it did the trick. I''ll see what kind of head I have on the skimmer in a couple of hours when it settles back in.

 

[JRaquatics]

Here are some update shots of the Reeflo 200 upgrade package (cup + NW)

Nice Dry head of foam

Here is the best shot I could get as I can't keep the meter on longer than a few seconds without the cup overflowing. I have the wedge valve fully open and the air non restricted. This is the loudest I have ever heard a venturi sound. The dwyer meter really restricts the air flow because the watts jump from 118w all the way up to 146w. The dwyer pins at 80scfh and then bounces between the 80 and 70scfh. I am guessing by the air restriction from the watt increase that I am pulling over 85scfh. This is more than double the stock air pull.:smokin:

 

[JRaquatics]

I was bored so I took the pump off again...I am really getting good at this. I took the volute off and spun the NW on the killawatt. It ran at 58-60 watts and spun really smooth. I ran the stock NW and it ran 80-82 watts. I decided to try messing with the venturi one more time. New numbers: 103 watts (should get lower once the oils wear off) and 90+ scfh.:eek1: The one thing I notice is the air pull sound went way down, almost silent. This leads me to believe I need to find the happy medium between air velocity and it's pull. This skimmer is really starting to show its colors as these air#s keep rising and the watts decreasing. I am starting to wonder what the body and neck can truly handle with the Reeflo 200.

 

[wizsmaster]

This thing is sick!

It's filled the cup to the neck rim within about 36 hours. Dark, nasty black stuff. And it does not stop. I'll HAVE TO hookup the drain kit to it ...

 

[wizsmaster]

Ben & Eric, how are your guys 250's working with the new NW ?

Who else has received a RS NW ?

 

[Doahh]

Is a 200 on a 130 gallon total system too much skimmer?

 

[RokleM]

It has been running great wizsmaster. My skimmate production has increased quite a bit. I just got yelled at a few minutes ago. The wife can always tell when I clean the cup in the basement

 

[spongebobby]

Just checked the air on my 200 and it's pulling 76-78scfh@113watts. I am currently running the NW prior to the final version, only difference is the final is balanced and symetrical. Mine has been running for about the last month and has produced the darkest skimmate I've ever gotten from any skimmer period. I will be changing to the final version but keep falling back to the "If it ain't broke" philosophy.

It's good to see these skimmers finally performing the way they should.

 

[calciumbuf]

I'm awaiting mine, I have the pro setup and did a couple of mods to handle the new NW after talking to Mike @ Reef Speciaty, I can't wait to see the differance . What should I see for watts with the new NW ?

 

[wizsmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12994379#post12994379 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by calciumbuf
I'm awaiting mine, I have the pro setup and did a couple of mods to handle the new NW after talking to Mike @ Reef Speciaty, I can't wait to see the differance . What should I see for watts with the new NW ?

if everything is running well, high 130's - low 140's watt.

I set mine up a little, and it now pulls 140w - 142w ...

 

[spongebobby]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12994225#post12994225 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Doahh
Is a 200 on a 130 gallon total system too much skimmer?

The 200 will handle that size tank no problem. You could overstock and feed heavily and it would still keep up. I would recommend the Reef Specialty pro kit for the skimmer also. The skimmer performs well stock but with the pro mods it's a real performer.

Also if you upgrade to a larger size tank you will be covered in the skimmer department. I have mine on a 210 and I've done 1 water change since the tanks been set-up (about 2 months) and trates are undetectable. I also don't use macro algea or DSB. Just the skimmer/gfo/carbon and lots of flow.

HTH...
Let me know if you have any other ??? about the 200.

 

[spongebobby]

Just did another mod on my 200....Proceed at your own risk


My watts were at 113 and the air draw bouncing between 76-78.

What I did was I cut the first two nipples of the venturi valve and drilled the hole through the valve with a LETTER "H" drill bit.

You can do this with the skimmer running. Just unscrew the valve and make sure the power does not go out while your drilling out the valve Then just thread it back in push the hose on and there you go.

Now the air is steady at 77scfh and the watts are at 106 just from doing this mod. No bouncing and less watts.

 

[wizsmaster]

just drained the cup ... it had a foamy slick on the surface of the skimmate ... really thick. Stunk pretty bad too. all that in less than 36 hours. I had to put the external waste collector back on it.

 

[Doahh]

The footprint of this skimmer is 16x16 at the widest point?
And the bottom of the overflow is 18" off the floor?

 

[wizsmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12995407#post12995407 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Doahh
The footprint of this skimmer is?

and you're incapable of finding that yourself why?


Try asking a question properly, and someone will answer properly.

 

[Doahh]

Sorry I'm going between threads and thought my reply was done. I was looking in another thread for the footprint.

 

[wizsmaster]

16x20