Skimmer mod/pump ?'s

[synofreak]

Had an old thread, couldn't find it.
CSS 220 running with a Sicce PSK 2500.
The Sicce I had was from a C&C 125 skimmer, with a smaller volute and 3/16 airline. NO BUBBLES.
Drilled the volute out as much as possible, still used 3/16 line, but the original 1/8 volute hole is much bigger. Only a pinch more bubbles.
I can restrict flow from the water intake of the Sicce(finger), and get great action. So I modded a intake screen with thin wall PVC and endcap(fits intake perfectly), but still too much water.
Pump is high in tank, about 4" from surface, and CSS valve is wide open(otherwise it overflows fast).

Got another Sicce coming FRI, with MSX volute.

Any ideas to get less water. I think the volute/airline increase will help. I could go drastic on a "strainer" and drill minimal holes, and add more if needed?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[MSX-Jeff]

Is there some sort of restrictor in the intake? The pump will not draw much if any air without the intake reducer.

 

[synofreak]

No, as the restricter for this pump is in the C&C skimmer body.

Where is the restricter on my MSX200 Sicce pump? Cant remember that having one on the intake?

Anyway, thanks. My pump is coming from a MSX300, so we will see what he sends with it(askoll upgrade).

If it doesn't have a reducer, what hole size do you suggest I get down to?

Or do you guys have a reducer to sell? Maybe the same size your using in the MSXHOT1?

I'm sure I can get the CSS220 rolling pretty good with the PSK 2500. Just wish I could fab a bubble plate for it =). But thats a whole new thread.

Thanks for the help, love your products.

 

[synofreak]

Got the Sicce. Has a reducer. gonna try it on the CSS220 before switching pumps with the other skimmer.

Volute appears to NOT be drilled all the way thru, but that might be a good thing.

Security feeling, having 3 pumps to run 2 skimmers =).Will be 3 skimmers running tomorrow, for testing =).

 

[synofreak]

Finally got it running.
Turbulance in the body, is way to severe IMO? I've got skimmate in the first 24hrs, but its almost lime green.
I turned it down a bit, thru the red valve after seeing the skimate. I cannot even see a water level, in the collection cup lid.

With the old (original) pump, I ran the water level about half way between the red lock ring and the taper breaking point.

I highly doubt I can make a bubble diffuser for this, as I would have to cut and reattatch body?

I think my options are as follows.

1- Put a ball valve between the pump and the intake, to slow the flow of the pump.

2- limit the pump intake even further then the stock reducer, with a strainer of some sort. Also an air valve to control the air.

Here are some pics.

Any suggestions appreciated =).
BTW, the pump and body are basically "green". Pump was run on a MSX300(1 week), then shipped to me. CSS220 was mine but vinegar bathed for a while.

I however feel that "break in" wont drop turbulance.