Skimmer replacement recommendations

[Ed Kazz]

I currently have an ETSS 600 skimmer on a 180gal with a 100gal refugium.It seems the foam being generated is way below normal. I have changed out the bio-balls..no change... The pump (Iwaki WMD-40RLT) which has been running for 17years I think needs to be replaced. I removed the pump output line ... flow seen very good? 17 years is a long time maybe use this pump for a spare? ..lol

... Should I replace it with the same model pump?
... Go with a larger (Iwaki 55)pressure pump (tank slightly overstocked..and make ext. tubes for downdraft section)?
... Are there better pumps that would work (DC pump)?
...Or just upgrade entire skimmer?

Thanks for any help
Ed

 

[slief]

You need to stick with a pressure pump if you want best performance out of that skimmer. A DC pump certainly won't cut it. Having a fair amount of experience with down draft skimmers, I'd bet your issue is the pump is tired and isn't producing the pressure it used to. Especially given it's age. I would just get a new Iwaki. You will NOT find a better pump in that class. The MD40 is the perfect size pump for that particular down draft.

As for replacing it, there are lots of great skimmers that would perform equally as well with much less power consumption. Back in the 90's I actually played with downdraft skimmer designs and me and my friends built and tested a number of them. While they worked very well, I'd never go back to one in large part due to the power consumption. Same with Beckett skimmers. They are great skimmers but they consume a heck of a lot of power and at the end of the day, don't really remove much if any more dissolved organics than a good quality internal skimmer. The upside to the downdraft is they don't require much maintenance and the Iwaki pumps are bullet proof. Beckett skimmer also need pressure pumps but the beckett valves need weekly cleanings to keep them performing properly. If you are looking to make the switch, I would suggest starting with your budget and going from there.

 

[jda]

Check out the impeller in the pump. It could be worn down a bit. If so, you can just replace it.

 

[Pond Boy]

!7 years I would say that's a testament for another...

 

[jda]

Has your tank changed in a way that would produce less foam? It is possible that there is nothing wrong with the pump.

 

[Ed Kazz]

Thanks for all the replies....
The tank has been the same forever.
I will replace the pump.
Just wish I could buy(find) the extension tubes for this skimmer...