Tuning an AquaC EV-180

[twoodall]

I have been operating this skimmer for a little over a month. I am not really sure if I have it adjusted properly. The skimmer is driven by a Mag7 as the manufacturer recommends. I am just having second thoughts about the results I am getting using this skimmer. Maybe I just don't have the bio-load I think I do. I have to empty the collection cup maybe once a week, then not because it is full. Another issue I have noticed is that the majority of skim bubbles seem to burst before entering the collection cup, so the result is a ring of skimmate below the collection cup. I have tried to adjust the water level by closing off the discharge valve, but to little results.

Can anyone give me some input on how they have their AquaC adjusted out? Or is this performing as it is supposed to?

Existing Stock:
1- Blonde Naso Tang
1- Sailfin Tang
2- Gold and Black Chromis
1- Royal Gramma
1- Lawnmower Blenny
1- Shrimp Goby
1- Star Polyp
2- Zoe Frags

 

[paraletho]

I really can't teii you but I'll be watching this thread. I'm thinking of buying one used. I did notice the seller suggested running it with a mag 9.5 instead of the recommended 7.

 

[twoodall]

I did read the suggestion given by aquac about "over driving" with a 9.5, but I was a bit skeptical of that. Looked more like a user modification thing so I didn't bother going that route. Maybe I should have?

 

[Sk8r]

Try this. See if both those connnectors---the one with the inflow hose and the one with the lever, are snugly screwed in. If they're tight, that should help. FOr some reason, maybe so you can mount the inflow hose in either direction, they're shipping that one loose. Tighten it. That should increase its skimming. It took me quite a while before I figured that one. You usually trust factory settings. Don't, in this case. Just don't crack the case.

 

[twoodall]

Sk8r, I checked those factory connections like you suggested. They were surprising loose, snugged them down, turned the power back on. I think I see a difference right out of the gate, but will watch it over the next 24 hours. Thanks Sk8r. Do you "over drive" your skimmer?

 

[Sk8r]

No. I tried it with a mag 9.5 (old pump: what it normally uses is mag 5) and nearly blew up my sump---lol! I lit on this tightening-connections thing and it now outputs blackish green skimmate, works like a charm. Hope it will work well for you now!

 

[Ron]

Sk8r,

Did you tighen the fittings before or after you changed out the pump? I've been running my EV-180 for a couple years now but have to say it doesn't pull out much skimmate. I do run the fittings a little loose. I'm also planning on putting an Eheim 1262 on it since I think my current pump isn't pushing it hard enough.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[cap1956]

I ran my EV-180 for about a year with low quality skimate, thinking it was just low bio-load on my 140 reef tank. I upgrade from a mag 7 to a mag 9.5 and changed out the injector nozzle to the larger size that comes on the EV-240 ($10). The difference was amazing. I still don't get the cup a day that some others claim, but what I get is dark, blackish green and stinks to high heaven. The larger collection cylinder must be wiped out every week to be efficient. This area collects a thick green solid that can be wiped out with a rag. It is amazing the nasty liquids and solids that are now coming from the same tank with the "low bio-load". This skimmer is also very finicky about keeping the injector nozzle clean. It has a crimped plastic design to increase the water velocity. Cheato, small rocks or shells can go through the pump and stick on the nozzle and the performance will really drop off. Check out the nozzle first before the pump/ nozzle upgrade. The injector upgrade is in the forums under greg carrol injector I think.

I would say this is a good skimmer as shipped, but can be easily modded to a beast with the mag 9.5 and larger injector nozzle.

 

[abulgin]

I have an EV-180 and have noticed that there are times when the skimmer really produces a nice bubble and dark skimmate, and then there are times when it hardly produces any skimmate at all. I too generally dump my skimmer's collection cup about once every 5-7 days. I believe this simply is a result of the fact that my bioload is relatively light. I also do bi-weekly water changes and I have a nice sized fuge so my guess is that the level of dissolved organics is pretty light.

I've heard of people having better results by overdriving the skimmer with a Mag 9.5 or the equivalent Eheim--the Eheim would be a better choice because it runs a lot cooler. However, if you don't have a huge bioload, overdriving isn't worth the extra money in my opinion.

A couple things to try. First, make sure that you are diligent about cleaning the crud off the inside of the bubble chamber every 2 or so days. Second, make sure the water level in the bubble chamber is equal to or even a smidgen over the top of the skimmer box.

 

[jtma508]

I'm also an EV-180 user. I opted for the 1"injector and up-sized to the Mag 9.5 from the start and have had nothing but success with it. And I injecty ozone into the skimmer which reportedly reduces skimmate. To echo sk8r's comments, I'd consider teflon tape on those fittings as well. You'd be amazed at what a small amount of air leakage will do. Also, check that the skimmer is physically situated so that the sump water level is right at the lower lip of the outflow gate vale. I found using the gate valve to raise the internal water level negatively affected performance. I also have a 90deg el on the gate outflow turned downward into the water (to eliminate splash noise). If you do anything like that make sure you drill an anti-siphon hole in the top of the attached fitting. As mentioned by others, clean the neck if you see build-up. And finally, when you make adjustments make small adjustments and wait for it to stabilize. Liek I said, I've had nothing but great luck with mine.