Modifying a euroreef protein skimmer

[melev]

[Guys, I need a little feedback. I've never owned a EuroReef skimmer before, but now I have this bad boy.

It is about to go under my 280g reef, in-sump, but I wanted to know a couple of things. For example:

Why does the collection cup not have a drain to collect skimmate?
If I were to close up the holes in the lid, could I use an auto-shut off waste collector?

I know about the mod to the drain line to make it run silently, but if you have any other tips or suggestions, let's hear them now.

Lastly, what water level would this skimmer sit in for peak efficiency? I normally run my skimmer section 9" deep. What does this skimmer need? I went the the Euro-reef website, but couildn't find any details. The booklet states 6" to 8". What do you guys prefer?

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I've been playing with some ideas for the new sump while I was at work last night, and I have a few nifty possibilities to play with, but the skimmer is a real hurdle due to its height. Hopefully I'll get some replies so that this afternoon I can check back and formulate the final thoughts before I start gluing and routing.]

 

[kwl1763]

[There is no drain because they just didn't drill it for one! I have never used one on mine as I just empty the cup ever couple days! It would be no problem to add one. As you suggested I would silicone the holes then you could use an autocutoff!

I would use the gate valve mod on the output as this will let you easily adjust without having to raise and lower the riser tube. These get weak over time and one I've had in the past after a couple years wouldn't stay up so I added the gate valve!

Also I would go ahead and get some longer venturi tubing so you can run them outside if you wish to. Also if nothing else you can run them to a small piece of 1" PVC that you can put carbon in to act as an air filter. I have seen that really hellp some peoples O2 levels. I haven't done this o either of mine but if I had a fish room I for sure would!]

 

[melev]

[I might just do that. I'm thinking about drawing air from an attic or eave vent, and pumping that down to the skimmer anyway, to increase pH levels.]

 

[scottj]

[I run my CS8-2 in about 11" of water, sitting on a stand made of PVC and eggcrate. I added the gate valve to the output and it makes it much easier to tweak and adjust.

I am still experimenting with the adjustment and am currently running it pretty dry, which requires me to dump the cup only about once a week (which I am beginning to think is not often enough).

I am also finding that the sludge build-up on the insides of the upper part of the neck will get very thick, and therefore practically halts skimmate production. I still have not found the optimal setting of the gate valve after 6 weeks.

ScottJ]

 

[crash519]

@scottj wrote:

[I'm also running a gate valve on my output. It's one of the best things I've done. I believe the biggest reason for no drain line is the sludge builup in the neck! I completely agree with it almost stopping skimming from the build-up. If it were on a drain line, you would still have to remove the cup every week to keep the riser neck clean. Might as well just empty it and clean it then.

Of course, when mine goes crazy and just overflows, the drain to a gallon jug would be nice. :blush:

Mine is sitting in 9" of water.]

 

[scottj]

[Crash,
I agree with your comments about no need for a drain line and emptying the cup regularly anyway.

I did quite a bit of research and reading on-line before I bought the ER and don't ever recall anyone mentioning this build-up inside the neck.....

I'm not necessarily complaining, as the stuff is quite thick and nasty, and proves that the skimmer is pulling some serious gunk out of the water.......

I'm glad (sort of) that yours does the same thing...I was beginning to think that mine wasn't working correctly...]

 

[BigSteve]

[Hmmm...im running a cs8-3...dont have a problem with the neck at all...in fact, had it over a yr and only cleaned it once. Sounds like you may have it too high?...I go for the wettest skimate I can get, so i run it high. Seems to me that if your getting skimate on the neck, it's too low, or at least, water level is. Mines on my 150 and that big cup fills up pretty quickly...it's never overflowed.
Im not running any mods, other than this is the upgrade with the sedra 900 pump.]