Skimmer question...

slakker · 09-24-2008, 03:14 PM

So for my large display tank, the RS skimmer has a air adjustment and a water height adjustment... I've basically tossed the air adjustment and have it wide open and only use the water height.

For the RSM, there's only a air adjustment... how's the best way to use this thing... sorry if this is so basic.

Reefmack · 09-24-2008, 05:41 PM

Hi. Correct - there's only an air adjustment on the RSM skimmer. One of the mods that some folks have used to try to get better skimming is to drill a small hole in the upper right side of the cup, and run the RSM airline into that. If there's a hole in the skimmer lid some have put tape over that. The theory is that placing the air intake in this manner creates a vacuum in the cup that helps lift the bubbles higher. Some have also had better results by replacing the RSM air valve with one of the plastic ones commonly available at the lfs. Or, both of these mods together. I haven't done this mod myself as I replaced my skimmer before some of the better mods were developed. Hopefully this pic will make more sense:

It's a pretty easy thing to try.

Arreola · 09-24-2008, 06:41 PM

Reefmack - The size of the drill bit you need is 1/4.
This way you won't have to put anything else to keep the hose in place.

Hope this info helps.

How do I know this?
I just made the mod!!

Reefmack · 09-24-2008, 07:46 PM

Arreola - your timing is perfect! Let us know if you see an improvement.

slakker · 09-24-2008, 07:50 PM

yes please do let us know... before I drill mine....

Arreola · 09-24-2008, 08:12 PM

slakker & Reefmack - I will post some comments tomorrow.
My Alkalinity was a little low, and since I did not had a Buffer in hand, I made a 6 Gal water change.

At this point I can't really tell if the mod works. So far, I have not seen any imporvement (1 Hour since the mod)

Arreola

PS: The time that takes to make this mod is about 30 seconds. It takes more time to put the hose in place and get the tools than what it takes to make the mod. LOL

slakker · 09-24-2008, 08:19 PM

I was also thinking...

would adjusting the water level using the skimmer gate be another alternative? I notice if I have the skimmer gate very low, the sump areas water level would increase... hmmmmm.....

Reefmack · 09-24-2008, 09:03 PM

slakker - that is true. To get good surface skimming most of us run our water level about 1/4" or so below the display tank rim. This allows the surface oils to be pulled though the gate. Running the water level up to, or a bit higher than the bottom of the black trim, typically raises the water level high enough so that the surface is above the gate grates - no surface skimming. A higher water level should help the skimmer, but cuts back on surface skimming. However, Red Sea will soon be releasing a modified gate that will allow a higher water level to be run in the display tank without sacrificing surface skimming. I'm thinking that would help the skimmer also.

LaurentSeattle · 09-25-2008, 12:06 AM

This is a "good" mod'. I did it too.

Skimming improvement is indeed small but most importantly the mod' totally suppresses the suction noise of the skimmer.

Arreola · 09-25-2008, 04:33 PM

HI all.
So far the skimmer is working better. about 20% increase on skimming performance.

The other thing is the noise (as LaurentSeattle) now the RSM is working super quiet.

I'll keep posting if I see any mayor difference.

Regards.
Arreola

tyleratl · 10-07-2008, 09:53 PM

I agree with Arreola. About a 20% increase and reduced noise. Now, things will really get interesting when Red Sea releases the modified surface skimmer gate. Then, I'll be able to raise the water level in the tank and thus raise the water level in the sump. Should = better skimmer. When can we get our hands on the Red Sea modified surface skimmer?

SeahorseBT · 11-03-2008, 09:04 PM

I just found this thread and I am going to try it tomorrow. Thanks for the idea.

MatthewJ · 11-04-2008, 12:02 AM

I did this mod and saw no real improvement. I've not seen really anything from the stock skimmer in either case. At best, I get maybe a teaspoon of yellow liquid a week. I would like to know how many folks are not using the stock skimmer. Maybe we should create a poll? I would also be interested to know of those using the stock skimmer, where they have the air valve set.

Reefmack · 11-04-2008, 08:27 AM

myusernameRocks - I created a poll already - it's on page 2 of the RSM Club section:

RSM Skimmer Poll

I'm one that replaced the skimmer as I just wasn't getting any results from it. But that was before some of the simple mods that some have success with. I also replaced the hood to give me more skimmer options.

MatthewJ · 11-04-2008, 11:48 AM

thanks for the link Terry. Can and should we make it sticky? I've never noticed it down there.

09-24-2008, 03:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
slakker Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 440 View Gallery Karma Komment	Skimmer question... So for my large display tank, the RS skimmer has a air adjustment and a water height adjustment... I've basically tossed the air adjustment and have it wide open and only use the water height. For the RSM, there's only a air adjustment... how's the best way to use this thing... sorry if this is so basic.

09-24-2008, 05:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,156 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... Hi. Correct - there's only an air adjustment on the RSM skimmer. One of the mods that some folks have used to try to get better skimming is to drill a small hole in the upper right side of the cup, and run the RSM airline into that. If there's a hole in the skimmer lid some have put tape over that. The theory is that placing the air intake in this manner creates a vacuum in the cup that helps lift the bubbles higher. Some have also had better results by replacing the RSM air valve with one of the plastic ones commonly available at the lfs. Or, both of these mods together. I haven't done this mod myself as I replaced my skimmer before some of the better mods were developed. Hopefully this pic will make more sense: It's a pretty easy thing to try. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

09-24-2008, 06:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Arreola Serpent Star Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 212 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... Reefmack - The size of the drill bit you need is 1/4. This way you won't have to put anything else to keep the hose in place. Hope this info helps. How do I know this? I just made the mod!!

09-24-2008, 07:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,156 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... Arreola - your timing is perfect! Let us know if you see an improvement. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

09-24-2008, 07:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
slakker Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 440 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... yes please do let us know... before I drill mine....

09-24-2008, 08:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Arreola Serpent Star Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 212 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... slakker & Reefmack - I will post some comments tomorrow. My Alkalinity was a little low, and since I did not had a Buffer in hand, I made a 6 Gal water change. At this point I can't really tell if the mod works. So far, I have not seen any imporvement (1 Hour since the mod) Arreola PS: The time that takes to make this mod is about 30 seconds. It takes more time to put the hose in place and get the tools than what it takes to make the mod. LOL

09-24-2008, 08:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
slakker Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 440 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... I was also thinking... would adjusting the water level using the skimmer gate be another alternative? I notice if I have the skimmer gate very low, the sump areas water level would increase... hmmmmm.....

09-24-2008, 09:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,156 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... slakker - that is true. To get good surface skimming most of us run our water level about 1/4" or so below the display tank rim. This allows the surface oils to be pulled though the gate. Running the water level up to, or a bit higher than the bottom of the black trim, typically raises the water level high enough so that the surface is above the gate grates - no surface skimming. A higher water level should help the skimmer, but cuts back on surface skimming. However, Red Sea will soon be releasing a modified gate that will allow a higher water level to be run in the display tank without sacrificing surface skimming. I'm thinking that would help the skimmer also. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

09-25-2008, 12:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
LaurentSeattle Midas Blenny Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 122 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... This is a "good" mod'. I did it too. Skimming improvement is indeed small but most importantly the mod' totally suppresses the suction noise of the skimmer.

09-25-2008, 04:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
Arreola Serpent Star Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 212 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... HI all. So far the skimmer is working better. about 20% increase on skimming performance. The other thing is the noise (as LaurentSeattle) now the RSM is working super quiet. I'll keep posting if I see any mayor difference. Regards. Arreola

10-07-2008, 09:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
tyleratl Fire Coral Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 70 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... I agree with Arreola. About a 20% increase and reduced noise. Now, things will really get interesting when Red Sea releases the modified surface skimmer gate. Then, I'll be able to raise the water level in the tank and thus raise the water level in the sump. Should = better skimmer. When can we get our hands on the Red Sea modified surface skimmer?

11-03-2008, 09:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
SeahorseBT Golden Moray Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Libertyville, IL Posts: 2,279 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... I just found this thread and I am going to try it tomorrow. Thanks for the idea. __________________ -Blake My 34 Gallon Seahorse and Macro Tank-http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...acro-tank.html My 46 Gallon LPS Tank-http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-lps-tank.html My 120 Gallon Reef-http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...chronicle.html

11-04-2008, 12:02 AM	#13 (permalink)
MatthewJ Cabbage Leather Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 372 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... I did this mod and saw no real improvement. I've not seen really anything from the stock skimmer in either case. At best, I get maybe a teaspoon of yellow liquid a week. I would like to know how many folks are not using the stock skimmer. Maybe we should create a poll? I would also be interested to know of those using the stock skimmer, where they have the air valve set.

11-04-2008, 08:27 AM	#14 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,156 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... myusernameRocks - I created a poll already - it's on page 2 of the RSM Club section: RSM Skimmer Poll I'm one that replaced the skimmer as I just wasn't getting any results from it. But that was before some of the simple mods that some have success with. I also replaced the hood to give me more skimmer options. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

11-04-2008, 11:48 AM	#15 (permalink)
MatthewJ Cabbage Leather Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 372 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Skimmer question... thanks for the link Terry. Can and should we make it sticky? I've never noticed it down there.

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