Skimmer Impeller Mod

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Has anyone modified the impeller, like the ones below, on their skimmer (in my case, the CSS) to produce finer bubbles and better skimmate? If so, what exactly did you use and how were your results?

I'm wondering: a) if the mesh material degrades/breaks apart over time; b) if it does, in fact, make a significant difference; c) if the mesh interferes with pump operation; d) if the increase in microbubbles is too much for the skimmer to handle, etc.

Any input would be great!

http://x1d.xanga.com/3a0d44e56443799959540/w70372779.jpg

http://x5c.xanga.com/7d8d7be66473699959555/m70372793.jpg

http://x16.xanga.com/17fd75e56443699959545/m70372784.jpg

[mark]

On reefs.org http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=95783

then the typical 50 page thread on RC http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=991162&perpage=25&pagenumber=6

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Thanks Mark! I saw the thread on RC, but was frustrated by the sheer enormity of it. I also wasn't able to find anyone who performed this mod on the CSS.

The reefs.org link was much more helpful/concise.

[Salinity Now]

Chef, I've got a CSS as well and I'm also curious to find out how they ended up moding them. I'm with you man, some of the threads on RC are just tooooooo looooooooong. :sleeping: The CSS impeller has radial pieces of plastic rotating around it, there's got to be a way we can attach some gutter guard (or something else) to make a similiar mod to it. Without having to destroy the original impeller that is.

Terry

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Yeah--I need to disassemble my skimmer and take a gander. I think with some gutter guard and a few zip ties, we could be in action! If you decide to get brave and try something out, let me know....and the same goes for me :smile:

I'm just worried about somehow ruining the impeller and then being rogered up the codger.

[StirCrazy]

thanks for posting this, it just gave me a hell if an idea for a different pump. One question, with the pins gone and the mesh installed does it still move water?

Steve

[AndyL]

Will still move water... With the CSS needlewheel pumps - you'd remove the top part of the impeller blades *see pic for reference* then ziptie/fishing line to the lower. Should be a reasonable amount of room for mesh - looking at the housing vs the impeller.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/CSS_impeller.jpg

[AndyL]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1006566&perpage=25&pagenumber=2

[Salinity Now]

Cool thread Andy, thanks for the link. I tried searching for something in the RC-DIY thread a few days ago, but couldn't find anything. I'll definitely be trying the fishing line idea here, when I have some free time.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

As will I. Giddy-up!

[Sedgewick]

Hey Chef, Ive done this mod to several pumps, some things to bear in mind. It will affect the pump, some will not start, the added weight centrificaly applied tends to bog them down, you will probably have to reduce the intake venturi and the air intake is LOUD,the finer the mesh the better and you can get round discs of holed plastic for needlepoint at craft shops I find this stuff better as you can actually centre it as ballance is critical, good luck

[Salinity Now]

I've just modified my needle wheel impeller using the fishing line idea. I wrapped it about 3 or 4 times as per the thread in RC. Unfortunately I'm not seeing the results as others have posted, this includes reducing the air into the venturi modification. Maybe I need to wrap the fishing line a few more times? The trouble with the fishing line is, it's time consuming trying to wrap the line in and over all those spokes. The good thing is that if it doesn't work, ya just pull'er apart and start again. Oh yeah! I also added just a dab of crazy glue to hold the knots together.

Terry

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Hmm. Interesting. Wait--I'm a little confused. Did you wrap the fishing line to hold some sort of mesh material in place? Or did you *only* add fishing line?

Perhaps that's a dumb question! I'm very, how shall we say.....NOT handy! Except in the kitchen. Now there's an idea--some DIY skills for a home cooked meal. Anyone like Thai? :mrgreen:

[Salinity Now]

Mmmmmm! Thai fooooood!!!

Chef, no such thing as dumb questions on Canreef. The impeller was wrapped with only fishing line.

Today I did however try securing some gutter guard on the impeller with fishing line, but that never worked out too well either. So I just went ahead and dropped in an air stone, which definitely has increased my bubble production. I'll try again wrapping more fishing line around the impeller again maybe tomorrow.

Terry

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Interesting. Ok--I'll remember the "no question is a dumb question" rule :wink:

Also--what about using those zip ties to secure the gutter guard or whatever else?

Side note: I've always had a bit of an issue with microbubbles (I use it as HOB) and the bubble diffuser box was always noisy. Well, I put some airline tubing on the output vent hole and the other end about an inch below the water surface. Ta-da! No more microbubbles or noise (for now). We'll see if it continues to work :mrgreen:

[Salinity Now]

Drew, I havn't tried zip ties to secure some form of mesh yet. I'm going to try and wrap the impeller with thicker fishing line and more wraps first. Kinda like what this guy "Andrew" did on the link below. The photo is about midway down this thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1005653&perpage=25&pagenumber=7

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Ahhhh. Looks interesting. Any pics of your process? Let us know how it goes!

[Salinity Now]

No pics yet :sad:. I'll take some photos when I've got'er tuned in better.


Terry

[Salinity Now]

Drew, here is a link that I found on one of the RC threads regarding the modifications to the impeller.

http://www.randystacye.com:80/diythreadwheel.htm

I wonder where I'd go to pick up that fancy "PF5" mesh material? Is it at Home Depot, Home Hardware? If so which section? If I find the stuff I might have the guts to start choppin'er up :eek:.

Terry

[AndyL]

mavgi on RC was providing it for a while (no longer doing so). It's some form of housewrap to create airspace under siding in warmer climates.

As it's something not used in our climate - I doubt you'd find it at home depot.

[Salinity Now]

Well that bites! I'll swing by some of the hardware stores tomorrow and check'em out anyway. Ya just never know! Thanks any way Andy.

Terry

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Terry--

Looks like his results were crazy! Too bad you can't, apparently, get this stuff in Calgary. Yet another reason to move to a warmer climate :mrgreen:

Let me know what you find and how it works. I'm really paranoid about tinkering with my CSS now, because it's been giving me problems....overflowing at night (operating well all day and then apparently going nuts overnight)...etc. We shall see, though!

[AndyL]

If you pop over to home depot and others, they've got a few things that can also be used... Look at the various scrub brushes, and finishing / sanding type pads. Basically you're looking for something made of plastic. Won't be as open as that PF4/PF5 material - but there are numerous options.

[Hightower]

I too am looking for the mesh wheel materiel. I saw some scrub brushes at Rona hardware and called the manufacturer. It was made of nylon. However it seems quite a tight mesh and not loose like the enkamat or the other pictures.

I would imagine that if its too tight it would cause problems

[Hightower]

Ok someone found the enkamat materiel that is being used to much on the RC threads.

Its at Big al's of all places.

Its sold as a prefilter for ponds.

[christyf5]

Yet another source (http://www.fishfarmsupply.ca/filter_material.htm) . Good for a group buy as I'm sure nobody needs yards of the stuff :razz:

[Midknight]

Yet another source (http://www.fishfarmsupply.ca/filter_material.htm) . Good for a group buy as I'm sure nobody needs yards of the stuff :razz:

I'd be up for that.

[Hightower]

To all those that have done or know about the ASM G2 recirc mod:

After I have the sedra pump setup as a recirc, the feed water will have to come from either the tank outflow to sump pipe or another feed pump.

What are the pros and cons to both other than the obvious extra pump heat and noise/power.

Also If I were to split off my tank outflow say with a T and a ball valve, is there such a thing as too much water feeding the skimmer so that it is overwhelmed?
If so how much is too much.

Background - 90 gallon tank 30 gallon sump, main recirc pump is a Custom Sea Life T4. Probably in the area of 900g/hr running through.

[mark]

With the recir mod I did the feed mod using a MJ1200 on my G3.

Mainly because easier and cheaper (gate valves) than cutting into one of my 2" drains and trying to balance flow, partly that I seen the G3 rated to a max of 300gph (~ same as MJ I had laying around) and though once suggested/recommended by asmskimmer.com, they seem to be backing away from direct feed.

http://www.asmskimmer.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=333&highlight=direct+feed

[SuperFudge]

Part of the problem is when the vanes are removed off the impellar, it doesnt want to move as much water nor pull the air anymore.

Inject it with an air pump and watch what happens.