More predictable Skimmer???

[Madreefer]

I can't comment on your skimmer. I've gone threw a few from good to excellent and each one I had the same problems as you. The only way I was able to solve it was with a ATO. I know you don't have room but it was one of the only ways to keep the skimming consistent

[whatcaneyedo]

When you add a lot of fresh water at a time you're not only changing the water level in your sump you are also changing the density of the saltwater in the system which will affect the skimmers performance more severely than the water level.

Are you not able to replenish the evaporated water daily rather than every 4-6 days?

I've been running a Precision Marine Bullet skimmer for the past three years and I've only adjusted it twice in the last year. Once when I changed the pump on it and another time when my big clam died.

[ickmagnet]

Sounds good. I guess I'll add the water every 2nd day and see if that helps.

[04scoobysti]

Or you could add a baffle between the skimmer section and the return pump to keep the water at a consistant level even with evap. You could still top up every 4-6 days depending on the volume of the return section. Like others said, best to top-up daily or have an ATO

when you add your water you can turn the skimmer off for 2 hours and then it should not go nuts on you.

Bill

[ickmagnet]

OK, I'll try all of those suggestions.

here is another idea. Don't know if it will make any difference

What if I use my external barracuda pump to power it instead of the mag 18? It is currently throttled back so that my tank can keep up with it

Would this help at all? probably not

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by ickmagnet

What if I use my external barracuda pump to power it instead of the mag 18?

Don't think that will work. Will have to get really creative with plumbing that in. Plus the Barracuda is 4500gph. ATO does'nt really take up that much room if you use a small resevoir. As another member posted it's better to top up more than every 4-6 days. I would try every day.