Another noob thread with questions about skimmer

WarDog · #1 02-15-2015, 04:53 AM

I've never used a skimmer before, so this piece of hardware is new to me and starting to get a little frustrating.
I've got an AquaC EV180 powered by a Mag 9.5. It's been running near a month on a new tank with zero bio-load. Not a popular skimmer here with Canreefers, I know. It was my first hardware purchase 2 years ago. I did some research on it and read that it was a very good skimmer, so I pulled the trigger, perhaps too early. I'm still (one month later) having a very hard time getting it tuned in. The output is 1/2" above the water line as suggested, and its sitting at about 6 inches deep in the sump on some eggcrate. The drain is directed back to the sump for now because just when I think I've got it tuned, it will overflow like crazy several minutes later. I've also added an elbow on the output. Not ideal, but I have followed AquaC's recommendations on this modification.

Is there anyone here who has experience with this skimmer and could offer some advice?

Does the fact that I have no bio-load have something to do with it?

I'm almost at the point of chucking this thing over the fence and trying another brand, which is annoying considering it cost $540. I mean seriously, I could have spent a couple hundred more and got a BK!

Thanks for your help (opinions welcome)!

Aquattro · #2 02-15-2015, 05:10 AM

If there's nothing in the tank to skim, it's going to be tough to tune it. I would expect the water line to be closer to the neck of the cup tho.

These were fairly popular a couple years ago, so someone should have some tips.

WarDog · #3 02-15-2015, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

If there's nothing in the tank to skim, it's going to be tough to tune it. I would expect the water line to be closer to the neck of the cup tho.

Ok, thanks Brad. I guess I'll just be a bit more patient. Truthfully, you were the one person whom I was hoping would convince me to get a BK, lol.

Aquattro · #4 02-15-2015, 05:58 AM

You know, I have the BK Mini 200 and I love it. But I got it for a few hundred bucks. Would I pay 1200?? No, probably not. The "well made" argument doesn't cut it, it sits in a sump of water, and I rarely kick it across the room. The "fancy" Magic Dragon pump is really just a Laguna pump, worth maybe 120? It's a great design, I like the cup and how it comes apart, but in the end, it's just a skimmer. I wouldn't buy one new unless I found a bag of money. I think there are skimmers that perform equally for a lot less money. Maybe not built as solid, but this thing is way over built for it's intended use.

apexifd · #5 02-16-2015, 03:10 AM

get a BK.. it matches the colour scheme of your hose and plumbing. almost

Aquattro · #6 02-16-2015, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexifd

get a BK.. it matches the colour scheme of your hose and plumbing. almost

There is that

FishyFishy! · #7 02-16-2015, 04:43 AM

I think that you need to wait until you have a bio load before making adjustments. Theres nothing really to skim at this point. Give it some time and it'll start doing its job.

Theres not even any color in those bubbles yet!