View Full Version : Coralife super skimmer mods


PSH
03-24-2007, 07:19 AM
I started to post this a few days ago but decided to give the skimmer more time so I could see if it was consistent. Just to note this is on a 75 gallon mixed reef and the skimmer was set up without the air silencer and without the bubble trap. I have seen that a few people on other sites modded there impellers with fishing line. So started with that mod. Fairly simple to do. All I used was some 6 lb. fishing line and wrapped the crap out of the impeller. It definitely seemed like the bubbles were smaller, but I didn't seem to get anymore skim mate.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/PonderosaSnakeHouse/Saltwater/PICT2465.jpg

Now the other thing I did was added a new skimmer return pipe. Ever notice that your skimmed water dumps pretty much right back on top of your skimmer pump? Every get tired of all the micro bubbles that your CSS dumps? How about all the salt creep? Well I have my return going back to the first chamber of my sump.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/PonderosaSnakeHouse/Saltwater/PICT2521.jpg
I was somewhat worried about too much back pressure on the skimmer. But it seems to be working. In three days I get about a half gallon of dark nasty stuff.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/PonderosaSnakeHouse/Saltwater/PICT2543.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/PonderosaSnakeHouse/Saltwater/PICT2523.jpg
This is where I have my water level set. As you can see I have my water level set just at the neck of the collection cup.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/PonderosaSnakeHouse/Saltwater/PICT2545.jpg
Next mod I think I will try is a home made venturi with larger air line. Then possibly a pump swap using a sedra with a mesh mod. I know a few of you out there use these skimmer so I hope this helps you.

Rob
03-25-2007, 02:59 AM
so you got 1/2 gallon in three days.. in the stat of your post you mentioned you haven't seen and increase in skimmate...

is this 1/2 gallon normal or more?

PSH
03-25-2007, 08:07 PM
I use to get a half gallon a week. Now it's a full gallon a week.

keyozoxmfc
03-26-2007, 12:34 AM
ALRIGHT! FINALLY ! i have this skimmer as well.

i think i might try the fishing line one, and maybe do the PVC return. i was thinking about doing that but i want to get a above tank sump instead so i never did it.

and is that how high you keep your water level? because thats really high! i keep mine down in the neck roughly half way up. any high seems to come out as mostly water.

and your skimmate....is it thick or watery? mine is usually dark but straight liquid.

petunia
03-26-2007, 12:12 PM
mine is the same way mark. is your's new? my friend has to keep his wide open and he thinks it is because his he has had it for a while.

keyozoxmfc
03-26-2007, 07:15 PM
uhh mine has been running on a tank with LR corals and some clean up crew for about 6 months now

wakbrdfr
03-27-2007, 11:39 AM
Nice mod, I'm going to have to try it. My bubble trap works though and the return, I believe is not just circulating back into the skimmer. I will have to try the fishing wire!

keyozoxmfc
03-27-2007, 09:54 PM
i dont use the bubble trap because it gets really gross and algae-ie

wakbrdfr
03-28-2007, 09:47 AM
Wow, I have had mine for over a year and never had that issue. I just have to rotate the sponge in the trap and clean it out, but I have never had algae in it.

keyozoxmfc
03-28-2007, 07:54 PM
either way, its a nitrate factory right?

wakbrdfr
03-29-2007, 10:31 AM
Not sure about that and not saying your wrong, does anyone else have a say in this?

wwest
03-29-2007, 09:10 PM
I think anything can be a nitrate factory. Mechanical filters are factories as well but if you keep them clean and don't let anything build up or collect then there fine, if you never clean them and just change the filter then yes they are factories. I believe bubble traps are the same situation. Just my 3 cents. :)