Euro Reef skimmer mod help...

[Snidgetless]

So i bought a Euro Reef a couple years back. Not sure of the model and i cannot find any identifying marks on the body to tell me. I looked on their website and i do not see my model on it, which leads me to say that it is a bit out of date. It works fine, but i don't think it is as efficient as it could be. So i have a two part question...

1) How do i determine the model i have?
2) Are there any mods i can do myself to improve this skimmers performance?

 

[Kev_DX]

I'm no expert in these skimmers. I have a RS 80 and I'm not familiar with the older models. Can you put a picture of it up? Do you know the dimensions? How tall? What's the Diameter? Did it come with a pump? if so, any idea what pump?

As for mods, does it have a gate valve on it. That's the one mod I did and that helped me dial it in.

 

[Snidgetless]

Well it did come with a pump yes. The unit is approximately 12" tall with a 5x5" base. I will have to pull it out of the sump when i get home to check the pump model. Anywhere online where i can view older models to do a visual comparison to tell the specific model?

 

[Snidgetless]

Ok found a link with specs on older models and it looks to be one of the following... wish i was home and not at work to confirm this...

ES/RS/CS 5-2
75 9" x 9" 20" 5" 1 x SP2
ES/RS/CS 5-3 90 9" x 9" 24" 5" 1 x SP2
ES/RS/CS 6-1
100 8½" x 10" 20" 6" 1 x SP2
ES/RS/CS 6-2
110 8½" x 10" 24" 6" 1 x SP2

At least in all these cases the pump model is the same, so i can say with confidence its an SP2 model pump on the skimmer.

 

[Dave]

Check on the bottom of the skimmer for a model #. The two popular mods are mesh and gate valve. I have done both on my ER. I am seeing better skimming since doing the mesh mod. I don't have a meter to check the difference in performance but have observed a thicker/darker skimmate. The gate valve as mentioned allows you to dial it in. I wouldn't run a skimmer w/out one.

 

[Snidgetless]

Ok, well since i have no idea on either of the two mods... is there anywhere i can go to get more information on how to do both of these?

 

[Dave]

Sure check out this great podcast from some fellow BRS members.
http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/podcast-episodes/3641-euroreef-mod-podcast-epiode-91-a.html
search in the DIY forum for gate valve. Both mods are easy.

 

[Snidgetless]

Holy smokes, thats exactly what i have! Wow, i am so excited... weekend project! Thank you so much, and you said you found both mods easy?

 

[Dave]

It took me about 20 minutes to do the mesh mod. Just take your time and you'll be all set. Oh and be careful with the ceramic shaft .

 

[Snidgetless]

Absolutely, but where did you get the mesh? Does anyone near Reading have any spare mesh i can get? Did you just do three layers in replacement of all the needles?

 

[JayM]

I've seen it in the raffles at the meetings. I actually won some once

 

[Dave]

you can post a want to buy or some online vendors sell small amounts.
not sure if this is still available http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58731

 

[Snidgetless]

Sweet, put up a post and PM'd that guy. Thanks for all the help. Pushing my luck here... one last question. This is the mesh mod, but i have also heard people talking about a gate valve mod. What is this all about?

 

[JohnK]

The gate valve mod is simply replacing the standpipe on the drian with a gate valve so that you can adjust the water level in the skimmer by turning the knob. Very easy to do, and works quite well IME.

 

[JohnK]

Here's some sort of understandable pics of the gate valve mod.

Basically your just putting a gate valve on the output pipe. In my set up, in the pics it's kind of hard to follow but due to space limitations I have an elbow on the output, then the gate valve is positioned horizontally. This mod can be arranged in a few different ways. IIRC most people will set it up with the gate valve located vertically coming straight off of the drain with a T fitting on top. The top of the T will go to a pipe going straight up to contain any splashing and to let air escape. The side of the T would be connected to an elbow and then a pipe going into the water, again to contain splashing.

 

[JohnK]

Check the pic in this link. It's a recirc euroreef, but has the same gate valve arrangement. This probably is easier to understand than my pics

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~protein_skimmers_Euro-Reef_cs_rc_sedra.html


HTH

jk

 

[MikeG]

I had been having a lot of problems with my skimmer randomly overflowing which was from the way I had my gate valve mod set up. What ever configuration you use, make sure the T where you have the vent pipe going up is after the gate valve.

 

[derick]

If anyone is looking for Pf4/Pf5 Enkamat mesh you can check out www.meshmod.net. They offer Free same day shipping and great prices.

 

[Aquadiva]

If anyone is looking for Pf4/Pf5 Enkamat mesh you can check out www.meshmod.net. They offer Free same day shipping and great prices.

Wow.. that's pricey.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3107/Enkamat-Nylon/enkamat/0

 

[derick]

I am aware of aquatic eco sys, but I dont need 2 yards of mesh. I think $6.00 shipped is a great deal especially when you compare them to other vendors selling the stuff, to each his own.. Happy Reefing