E.T.S.S. 800 Reverse Durso

[guyduquette]

Just want to let everyone in on the secrets to setting up an E.T.S.S. 800 skimmer properly. It took me eight months to figure it out (I'm slower than most!!!). Check it out:

http://web.mac.com/guy23/iWeb/Site 4/Movie.html

It goes like this pretty much.... it's not working unless the bubbles are nearly perfectly uniform in size (size of bb's) and flowing constantly upward (not swirling around with varying sized bubbles).

To do this the water level must be set JUST SLIGHTLY higher than the mixing box (black box). Then control the foam wetness with the ball valve on the pump.

Any thoughts or additional ideas??

 

[guyduquette]

I think if the water level is below the top of the mixing box (black box) the air bubbles have more time to merge together to make random bigger bubbles.... this is not good as it completely throws of the nice upward movement of the foam. The foam then becomes a swirling random and unpredictable mess.

 

[Bao]

that's one powerful skimmer. what is that noise in the background?

 

[guyduquette]

It's a little noisy, but I attached two 18" vinyl tubes on the air intakes.... much quieter!

Take note of the Plastic Drain Pan also..... it's a must have with this skimmer!

 

[chew*]

I think everyones experience with what works on ET$$ skimmers is based on where they install them.........the biggest problem most people have is intalling them @ the same level of the sump, this causes them to be highly inconsistent.

I've said it again and again but ET$$ downdraft skimmers always and I mean always work best when they are mounted above the waterline of the sump......

scroll down on this link to see an inhouse deluxe being tested.....as you can clearly see its actually installed above the sump.....
http://www.superskimmer.com/RDD.htm

It appears from your pics you actually have it above the waterline

 

[guyduquette]

That's exactly right. I originally had it above but couldn't control the water returning to the sump and I didn't want to use a filter sock (more maintenance), so I dropped it in the sump. Always inconsistent.

Then I did some reading up on the Reverse Durso, which STILL took me three attempts!!! I found that it's best to make the drain size bigger and bigger until water reaches the sump, ex. 1 1/2"....2"....3".

So there you go, I had my solution for the drain and now it's smooth sailing. Just yesterday, I pulled out 1/3 of my large waste container filled with Dark Nasty Liquid..... It was stinky too.

I'm very happy with the skimmer now and glad I hung in there.