New Eshopps s-300 Protein skimmer question

[mvallee]

getting ready to startup my FOWLR tank a 180 gallon with a 55 sump, I have done so much reading my head hurts and spent so much $$ my wallet is vibrating but I am finally close.
I got my Eshopps s-300 snow cone skimmer and the directions are about as minimal as they could be, a blow up diagram with very limited instructions for a newbie has me wondering what did I get myself into, Anyways here are my questions for anyone who has setup one of these. I followed the images to mount the pump inside the bottom of the skimmer but I can not get the pump to sit flat, no matter how hard I push or tweak it does not sit flat, see pic you can see the bubble thing at the top of the pump is a little cockeyed. The other question is the collection cup on top has a little spigot but no instructions on what to do with it. it came with a little hose that fits but no details on what to do with it or even list it in the parts list. the pics show the spigot with the spare hose attached. Thoughts????
see how the pump clamp does not quite sit flat

and how the bubbler is a little crooked

and the spigot with hose attached, then end of the hose is blocked but seems like it would become nasty if it went no where.

 

[G.T]

The hose is for lazy people who don't empty there skimmer cup as often as they should. You do not have to use it! Cant see enough of the pump to offer an answer

 

[mvallee]

Thanks for the help, so do I cut that hose short and plug it, I assume the skim is going to overflow from the cone into the outside compartment and unless it is blocked drip right back into the sump there is no way to block it other than that hose and the cap that goes in the end. if I leave it full length it will fill up and need to be rinsed all the time. seems kind of of odd to have no instructions. I might have to call eshopps about the pump. I'll take it apart again and try redoing the mount first though to see if I can get it level.

 

[G.T]

Yes you can cut it down. Do a search on you tube for your skimmer, you will get lots of videos showing you how it works and performs. It may seem complicated at first my friend but it will all fall into place.

 

[mvallee]

This is a fairly new skimmer and not lots of info out there on it, just started hitting the shelves I guess I found one review of it which was good and my local supply guy had a good deal on it so I went for it, always buyers remorse I guess, wishing I went with a more tried and true skimmer Oh well I am sure I will have this thing skimming in no time.

 

[jamesdong009]

Eshopps has been around for a while and their products are pretty decent.

I can't tell from the pic how the pump is not sitting flat. Try taking it apart and putting it back together.

The "bubbler" does not have to have to straight but you should be able to turn it to straighten it out. I don't think any of mine are straight.

Did the skimmer come with a plug for the elbow in the collection cup? There should be a cap or plug if you don't want to use the hose.

 

[Marshall O]

FWIW, I use an Eshopps S-150 on my 125. They are awesome skimmers, but as you found, terrible instructions. I can't see what is causing the pump not to sit flat, but in all likelihood, it won't cause any issues if it is not 100% flat.

 

[mvallee]

I do have it running and sure is making lots of bubbles so that is good, overflowing the cup though no matter what I have tried, of course the instructions are no help but I hear it just need to break in and running on a newly cycling tank could be causing issues too as everything from rock to sand is new. Glad to hear a positive on the skimmer as it seems well built adn from videos I have watched works real well.

 

[Hooah]

Not unusual for a new skimmer to overflow during the break in period, should calm down in a couple of days to a week. Check the water depth and make sure your in the optimal depth, and during the break in you can raise the skimmer a bit or lower the water to reduce the overflow.

 

[Marshall O]

With a new in-sump skimmer, I usually raise the whole skimmer up an inch or two until it breaks in. It took my S-150 a couple days to settle in.

 

[JohnK]

And in case you haven't done so already, you want the outlet valve all the way open (probably by rotating the grey PVC pipe)

How deep is it sitting in the water? This can make a big difference.

 

[mvallee]

Thanks there is a big PVC pipe to adjust and I have it dead center now.

I originally had it in 9" of water 8-10" is the recommended level, I have raised it to 8" of water. it was still overflowing this morning but I do think it is better than when I first started it up. I have heard people raising even higher because of this issue but am going to see if this settles first.

 

[Marshall O]

And in case you haven't done so already, you want the outlet valve all the way open (probably by rotating the grey PVC pipe)

Correct. If you match up the white dot on the pipe you can spin with the white dot on the black acrylic holder, it will be fully open. Forgot to mention that, so good call!

 

[bobbybats160]

I have this very skimmer and so far it's working out great,I have it setup at about 8" of water.