Skimmer Performance Question

[scott324]

Hey guys,

I recently finished building a skimmer and have some questions. It is a recirc skimmer similar in design to a ETSS Reef devil. It is a 6x9 box with a 4.5" x15" acrylic tube. I reduce it to 2.5x6 riser. I am feeding it off of my return. I estimate ~300-400gph going through it. The recirc is via a mag 5 with a DIY mesh mod(window screen). I am getting good bubble and the acrylic tube is completely milky white, but the problem is with the box. The fine bubbles gather and form large bubbles who "give way" and rise to the top. Do these large bubbles retard the function of the skimmer? Also in my collection cup I only have about 2" from the riser to the outside of the box and ~3" to the top. Does this lack of room put back pressure on bubble formation?

Thanks for any input.

Scott

[kgross]

The formation of the larger bubbles can break up the foam head on the skimmer, but I don't think it will cause much of a problem unless you have lots of the larger bubbles forming. 2 inches from the riser to the cup should not be a problem either, as long as your cup has a large enough opening for the air to get out of the skimmer.

Kim

[scott324]

Kim,

Thanks for the reply. I am getting a dark brown skimate, but it is dry. I have the water line about 4" from the top of the riser. I know it's subjective, but how close is to close to the top of the riser for the waterline.

Thanks

Scott