viper357
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Skimmers can take 3 or 4 days to start producing skimmate, give it a couple of days to see what it does.
The Red Sea Skimmer Clan
- Thread starter Alan
- Start date
Keep in mind that the outlet of the Berlins MUST be free-flowing - in other words, the exit water must flow downhill directly from the skimmer's outlet. Any bit of tubing going even slightly uphill, or with any restrictions (i.e. smaller diameter pipes) will create back-pressure on the skimmer, and that will force water up into the two "vent tubes"
Hennie
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Hi, I just started my skimmer in a container full of water just to see how it works. As I am new to all of the equipment I am looking for any advice to help me make it perform at its best.
Just a stupid question, so a 1600L/H pump is to weak for this skimmer?
And if so, what pumps would you suggest?
Just a stupid question, so a 1600L/H pump is to weak for this skimmer?
And if so, what pumps would you suggest?
Well, following the advice in this thread is a good start...
Yes. Also, it is not just about flow, it is to a large extent also about the pressure (head) of the pump.
The one it was designed to work with: Eheim 1060/1260
Expensive, but it will outlast 2-3 other pumps (my oldest one is about 13 years old, and has been working non-stop since day one...
Hennie
Thanks for the advice.
So what kind of pressure am I aiming for?
So what kind of pressure am I aiming for?
At least 3m - It's been very long since I checked the Eheim's specs, but I think they are rated somewhere between 3.0m and 4.0m. As I said previously, the Berlin skimmers were originally designed to be used with the Eheim 1060 (since replaced by the 1260), so it's bound to work well.
Whatever pump you decide to use, keep it connected very close to the pump (direct coupled would be the best), as you will lose pressure/flow through friction in the pipes.
Hennie
Here is the link for the manual for the Berlin XL :
http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_...ons-Red_Sea-RS1115-FIPSISVSOT-vi.html#Manuals
I run this exact one on 600L system, modded a little since i didn't have manual (only found it yesterday)...I run mine with 2800l/h pump head pressure 3m in sump
Excellent skimmer in my opinion for the price you probably won't get a more reliable one...
Goodluck, will upload pics later of mine in action.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_...ons-Red_Sea-RS1115-FIPSISVSOT-vi.html#Manuals
I run this exact one on 600L system, modded a little since i didn't have manual (only found it yesterday)...I run mine with 2800l/h pump head pressure 3m in sump
Excellent skimmer in my opinion for the price you probably won't get a more reliable one...
Goodluck, will upload pics later of mine in action.
My future system will be about 820 liters.
Thanks for the manual Landu, much appreciated.
I am sure it will help me.
Waiting for those pictures.
Henk
Thanks for the manual Landu, much appreciated.
I am sure it will help me.
Waiting for those pictures.
Henk
I read somewhere that these skimmers does not need a pump with a pin-wheel impeller as it already has a venturi.
Any thoughts on that?
Will it be big enough for my system?
Any thoughts on that?
Will it be big enough for my system?
The venturi systems that use pressure are a little outdated, the pin wheels produce more bubbles using less electricity so are far more effecient. Would i trust this this skimmer on a fully stocked 820L Reef tank....no, personally i think there are far more effecient skimmers out there.
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I didn't use a venturi pump for that reason, but found that if i hooked air pump up on that air intake valve, it worked great!!!
I have to agree though, that i would go for a bigger skimmer on 820L full reef tank, always better to overkill!!!
Goodluck
I have to agree though, that i would go for a bigger skimmer on 820L full reef tank, always better to overkill!!!
Goodluck
I am planning a FOWLR tank as I am still new to the hobby.
Hi I have the same skimmer set up externally to my sump. I have problems with it overskimming, I have connected a ball valve in series from the pump to restrict the flow slightly however it is very difficult to get the flow set up correctly. I dont have a pinweel but just a normal 2500 kg/hr pump and use the venturi as standard. Can anyone assist with getting this sorted?
Anybody still using these?