ETSS skimmer issue

DDio39 · 07-25-2005, 08:26 AM

Hello all, i have a skimmer problem. I recently upgraded to a 125 tank, i have 4" sand bed and currentlt there is 60lbs of LR, more on the way. I have an ETSS 800, been runniing about a week. I get tons of micro bubbles in the sump from the return, ok so i called ETSS and was told that i need 22 bio balls in each tower and the water level should be 1 " up the tube... i can't get it up that high as i close down the return valve it spews water out the air holes.... can anyone help me?

Birdlady · 07-25-2005, 09:42 AM

Dumb question, I know, but I assume you have the properly rated pump?

I don't know much about these skimmers other than they need powerful pumps to run them. I don't think a mag9.5 would be strong enough, even tho rated at 950 gph...so just a question

The return valve you are referring to, did it come with the unit? If not, did you get a ball or gate valve? Sometimes that can make a big difference...

and BTW...

Welcome to 3 Reef!!!

DDio39 · 07-25-2005, 10:00 AM

Thanks for the reply.... i have a 55 iwaki feeding the skimmer. The valve came with the skimmer and it is a gate valve. I am not sure what it means when they ssay the skimmer has to get broken in? Everyone tells me tells me once it's broken in things will work fine....

Birdlady · 07-25-2005, 10:42 AM

That just mean the tubes get a protien or slime build up and will run more efficiently...perhaps that is the current situation...hopefully some one else here will know a bit more about these skimmers than me