Tropical Fish Forums

CCS · Regulars Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Location: SLO County, CA, USA

The mods for the ASM skimmers are a little confusing for me, since I've never had a skimmer before. Should I just not get them?
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I would like to acknowledge that all of the info I give is purely based on research.

sirreal63 · Advisors Joined: 21 Feb 2004 Location: Meadowlakes, TX

The recirculating mod makes the skimmer more effecient, much more effecient and the gate valve mod makes adjustment as easy as it gets. I would get both mods.
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Out on the road today...I saw a DeadHead sticker on a Cadillac...
Jack
110 Gallon DSA Pentagon

CCS · Regulars Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Location: SLO County, CA, USA

The gatevalve mod confuses me. What does it do?
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I would like to acknowledge that all of the info I give is purely based on research.

sirreal63 · Advisors Joined: 21 Feb 2004 Location: Meadowlakes, TX

It allows you to fine tune the foam level in the skimmer.
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Out on the road today...I saw a DeadHead sticker on a Cadillac...
Jack
110 Gallon DSA Pentagon

CCS · Regulars Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Location: SLO County, CA, USA

What about the part where they were talking about choosing the number or whatever?
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I would like to acknowledge that all of the info I give is purely based on research.

sirreal63 · Advisors Joined: 21 Feb 2004 Location: Meadowlakes, TX

MattTVI · Exemplars Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Location: Woodstock, GA

Hello,

I have a EuroReef RS5-2 that I just did the gate valve mod on. You can save a few bucks by DIYing the mod instead of buying it.

Basically the mod works by using a PVC gate valve for precision control of the waterflow leaving the skimmer.

It involves the following items... I can post pics sometime if you like:

1. 1.25" PVC tee (or 1.5" on larger ASM and ER models, this applies to all pieces)
2. 1.25" 90d Elbow
3. 1.25" Schd 200 (thin walled) PVC pipe
4. 1.25" PVC Gate valve

That's all you need, you then remove the riser tube and sponge that comes w/ the skimmer (the thing you move up and down to adjust flow) and add the equipment to make the mod. It works a number of ways, this is how I did it.

Tee -> Gate Valve -> 90d elbow

You use the PVC pipe to fit all the pieces together, you should also have an +/- 8" piece going from the elbow down to the water. This reduces splash and thus salt creep as well as quieting the skimmer a bit.

The system is low-pressure enough that most people don't even glue their fittings together... Smile

Most Ace Hardwares should be able to custom order you a PVC gatevalve if they don't already stock them.

You can also get the gatevalves online...

www.aquaticeco.com has them and is reported to be a solid supplier.

hth,

Matt
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