Adjusting an Aquac EV180 (this thing is frustrating)

[AlexB650]

I'm running it with the reccomended mag 7 pump, the air valve is wide open (as suggested), and the gate valve is wide open. I placed a 90 off the gate valve which apparently raised the water level 1" up the fixed clear chamber even with the gate valve open. the problem is that it's making bubbles and foam, but none or little of it seems to be making it in the collection cup. only a few spurts here and there will make it even though the chamber is full of bubbles and foam. So, i'm assuming it's not dialed in correctly. My old skimmer [coralife super skimmer] was skimming like crazy before i made the switch, so i know it's not a matter of a "light bioload." When i tried to adjust the water level higher, as with other skimmers I've had, the thing would stop making bubbles all together. Perhaps it needs to sit there for a while???

does anyone have a picture of where their water level is? or, if not, where is the "sweet spot" on yours? I did some searching on google and found that most people leave the water level right where you can no longer see the water in the clear cyclinder--is this the case? cuz that didn't work well for me.

Thanks

[oct2274]

I think the mag 7 is too small even though that is what is recommended. There is a aqua c club thread here, search for that and post in there, they will be able to help you.

[Craig Lambert]

The mag 7 is fine with a 180. I've been running it for 3 years. First off, you'll need to remove the 90 degree from the exit of the gate valve. (It's causing back pressure). Next you want to adjust the water level. The water level should be even or just very slightly below the platform located inside the mixing box (at the top). The platform is easier to see if you shine a flashlight on the black mixing box. The sweet spot for me seems to be 1/2 turn of the gate valve from wide open. Next, you want to "start" with the air vent wide open, and close it slightly if needed. Mine is closed just slightly.

The EV-180 is a bit tempramental. If it is new, it's going to need to run for a couple of days before foaming due to the oils on the acrylic. (It sounds as though yours wants to foam, so perhaps it isn't new). Anyway, start with the positions I suggested, and leave it alone for a few hours before making any adjustments.

[AlexB650]

ok, i'll remove the 90. however, the instructions said it will be ok with one (since they include one). but, i'm open to any suggestions. i did have it like that for a few days, and it did seem to be working better, but still, nothing much was making it inside the collection cup.

also, if i remove the 90, would a filter sock be ok? i have this thing sitting kinda high in the sump, so i want to reduce splashing as much as possible.

[Craig Lambert]

I run a filter sock on the gate valve myself. (I know exactly what you mean). Just make sure it doesn't restrict the exit flow. BTW, what size tank is this, and what's the bioload like. It may be that you don't have much to skim yet. How big is the foam head (if there is one) inside the neck below the collection cup?

[AlexB650]

total tank volume is about 70-75gl. The bioload is medium I would say. Do you think that the fact that I'm using 5/8" tubing as opposed to 3/4 is making a big difference? I might be off to the hardware store if so

[Craig Lambert]

Can't believe you were able to get 5/8" tubing on the EV-180 nipple or the mag7. Are you sure it's not 3/4? If it isn't I would switch it out because it's restricting flow.

[AlexB650]

i had a few small pieces that of both that i tried out before buying it, and the 3/4 seemed a little large and fit loosely.

i'm uploading a photo right now of the skimmer when it was working at its best--before i put the 90 on it. give me a sec and i'll post it.

but, it sounds like i need to run to the hardware store, nevertheless.

by the way, i appreciate all your help.

[Craig Lambert]

You want 3/4 (inside diameter) flexable hose and plastic hose clamps.

[AlexB650]

Craig, here is what it looked like at its best...full of foam, but nothing much making it into the collection cup. and when i turned it up like you would on most skimmers, i got even less foam.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i269/alexb518/Aquarium/sumpandskimmer.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[Craig Lambert]

That looks good. It won't constantly put foam in the collection cup. It should periodically go all the way up the tube and foam into the the cup. How long have you had it running? I wouldn't raise the water level very much from the present position. I think if you leave it the way it is, you'll have dark gunk in the cup by morning. If you run the water level to high it will just constantly foam very wet skimate into the cup and over flow. I think you'll get very dark skimate the way its set. You might tweek it a bit, but I would just give it some time.

Hope I haven't sent you on a wild goose chase here. I expected to see about 1 inch of foam above the box, so it's way higher than I expected.

[AlexB650]

i had it like that all day friday, and the next morning when i woke up, there was a milimeter of collection. and to top it off, it was wet. so you think with that setting and perhaps a larger hose, it might be setup right? i guess i better get the 3/4 hose before i tamper with other stuff.

[Craig Lambert]

Actually, I think you have it very close to where it should be. The liquid you removed from the collection cup was foam that liquified, and I bet it was very very dark. Keep in mind that comparing this to your old skimmer is apples and oranges. Right now there are probably more disolved organics in the head of foam in the (8" diameter) of the skimmer neck than your old skimmer removed in a couple of days. All of that foam is removed disolved organics, and as it reaches the cup it is very dark. I have mine on a lightly stocked 75G and I get about a 3/4" of black liquid per week. It's actually quite a bit for a tank my size. Remember these things are designed to run on a much larger tank. If you ran an EV-120 it might look like you're getting more skimate, but only because the cup is smaller. If I had 10 fish in my tank including a tang or two rathe than 5 small ones, I'm sure the output would be different.

[AlexB650]

you're probably very right on that. i didn't think of that. ok craig, i'm off to the hardware store. thanks again for all the help. if you don't mind, can i pm you in a couple of days if i'm still having a problem?

Alex

[Craig Lambert]

feel free!

[Tennsquire]

I ran an EV180 for years on my 75 reef. While opinions differ, I personally never thought it did much with the Mag 7 pump. After I put a Mag 9.5 on it (with a valve to tweak the input), it foamed like mad and I didn't have to fool with it so much. If you have an extra one, you may want to try it; you just might be surprised.

[andyr45]

Get the bigger pump and the 1 inch injector upgrade.The injector upgrade allows you to run 1 inch hose between the pump and injector. It will make a world of difference. I've heard the ehiem 1262 is the pump of choice on the 180.