Sicce psk 2500...mesh or NW???

[Mel-E-Mel]

Anyone have experience using the needle wheel instead of the mesh for your sicce psk 2500?? Im thinking about changing out the mesh but cant find any info on anyone using the NW. Also, I know the mesh is easily replaceable...if i decide to just change the mesh, how many layers should i put??

[Mel-E-Mel]

bump

[MIOR6485]

I am currently running an extreme250. Below is the numbers I am getting with the following PW's available:

CV PW's: 18-20 SCFH
Reefspecialty MW's: 30SCFH
CNC (Canada) PW's: Claim they produce about 30SCFH but I'm waiting for them to come in so I can confirm.

I'm currently running the CV PW's and there ok but not the numbers they claim it pulls.

These readings were taken on the skimmer at the correct skimming height.

[mfinn]

I tried the pin wheels on my sicce 2500 pumps and while I had no startup issues, the pumps lost approx. 5LPM air flow.
Not really a whole lot, but it was a loss.

[sjm817]

I'm testing right now and will post skimming results on Saturday. In general, the PW will pull less LPH than the mesh wheel. As mfinn posted, by ~ 4 - 5 LPM or so. What does this mean for actual skimming performance? That is what I'm trying to determine.

[NealNano]

mesh mod

[Mel-E-Mel]

Thanks for the replies. Guess I'll stick with the mesh which brings up another question......can I replace the mesh and add more layers? I recently took it apart for maintanance and it looks like its kinda falling apart. I was thinking of doing multiple layers like on the octopus pump mods. What do you all think?

Im still getting pretty good foam but nothing like the really fine bubbles i see on other peoples bm's. Any thoughts??

[NealNano]

If you add more layers make sure the pump starts up ok and that the mesh does not rub inside the pump. I would only try adding one more layer. How many layers do you have now? I would only go 4 max.

[Mel-E-Mel]

right now its stock one layer. I was thinking of 2 or 3 layers. NealNano, funny you bring up the subject of it starting up ok. Majority of the time when i plug it back in, it makes a clacking sound with no foam. I have to blow air into the intake then it will start up ok. other than that i would really like to get the fine bubbles and thick foam head.

[sjm817]

I just posted MW Vs PW testing on my system. Take alook and see if it helps

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=13344947#post13344947