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thedigitalimager
02/26/2006, 10:42 AM
Brian, this question applies to the H&S in sump models. I've read your explanation in the former H&S thread of how clamping down a bit on the air intake hose can actually increase air to the pump due to an increase of rpm's. A couple of weeks ago, Thomas Geisel posted this on the other thread,

" got mine in sump H&S 200-1260 about 6 weeks ago.
without reducing the air intake with a valve the skimming was very poor, so I called H&S , cause the manual says , the skimmer would run best , with the airtube full open.
ulli coulnd´t believe that my experience was different, so I took
my pump to h&s some days later and we tested it. so, it seems with low water level in the sump ( short above the pumps body) the skimmer runs better with some reducing the airflow, with higher water level in the sump ( about 20 cm or higher) it´runs without cutting the airflow. ulli told me, that he will rework the manual

I've got my 200-1260 running in about 10" of water, and have had the same experience in regards to air restriction and water depth. Has this been your experience? Have you heard anything form H&S in regards to this? BTW, I'm extremely happy with my new skimmer, but wanted you experience/input on this.

Thanks, Geary
FinsReef
02/26/2006, 11:32 PM
In my set-up I generally still have to pinch the valve off some, as I have the pump attached directly to the side of the skimmer body without the elbow. By doing this it allows a little less backpressure on the pump and needs to be dialed back to get maximum airflow. I also run my sump at ~10". I have not played with the a lower waterlevel to see how it affects the pump, I will do that this week and see what I come up with. I will also reattach the elbow to give you some feedback on that also.

Are you using a Airflow meter to gauge the airflow?
FinsReef
02/26/2006, 11:36 PM
Here is a picture of my 200 running at the shop.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00116.jpg
thedigitalimager
02/27/2006, 07:31 PM
Are you using a Airflow meter to gauge the airflow?

No, Brian, I'm basically doing it visually. The skimmer is doing a great job, but I'd just like to make sure I've got it set for optimum performance. BTW, can you point me to source for an air meter?

Thanks, Geary
derek
02/27/2006, 08:27 PM
Brian,

Are you supporting the weight of the Ehiem somehow? I wouldn't mind reducing the amount of the pump in the water to cut down on a bit of the heat transfer.

Derek
FinsReef
02/27/2006, 08:42 PM
No, I am generally not supporting the weight of the pump, At times I will slide the skimmer to where the pump is braced on the side of the tank, but in a home situation, you might get some vibration noise by doing that unless you use a baseplate and suction cups.
FinsReef
02/27/2006, 08:46 PM
As for the airflow meter, I use the Dwyer RMA-22. You can purchase them at
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/htdocs/flow/SeriesRMPrice.cfm
They are not 100% accurate, but close enough for our applications.
derek
02/27/2006, 09:42 PM
Brian,

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately with 2 of the ehiems I am not sure I can position both of then so that they lean against sides of the sump.

Can I ask how long you have run yours like that? Next time I clean the skimmer I may have to see how sturdy that configuration would be in my sump.

Derek
FinsReef
02/27/2006, 09:46 PM
Going on a year now, no stress cracks or signs of any issues. Some of the instruction sheets from Germany show pics of the pumps attached this way.
thedigitalimager
02/27/2006, 09:50 PM
Thanks, Brian. I didn't realize they only cost $23.00. That's not a bad investment if you want to maximize your skimmer's performance.
FinsReef
02/27/2006, 10:01 PM
You will also need the nipple to be able to attach the airline, IIRC it is called A130 thru dwyer, I generally get them at my local Lowes though.
thedigitalimager
02/27/2006, 10:19 PM
Thanks again, Brian.
thedigitalimager
02/27/2006, 10:38 PM
You will also need the nipple to be able to attach the airline, it is called A130 thru dwyer

Brian, are you sure the nipple is A130. When I did a search on the Dwyer site, that comes up as "gage fluid".
FinsReef
02/28/2006, 06:44 AM
Sorry for the mix up.
It appears to be product # A-340
http://www.dwyer-inst.com/htdocs/misc/fittings-filters.cfm
thedigitalimager
02/28/2006, 08:26 AM
Thanks, Brian. I was guessing that might be it but wanted to make sure.

Geary