My new favorite skimmer mod

smeese · 02-17-2007, 11:18 PM

The Mesh wheel mod really rocks IMO. On my 125 I run a weak (for the bioload I have but respectable in general) Euro-Reef RS8-1 run off of a Sedra 5000 with a gatevalve mod, and before the meshwheel mod I had to close my gatevalve most of the way, and the air input all the way to get the bubbles to a decent wetskim level. Now I had to turn it all the way open and turn the air input down a bit. I can not wait to do this to my big skimmer which runs 3 sedra 9000's. I will probably be able to shut a pump off to save some electricity. I will add that the turbulence goes way down in the reaction chamber and the bubbles are way smaller, along with there being no big ones that slip through when running the stock needle wheel. When I do the other skimmer I will do it with pics. Anyone pondering this upgrade should do it immediatly especially if your tank is overstocked like mine.

Kudos to Grigor for getting the material!

epidemic · 02-17-2007, 11:22 PM

I gave half of the piece I got from dave away, but I am excited to try it. how the noise steve? Did you drill it for the zip ties?

smeese · 02-17-2007, 11:30 PM

The noise is no different then it was before I made sure that it did not extend any further out then the original one did with the exception of the height of it as that is a little greater as 3 layers was kind of thick. There were holes in the impeller already and I just zip tied it twice with the big part of the zip tie on the backside of the impeller. They were pulled snug but not so tight that it mashed the mesh all together. (that last part was suggested by Grigor and he was right)

epidemic · 02-17-2007, 11:49 PM

excellent! thanks cheif

epidemic · 02-18-2007, 12:02 AM

I have an ER8-2 that could benefit from that mod, but I thought it has a Gen-x pump rather than a sedra...?

zryder · 02-18-2007, 12:12 AM

has anyone tried it on the OR2700? i know the needlewheel setup is a bit different.. the sedra's have the needles all in the plane of the rotation, and the or has a more radial needlewheel setup..

epidemic · 02-18-2007, 12:14 AM

check RC if no response here, there is a big thread on trt and a 11+ page one on RC

smeese · 02-18-2007, 12:42 AM

I am not sure about this. The pump could obviously be changes but that would make this just as complicated as figuring out your Mod. If you do find something let us know as many members have that skimmer I am sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zryder

has anyone tried it on the OR2700? i know the needlewheel setup is a bit different.. the sedra's have the needles all in the plane of the rotation, and the or has a more radial needlewheel setup..

smeese · 02-18-2007, 12:44 AM

What are the chamber dimensions 8" X how tall?? Never seen one with a GenX but thats possible I guess. I am only familiar with their external pumps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by epidemic

I have an ER8-2 that could benefit from that mod, but I thought it has a Gen-x pump rather than a sedra...?

epidemic · 02-18-2007, 12:52 AM

the skimmer is stock, but the info I found said gen-x, pretty sure its 8" dia and 24" tall

epidemic · 02-19-2007, 07:11 AM

I got the go-ahead to mod the ER8-2 so hopefully I will be able to do that soon.

smeese · 02-19-2007, 11:00 AM

Nice!

David Grigor · 02-19-2007, 12:43 PM

Yes. The mod is significant. I've had for about a month now. No changes in peformance so the mesh must be holding up well.

Be careful what you wish for though, especially in the winter time. The increased air intake makes my heater work way harder so there is no electrical savings but peformance is definately there.

While I have never done the 2700 it is possible. I've seen pictures in the big thread. You cut all the spokes etc the back layer to be able to attach the mesh too. Instead of cable ties though you use fishing line. I forget exactly how they tie off the fishing line though so you will have to do your own research but yes it can and has been done and documented.

David Grigor · 02-19-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epidemic

I got the go-ahead to mod the ER8-2 so hopefully I will be able to do that soon.

Since that one and the one I modded for Capman were from the same shipment, I'm pretty positive it's not a gen-x as that was a farily recent change of pumps. The one I did for Capman was either a sedra or a dolphin. Can't really tell from the housing which one because they both are built from the same factory and use the same outter shell but the pumps are different insides.

I still have plenty more sheets Derek, if you want some more of the mesh.

dirk griffin · 02-19-2007, 12:55 PM

Isn't this mesh material, just the old DLS stuff from the old days?