Skimmer help...RedSea Berlin XL

[dansemacabre]

Ok, well, I got 2 sheets of paper with this skimmer. One told me to use 500gph pump, the other said 550gph. So, my pump is 550 gph, and I did a test run of the skimmer and there are NO bubbles whatsoever coming through it. I have it on a MagDrive5 (500gph). Should I upgrade this to a Mag7 (700gph)? It seems as though there's not enough power to pull the sir through the venturi. If I hook the pump directly to the skimmer w/ as little tubing as possible, the occasional spurt of large bubbles (as I have the tube open fully) will come up the middle tube. I'm assuming the pump is not strong enough, but I simply wanted to check.

Oh, and will I need to routinely add trace elements. I've read the skimmer pulls them out of the water. It's a 120Gal FOWLR. Thanks for any and all input!

 

[loganj]

You should be getting bubbles even with the 500gph pump. I don't think that's enough for an XL though...usually use a Mag 7 on the standard Berlin. Have you checked the venturi to be sure it's not blocked? Berlins are usually excellent skimmers. I'd try for at least a Mag 9.5...maybe even a Mag 12. JMHO.

 

[alrmc4]

i have a berlin skimmer not the xl but there is a little white screw towards the top just under the collection cup that i have to loosen or tighten for controlling the bubbles

 

[dansemacabre]

Yeah, the white screw is so loose it practically falls out. As far as the venturi valve, I loosened it to where it barely sits in the screw fitting, and I get occasional bubbles. Maybe I got a bum pump, but it just doesn't seem like an adequate amount of water flow to me. Anyways, I can gently blow into the venturi tube and bubbles will come up the skimmer, so I think I'm JUST on the threshold of required pumping power. However, I'm thinking a 9.5 and a 1200 are way too strong for the skimmer. While I have been warned going too low will not work, I was also warned that too high can be just as bad. Anymore input on this before I order my Mag7? Thanks all!

 

[alrmc4]

we are running ours with a rio know they have a bad rep but it is a new design with a titanium shaft so far not one problem with it and it has been on the tank for over a month...hth

 

[brewercm]

The venturi on the skimmer is housed inside where the inlet hose threads into. You should have recieved a plastic key that looks like a horse shoe shape that is used to remove the venturi. I wasn't sure from what you were talking about if you actually loosened the venturi or the screw on top the hose attaches to. You may want to take a look and see that the venturi/inlet area isn't clogged. I'm not sure if you bought this new or used but the venturi is really bad about getting clogged on that skimmer. I eventually upgraded mine with the turbo pump where you just remove the venturi. Now only the pump needs to be cleaned every so often. Good luck with the skimmer.

 

[loganj]

However, I'm thinking a 9.5 and a 1200 are way too strong for the skimmer. While I have been warned going too low will not work, I was also warned that too high can be just as bad. Anymore input on this before I order my Mag7? Thanks all!

Check with reefrunner before you order this pump. He has used a Mag 9.5 on a standard Berlin skimmer (shorter than the XL) and had excellent results. I agree that too much pump isn't good, but you won't be overdoing it with the 9.5. I think you could run a 12. There is a lot of flow reduction going through the venturi. If you still have doubts, get the larger pump and put a valve between it and the skimmer...that way you can fine tune the flow.

 

[dansemacabre]

Thanks logan. I did notice the drastic flow reduction due to the extremely tiny venturi opening. I wanted to make sure the skimmer itself was not broken, so last night I tinkered with the mag5. I opened the venturi as far as possible, cleared out the venturi tubing as best I could, and re-attached everything. A steady stream of large and fine bubbles then began pouring through the inner tube. I don't feel the flow is enough to skim nicely, so I will look at a mag9 or a mag12. I'll ask reefrunner what he thinks I could go with. Thanks you all, very much, for all of your help and advice. =]