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02/24/2018, 09:22 PM | #1 |
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Location: Norwalk, CT
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250 External setup help
Hello. I'm working on setting up a BK250 external skimmer and have a few questions on setup.
Before I get started with those, I suppose I should ask whether or not this is appropriately sized for my reef. 250 gallons total volume mixed reef (mostly SPS) Reeflo Hammerhead return w/manifold -> gate valve to drive skimmer 15 medium-sized fish that are fed fairly heavily (autofeeder for dry 2x daily, 3-4 cubes worth nightly, nori daily) 1. Skimmer is above the sump. How much volume will backflow into the sump? 2. I don't have a flow meter on the input. Any rule of thumb on water level height within the skimmer body? 3. Anything else askew with my setup? Thx! |
02/25/2018, 09:34 AM | #2 | |
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Quote:
As for flow, I’d recommend between 300-500 GPH or so going into the skimmer. Its more a matter of finding the sweet spot based on foam density and skimmer performance. You aren’t using the flow going into the skimmer to determine the level inside the skimmer. Instead you will be using the wedge pipe to set the level inside the skimmer. You can easily estimate the flow by using a measuring device and timing how long it takes to fill it up then doing some math. You will want to use the wedge pipe to get the line where bubbles turn to foam up to the base of the collection cup where it attaches to the skimmers body. That will be your driest skim setting unless you have a really heavy load relative to the skimmer size which you aren’t even close to.
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Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476 |
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02/25/2018, 10:53 AM | #3 |
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Sweet - thanks for the tips, slief!
I'm still in test mode and need to make sure it won't flood the sump during power failure. Towards that end, I think I'm going to install a check valve in line. I haven't used those anywhere in my setup yet. Any issues with check valves and a skimmer like this? Also have a Swabbie to keep the neck clean. Any rule of thumb on bioload with these skimmers? |
02/25/2018, 11:36 AM | #4 | |
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A heavy load is 1/2” of fish per display gallon and when it come to the tank size ratings, the low end of the range equates to a heavy load and the skimmers should be sized based on display volume. These skimmers are also very conservately rated.
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Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476 |
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03/01/2018, 10:19 AM | #5 | |
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250 External setup help
Quote:
Yup. I hear ya on check valves. I adjusted dump volume and tested the power out situation. Looks good. This thing is a beast! |
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03/01/2018, 05:07 PM | #6 |
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Looks REAL good!!
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Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476 |
03/03/2018, 07:46 AM | #7 |
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Looking good! With regular maintenance on the pump, she'll run for many many years! The externals really are wonderful skimmers, and with the DL design has great flexibility in tuning.
Feel free to post up a picture of the tank, or link to a build thread if you have one.
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Marco Royal Exclusiv USA - Fort Myers, FL Operations For All Royal Exclusiv / Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: RS Reefer 450 |
03/12/2018, 11:05 AM | #8 |
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Thanks - the skimmer continues to perform beautifully. Pleasure to work with so far though now I've gotta upgrade my skimmate export process. Draining into a bucket is unpleasant at best.
Is there a spec on the drain hose or recommended type to use for extending the drain? Build thread <-- time to refresh/update this puppy; thanks for the reminder! |
03/12/2018, 02:59 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
This is the valve I use for my drain line. It connects to the existing drain and I extend it from there. https://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Ma...um+quick+valve
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Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476 |
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03/12/2018, 07:09 PM | #10 |
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Yup, bought that one last week on your reco, thanks! It's just right.
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