E.T.S.S Deluxe Reef Devil need help

I have the E.T.S.S Deluxe Reef Devil with a CA-2200(rated 850gph), external to sump.

Problem is that the thing is just overflowing. I know it needs a break in period but it is just overflowing like crazy. I tried to cut down air inlet completely but foam still overflows.

Any body have experience with these and suggestions on what I can do to stop thing from overflowing?

Also in the documentation it say some of the pumps suggested are ca-1800, mag 7...and also that pump can be from 700 to 900 gph.

The ca-2200 that was given to me with the skimmer is 850gph compared to ca-1800 which is 650gph.

Do you think the pump is the reason this is overflowing so much?

 

Please read first post any suggestions on that appreciated.

Also I was thinking I could put a ball valve between the pump and the skimmer.. What do you guys think of that idea.

I really want this running today and the wife wants to go to home depot or lowes anyways!!

So please let me know ASAP.

 

Is the gate valve opened all the way? If you turn off the air does it still over flow? If so the pump might be too large.

 

Yes gate valve opened all the way. Completely turned off air and still overflowing.

What I did do which seemed to help a little is raised the skimmer up so flow is not as bad but still unacceptable.

I am also thinking the pump is to much but unit is rated for 700 to 900gph so I kind of felt dump thinking this.

I think I may try a ball valve to slow flow between pump and skimmer. Either that works or I will be looking at buying a new pump which I really do not want to do.

 

Well I never used I tha brand skimmer, but seems it might be the pump is too large. Could try a bypass on the pump.

 

PM Tangster or Amcarrig as Roger has messed with these for years and knows all the tricks.

 

I have a mag 7 on mine. When I did a test run it worked fine. Is it new or used?? Do you have the bio balls in it? Also, where the feeds in, is the air inlet plugged or anything restricting??? Can you provide pics as well.

 

Otty thanks for the advice I will probably hit them up later just for info purposes on how it really should be setup properly.

In the mean time with a combination of raising skimmer and inserting a ball valve I was able to decrease gph going in and I have things running acceptably. I would expect to see some good skim by the morning.

I do have the bio balls in chamber( I had never seen skimmers use bioballs but then again I have only had a couple skimmers). I have put a air restriction valve on it.

I will get some pictures up in a little bit.

Also unit is used

much happier at this moment

 

Yes, that's what makes the bubbles, go figure. I almost forgot, the water can not be higher than 7" on the skimmer or you will get what your getting! I spoke to who I believe was the owner when I ordered a new gate valve & replacement bio balls and we discussed the water height. He said the lower the better, but no more than 7"! Speaking on the gate valve, replace the philips screw on the handle. It's reg steel screw & will rust! That why I had to replace the gate valve, it rusted BAD! I replaced the screw with a stainless one on the new gate valve.

 

Pictures;

One of these days when I have time I plan on changing flex tubing to pvc but this is not on priority list. So please laugh quietly!





Hard to see this picture but it has it is my air restriction valve.