Tuning an ev120

Thanks for all the suggestions. I decided on this unit because I know it will do great once I get it figured out, but that part of the process has been painful. It's good to know that the pump should not be the problem, thanks.

Seems like there are 2 ideas as to what the water level should be. I have tried wide open on the gate as well as adjusted as suggested above (shut off the air, then adjust water level just below the clear tube). I have tried several points on the air valve, from 1/4 to 1/3 seems to be the range, but maybe I am not waiting long enough. What I observe is that with less air, I do get some foam in the big part of the riser, but there is never enough accumulation to push it up and out. If I add in a little more air, then there is too much turbulence in the large chamber and the foam disappears.

The air vent line (overflow connector) is not blocked in any way. I did purchase the external overflow container, but I have never had enough production to hook it up. The main outlet also stays above sump level all the time.

Any further suggestions appreciated - otherwise I will just try to be more patient.

 

I think you were close when the foam was rising up the tube set it there and leave it you may not see anything untill morning. connect your collection cup because when it starts collecting it might be wet and it is gonna pull alot really quick.

 

Flywheel, if you did not get the owners manual, check out the document on the MarineDepo page: http://www.f3images.com/IMD/UserManuals/AC120M.pdf....

Hope that this helps.

 

Yep, like crabby jim said, sounds like you were close. Give that a shot again and see what happens if you let it sit for the night.

ps - your avatar is awesome

 

Plus if you have had your hands in the water it will flat line the skim due to oil on your hand. How did you go from the pump to the skimmer??? Did you reduce the size of the ID (inner diameter) to a barb type fitting??? If so you need to redu the plumbing, as you should keep the same size ID from the pump all the way to the skimmer. Reduced ID is reduced water flow to the skimmer.

 

I have not made any mods - about 12" of tubing that fits the mag 5 & the ev120 supplied barb. No add on to the outlet or anything like that.

I am pretty sure I let it run 24 hours once at the foam not rising setting. But I will do so again to be sure.

My hands never really go in the sump or tank much so I dont think that is an issue.

grubbsj: I did get the manual. The method they suggest depends on being able to see the water level in the dark part of the skimmer and that is just not practical in my case (believe me, I really really tried).

Thanks for the compliment on the avatar. I have a pciture history posted at 29g Reef Build Photo Gallery by spiked3 at pbase.com if anyone is interested.

 

What size ID tubing did you use that was 12" in length?? Plus how is it connected to the pump and skimmer? Got some pics?

 

haha - i don’t even know what id it is (ill measure in a sec). I had a variety on hand and I grabbed the one that fit both the mag 5 and the barb connector that came with the ev120.

Nothing special about the hookup. Looking at my sump (a pic was posted earlier), overflow box from tank drops in on the right of the sump. Skimmer sits in the middle, output facing you. Skimmer pump is on the right, with the intake away from you (overflow entering near you). return pump to tank is on left of sump.

The mag 5 box says it has a 1/2" mpt fitting. I have 3/4" ID tube on it and it fit ok on the 1/2" mpt, and I added a plastic clamp thingy, not super tight, but firm on both sides of the tubing.

 

The thing with increasing or decreasing the ID of tubing is you loose flow in the progress. If you enlarge the ID then there is more water volume to move and the pump slows down some. With restricting ID then there is less water that can get through the tube. If it has 1/2" the keep it that size all the way to the skimmer. That is the best way to prevent head loss.
Have you been able to get a good skim yet?

 

Dont get rapped around the axle with water level. With the air off adjust the gate valve so the water is at the base of the clear water tower. Once stable. open the air valve to to 8 oclock and let it sit. adjust a little at a time. Have to be paient. It will work. I have a MAG 5 and is more then enough. Remember feeding also brings skimate to a stop, alongwith dose of AKL. If you have bubbles at the base of the tower there is nothing wrong with the skimmer.