Coralife Super Skimmer Modded - Cheap

[jvswan]

Lately I've been struggling with nitrates in my tank. I've also noticed a corresponding increase in my expletive output while trying to keep my Coralife Super Skimmer 125 working reliably and consistently. A week ago I finally put the two observations together.

So, while I wait for my Microbacter7 to arrive, I decided to do something about my skimmer. As yet, I can't really afford to upgrade my skimmer. Besides, I need to build a hood first, so that I can dismantle the ghetto framework holding my MH lights precariously over my tank. But, that's another post...

I realize my skimmer is operating at the outside edge of its effective envelope on my 145 gallon system (display tank + sump). But, my tank isn't really heavily stocked, either. So, I did some searching for Super Skimmer mods. Since the mesh mods didn't seem to be too successful with the SS, I decided to try the wire mod. I dug out some 4X tippet left over from my trout fishing days (6lb test), and after cleaning out my skimmer pump, I wrapped that stuff all around the needle wheel impeller. I tried to be more-or-less symetrical in my wrapping. I probably put on about 16" or so of the stuff. Two layers deep. Then, after tying it off, I put it all back togther again.

The result? Some thicker foam. Seemed like the bubbles were smaller. The foam was very much like what you might expect to see on top of a good German beer. Ok. Not bad. But, the level continued to fluctuate, and it was still hard to dial in the right balance of air and water.

Next step, I plugged an air pump into the air line to the skimmer pump. Not sure if that is indicated, but in this instance, there was an interesting phenomenon... The water/foam level stabilized. I was able to dial back my water level control. I ended up with nice, consistent skimming with the water level right at the bottom of the collection cup.

Not content to stop there, I decided to try a $.67 air valve I got from my LFS. I put it between the air line port and the air pump. I dialed it down to about half-open and found that it seemed to create a little thicker head of foam. Not much, but noticeable.

So, after running for almost a week, the skimmer was running and collecting and didn't overflow once (which was a weekly occurence during the last couple of months, or so). In fact, I really haven't had to mess with it at all. I dumped it this morning, and the skimmate was definitely darker than I am used to, but it was still liquidy. But, there was some thick, gooey, greenish-brown sludge at the bottom of the collection cup and stuck inside the neck of the cup. I don't normally see that. So, all in all, I'd say the skimmer is working quite a bit better than it has worked before. I think I'll probably upgrade my "wire" to something a little thicker, like 8lb tippet, next time I get into it. The 6lb just seemed to fine.

Anyway, just thought some folks might have a Coralife Super Skimmer and might be wondering what they can do to make it work a little better. I'd recommend the wire mod, or a mesh mod if you have the stuff. I'd also recommend an air valve and maybe an airpump. It seems to be working better for me.

[JoeCreature]

Nice DIY fix. I had to do something similar with my dad's visi-jet skimmer. It's as though the pump is not strong enough to pull a good even flow of air through the venturi but adding the air pump seems to negate that.

[HulaDad]

Check this site out, it has some cool mods for the coralife super skimmer... I have the 65 version.....

Modifing the Coralife Super Skimmer CSS | Tyler Merrick

[jvswan]

Yeah, it is helping. I saw Tyler's blog. Tonight I'm going to hook up a PVC outflow extension and drop it into the diffuser box with some carbon. Hope to see some more bubbles due to less backpressure in my overflow tube. We'll see.

[James Smith]

I did not get that complicated on mine. I just took a drill and made the opening larger where the airline feeds in to the pump. It seemed very small on my super skimmer and as soon as I did that I got much more foam and it seemed to work a lot better.

[jvswan]

Ah! See, you got to use a power tool. You get bonus points for that mod!!! Wish I had thought of that. I'm not sure how I would drill out that hole on mine, though. It is kind of a nipple arrangement that extends into the water intake tube. I think trying to drill it out would destroy the nipple, and hence the connection for the airline tube. I'm going to think about it, though...

[James Smith]

I just used a very small drill bit and kept moving in a circular motion around the nipple removing a little at a time. Can't say I was not worried about breaking the nipple off, but all went well.