Ok New pictures. I have it re-piped, sealed and running on my system. I just don't have a big enough pump on it yet. Even with this pump it creates a pretty good foam head although not in these pics as I was messing with it. Still considering what pump to look for, plus I am interested to see what production I can get out of this.

   

  

For Bill

Found a heck of a valve at Iowa Pool and Supply

That thing is awesome Joel!!!! Looks like it could use some more air though. Maybe add some recerc pumps?

Yup, definitely need more pump. But that will maybe have to wait a bit for funds. I am thinking of trying an EcoPlus 4950 from Aquacave. Anyone have any experience with Ecoplus?

I got a Reeflo Dart sitting in my basement not being used...but it has a 2" output and the pump you were looking at has a 1.5" I assume that must be a factor in your pump selection. The Dart is 3600 GPH vs the 4900 GPH from the other pump you're looking at. The Dart does use way less power (about 100 watts less). Let me know if you're interested in it and I'll shoot you a good price.

--AJ

PM Sent

I am also considering using two MAG 18 as I have one. Hmmm decisions decisions. I have to change though, this is not enough flow as it is.

What kind of pump do you have powering it now?

--AJ

A dolphin 4500 but it is my main system pump that sends flow through three 1/2" and one 3/4" pipe to my tanks. I figure I am getting about 1500-1800 GPH as it is similar to when I hook up just my mag 18. So I am thinking I need about 3600 with high head pressure. The 3600 fits the dart but head is a little low at 13 feet. It does list 1.5" discharge online, is yours 2"?

One advantage is it could be a backup pump for my system pump if it were to fail. So that is a huge advatage?? It also only draws 150 watts, another advantage to two mag 18's. But I also have to tear down my sump and drill it or upgrade my sump. Hmmm another advantage, upgrading my sump!

No, you're right...the intake is 2", discharge is 1.5" I was getting them confused. Are you planning to upgrade your main return pump to power everything? Skimmer, and all three tanks? Or are you planning to put a dedicated pump on the skimmer and leave your existing return pump in place? I would not use a Dart for replacing your main return pump...I don't think it would give you the pressure you need. That being said, I love the Reeflo pumps. I use a Reeflo Tarpon for my return pump and love it. It's a pressure rated pump and I think I have about 15 feet of head pressure on it. It gives me about 600 GPH actual flow to my tank (I measured when I set my tank up). Great pumps. Quiet, low power utilization and reliable.

--AJ

No the dart is smaller than my current return pump. But that is one consideration I have is to upgrade the system pump, but I would really have to go large like the Dolphin 6700. I like the idea of using the dart on the skimmer and then if my main pump goes out I can shut down the skimmer and put the dart in for the short term till I get my Dolphin repaired. I have been living on borrowed time not having a backup system pump. If it goes I will be scrambling. So I will have to give it more thought.

Dont wanna jump ajs sale here but if a reeflo hammerhead fits your sytem better I have one sitting idle in the garage.

No hard feelings here...I was just mentioning what I had sitting around. A Hammerhead would be a better pump for the job considering the significantly higher GPH...

--AJ

Have you thought about skipping the venturi's and going with a dart needle wheel, askoll, or the Bubble Blaster pumps? How much head do you have above the skimmer inputs?

Hi Ryan, I have considered it. But I heard people have had problems with head pressure on the Dart needle wheel large skimmers. I understand spazz had a bunch of trouble with his Volcanoes. I have thought that could be an expensive mistake.

I am VERY interested on your take on this though. It is a 10" cylinder with 2 feet above the two outputs plumbed with 1" bulkheads. The outputs are also 3' off the floor. They have unions on them so I can do pretty much whatever I want. I guess I could buy a needle wheel impeller for AJ's Dart. I have built venturis before, but not that large?? I imagine they sell that as well though.

Aquacave lists the Reeflo Orca (Dart Needle Wheel) at 36" of Skimmer height (water head pressure) with venturi only and 84" with an air pump. That sounds more like back pressure then head. Head would be 3' and back pressure 2' but they may equate to the same thing I guess.

The Bubble Blaster 5000 lists 600 GPH and 2100 LPH air. That sounds like good air but not enough flow or pressure to get those bubble shot to the bottom of the skimmer. ???

Rick you around to give opinions on this.

Sorry Joel just saw your post!! For your first question, the uni seals work great just make sure the hole you cut is clean and smooth.

For your second question, (This is what I would do) go with the dart needle wheel. Use it as a recirculating pump, you will have way to much head pressure if you mount the pump at the base, so mount the pump up higher. by having the pump mounted up high you wont have all the back pressure trying to push on the air inlet. In fact if you mount the pump just bellow the waterline you intend on running in the skimmer (6"-10" below it) you will get the best performance out of the skimmer!!

Not only will the pump not have to work as hard to suck in the air you will gain lots of dwell time as the injected air and water must travel down the tube to get to the skimmer body!!! WOT WOT!!  

Just my two cents!! Good luck!

Thanks Rick. But if I mount the pump up high it will have to suck water up ~3 feet then have two feet of water back pressure. If I mount at the base it won't have to suck water up but will have 3 feet of head and two feet of back pressure. Which is better??

I was also going to ask you what I should drill my collection cup with. It is tiny in comparison to the skimmer so I want a drain. It appears to be 4"x3/8" acrylic. I was not sure if I need a hole saw or if a regular large drill or paddle bit will work without cracking.

I think my plan now will be to get AJ's Dart and mount for now using the venturi's. Then start getting together the needle wheel and venturi parts and retrofit it later. I will plumb it to make this an easy transition. This means I have to tear down my sump though to drill it. For anyone that has seen my sump you know this will be a chore since I have a frag tank sitting over it.

Posted By jtesdall on 07/16/2010 11:30 PM
Thanks Rick.But if I mount the pump up high it will have to suck water up ~3 feet then have two feet of water back pressure. If I mount at the base it won't have to suck water up but will have 3 feet of head and two feet of back pressure. Which is better??

I was also going to ask you what I should drill my collection cup with. It is tiny in comparison to the skimmer so I want a drain. It appears to be 4"x3/8" acrylic. I was not sure if I need a hole saw or if a regular large drill or paddle bit will work without cracking.

I think my plan now will be to get AJ's Dart and mount for now using the venturi's. Then start getting together the needle wheel and venturi parts and retrofit it later. I will plumb it to make this an easy transition. This means I have to tear down my sump though to drill it. For anyone that has seen my sump you know this will be a chore since I have a frag tank sitting over it.

 
If you use the dart as a recirculating pump and hook the out put of the Dart to the upper input of the skimmer, as long as the Dart is below the water line of the skimmer, gravity will force feed the pump water from the base of the skimmer. (you will need to put a tee in the line just before the pool valve to feed the Dart) remember you will still be using your display return pump to feed the second venturi and adjust the water level in the skimmer, the dart is only a means to inject the air into the water.  

For drilling your cup, I would use a hole saw. Use a drill bit as the last resort. either way just let the bit do the work dont force it!!!

Hmmmm, very interesting idea. But the inputs on the skimmer are only 1"?? That isn't big enough for the Dart is it?? I know it won't hurt but it would dramatically reduce flow??? I could hook the dart to both inputs and feed the skimmer through the other outlet on the skimmer?? One great thing, I wouldn't have to pull and drill my sump!

I am also wondering how I would support the pump up in the air like that. Maybe the PVC connections are enough support???

BTW, the Uniseal is working great. I did surround it with plumbers goop though just in case.

Ryan, whered ya go?? I would like your opinions on this as well.

Posted By jtesdall on 07/17/2010 09:41 AM
Hmmmm, very interesting idea. But the inputs on the skimmer are only 1"?? That isn't big enough for the Dart is it?? I know it won't hurt but it would dramatically reduce flow??? I could hook the dart to both inputs and feed the skimmer through the other outlet on the skimmer?? One great thing, I wouldn't have to pull and drill my sump!

I am also wondering how I would support the pump up in the air like that. Maybe the PVC connections are enough support???

No 1-1" would be to much restriction but 2-1" would be OK. I think it would work great and give you better control of your skimmer.

1. you can slow down the feed rate from the display pump to the skimmer.
2. which will give you more flow to you're display tank.
3. will give you less turbulence in the skimmer, making more dwell time and a steadier foam head!

I would just make a small stand out of wood, or put it on a cabinet then you can store stuff in it.

hope this helps.