Recirculating ASM

[reefmedic]

So after some time of reading what kind of upgrades are available for my skimmer I decided to do a modified gate valve (had to settle for a ball valve), and the recirculating mod. I got the info from this site http://www.asmskimmer.com/mod2.htm. I found that the labor only took about an hour prob less and didn't cost that much. So here are some pics of what I did.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q155/fosterspf/IMG_0887.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q155/fosterspf/IMG_0889.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q155/fosterspf/IMG_0891.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q155/fosterspf/IMG_0892.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q155/fosterspf/IMG_0895.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q155/fosterspf/IMG_0896.jpg

After the mod the skimmer seems to be producing twice as much skimate than before.

[LotsaFishies]

nice mod, and good documentation!

[Direct Marine]

fo best performance you will need a gate valve, way more adjustable then a ball valve, LMK if you need one I can order them

[dvincent]

I like the power head feed pump idea, what size did you use? and how did you determine that size? would like to do this mod on mine. Darrin

[reefmedic]

Hey Jerehmy how much are those gate valves cause I cant find them anywhere. The biggest I can find is 1 1/2".

[reefmedic]

I like the power head feed pump idea, what size did you use? and how did you determine that size? would like to do this mod on mine. Darrin

Well I got the size off of the asm link from above, but the just plummed their tank to sump hose directly into the skimmer. I used a MJ 1200. I suppose you could use any size you want. The more water you have flowing through the skimmer the less contact time it has. So far it seems to be working out well for me. Sure I will mod yours for you if you want. Just need it a day so the silicone can set. What size skimmer do you have?

[reefmedic]

Thanks Chris.

[jrlafrance]

Just out of curiosity, what benefit is the recirculating mod? It looks interesting, I've looked into it for my Euro-Reef skimmer also.

[dvincent]

Well I got the size off of the asm link from above, but the just plummed their tank to sump hose directly into the skimmer. I used a MJ 1200. I suppose you could use any size you want. The more water you have flowing through the skimmer the less contact time it has. So far it seems to be working out well for me. Sure I will mod yours for you if you want. Just need it a day so the silicone can set. What size skimmer do you have?
Thanks for the offer, I am currently building a new skimmer with a recirc, and will probably use your feed pump design, thanks for the info. Darrin

[MichaelRyanSD]

Just out of curiosity, what benefit is the recirculating mod? It looks interesting, I've looked into it for my Euro-Reef skimmer also.

It keeps the water inside the chamber longer, thus giving the skimmer more time to actually skim out the crap...but as mentioned earlier, since your main pump is basically sucking from and pushing it into the chamber itself...you need a way of introducing water from your aquarium into the skimmer...thus a feed pump mod is necessary....

BTW...not to steal your thunder, but you really do need a Gate Valve and not a ball valve, the whole purpose of that mod is so you can "fine-tune" the water height withing the chamber/neck of your skimmer better then using the stock "rising tube"...IMO that ball valve is going to be way more problematic then you then you think when it comes to fine-tuning it....

[MichaelRyanSD]

heres some pics for reference
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb209/Michaelryansd/_MG_2024.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb209/Michaelryansd/_MG_2026.jpg

[lth03]

Here is the picture of my G1 modded with sedra 3500,no gate valve add on,I modded it get direct feed from drain system via 1" slip connection,I ran it on both 110 tall and 120 gallon tank and it did a great job on them.

[jrlafrance]

Very creative thinking there Ith03! I like that idea very much.

BTW, that picture almost looks like it was taken in a prison cell! LOL, j/k!

Here is the picture of my G1 modded with sedra 3500,no gate valve add on,I modded it get direct feed from drain system via 1" slip connection,I ran it on both 110 tall and 120 gallon tank and it did a great job on them.

[reefmedic]

Yeah I looked all over Temecula for one and couldn't find a gate valve. At least not in a 1 3/4". Might see if I can adapt a 1 1/2" to work. Hopefully it wont restrict the water too much.

[JimLish]

I got the gate valve for my G-3 at tru-value (in San Marcos, but most should have it) for $12 or $13. I think they had both the slip and threaded valves.

[reefmedic]

Oh thank you very much I will look into that.

[dc_909]

Hanks Hardware didn't have any gate valves?

[reefmedic]

I didn't see any. That was the first place that I went.

[Live Water Aquariums]

As far as I know there is no such thing as 1 3/4" pvc. that may be your problem, you want to look for 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" on some asm models, that may be your problem. You can order them from any online supplier (custom aquatic, marine depot...) the gate valve gives you great control. I've done the gate valve mod on many skimmers without the recirc. upgrade and it really helps fine tune exactly how you want your skimmate.

[mramc3]

heres some pics for reference
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb209/Michaelryansd/_MG_2024.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb209/Michaelryansd/_MG_2026.jpg

Mike,
I am trying to do the same thing that you are as I want the output to go into a filter sock. I have a G1 from Hung and if I just simply plumb it up and over, it will be too high for skimming effectively. What is that tube that you have that regulates the water height and how did you put it together?

After looking at your mod, it seems the next logical besides me raising my skimmer on an egg crate platform about 2-3".

Jeff

[JimLish]

BTW- I actually got mine at Ace Hardware on Grand Ave in San Marcos (not tru value as I had previously stated) and I believe it was 1 1/4" for the G-3. Ace has a surprisingly good variety of sch 80 and sch 40 fittings.