time switch for my skimmer

mucky1957 · Jan 12, 2014

hi

I run a 240 lt reef tank and have just put in my first skimmer. I don't have a sump so am using an internal hang on one. The tank is open topped with the lights hung from the ceiling. I want to know if I can run my skimmer on a time switch !!. It is the main room / tv room in the house and we sit here most evenings. The skimmer isn't quiet and the noise is annoying. Help please.

Reefing Madness · Jan 12, 2014

No reason you can't run it on a timer. What kind is it that its loud as an internal?

NC2WA · Jan 12, 2014

there are several HOB skimmer that come to my mind that are quiet that can be run 24x7..what model do u currently have?

mucky1957 · Jan 12, 2014

hi guys..thanks for the replies.

I am using a small skimmer for now...I know I need bigger..but something is better than nothing..I have a fluval PS1.

The problem is I want the tank to be 100% quiet. I am running an internal filter..an external jbl 9000...three powerheads and they are all as quiet as the grave.

No sump or refigium so the skimmer has to go inside the tank..not a huge amount of space either.

It has been running for 4 days now and is pulling out lots of brown wet skim..fantastic...but..it does hum and there is a tiny bit of viration. The problem is..when sitting in the room and it is quiet...it is no longer quiet..

Reefing Madness · Jan 12, 2014

No skimmer is completely quiet, just the nature of the beast. Mine is super quiet, but in a completely quiet room, you can hear the air water stirring up.

mucky1957 · Jan 12, 2014

yes..thats what I thought. I doubt with my situation that what I want doesn't exists...better get some earplugs..

thanks

match69 · Feb 2, 2014

Hi mucky1957...Sorry only just seen your post. If you are still using the Fluval PS1 you could try using the tip I posted on here :-

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...3307-fluval-ps1-skimmer-minimizing-noise.html

or just search :- fluval ps1

Basically the pump rattles inside the housing causing the whole skimmer to vibrate. This is worse on the Fluval Sea M90, this skimmer being part of that system. In that case the whole cabinet vibrates in sympathy.
It involves splitting the two halves of the skimmer and putting some filter mat or what-have-you on either side of the pump to minimise the vibrations. The link has more details. I don't know what mileage you will get on your system but it makes a deal of difference on my M90. Hope this helps.
Any questions, just ask.
Regards,
Mark.

mucky1957 · Feb 3, 2014

hi Mark,

thanks for this. Funnily enough I took the unit apart and checked the impeller. Then I put the two pieces back together and bound the whole thing with black insulating tape. There is a noise but it is pretty much silent now....and it doesn't half remove some rubbish from the tank.

JMSKI333 · Feb 3, 2014

You could also try putting a mouse pad between the skimmer and the tank. I've heard that helps keep down the vibration.

mucky1957 · Feb 3, 2014

thanks. worth trying.

match69 · Feb 3, 2014

Hi mucky1957
I also just realised that I haven't had the water deep enough in my tank. There are two lines on the side, min and max water level, which i noticed when unpacking then forgot all about, Doh!! But saying that, I have raised my water level to just above minimum and the water level is now above the top of the weirs in the back of the M90, a tank which it is sold with; Go figure! I know you don't use yours with the M90 so this wouldn't matter to you.
As you say it does remove some muck. Though mine was only 3/8" out it may perform even better.
Thanks for your post, it made me take a look at mine and set it correctly; only a month late, since setting up the tank ;-)
Regards,
Mark.