[Poseidon]

I am currently running a MR-2 skimmer, and I have been very happy with it. What I am contimplating is either adding the second Beckett injector that I already have, but have not been using because it would require me to run a second pump. (I have an Iwaki 70 now, it runs the skimmer, UV, Chiller, and RETURN!) Or I have been thinking of adding an extension tube to the reaction chamber. If I add the extension tube, I won't have to add another pump, and this should increase the contact time to make the skimmer more effective.

Cost is also a consideration. I have the second beckett, and I have a BlueLine 55 that I could use to run the return from the sump to free up the 70 to drive just the skimmer. This option adds 190 watts to my electric bill every month though. If I go with the second beckett, I don't have any upfront cost, except PVC, and time redoing all the plumbing. If I add an extension tube, then I have to buy that tube, but there is no recurring cost. I could add 12" of reaction chamber easily, I have room for even more actually. (See picture)



So my question would be, which add on would be the most effective?

[Ixthys]

I think the answer is to add the 2nd injector. You've already got everything to do that, right? So no extra expenses.

[Poseidon]

Well that is half true. I have an extra pump that I could use for the return, BUT that does not mean it has no cost. The extra 190W of usage on my power bill defeats part of the reason I put the sump in the basement to begin with. (So the chiller wouldn't have to work so hard.) I am not saying that I won't hook up the other Beckett, but I would like some ideas on if that would be the MOST effective way to increase production given my options.

[Ixthys]

OK, check my math.

190w/hr x 24hr/day x 31days/mo = 141,360 w/mo

141,360w = 141kW

I pay .07 cents per kW

So 141kW x .07 = $9.87 per month to run your pump

Run it for a few months and see what you think before you trust one of us and spend $150 on a new riser.

Just my 2cents

[mungus728]

I voted larger reation chamber. The reason being any added reaction time in a high flow skimmer is a big plus. That and no addition electrical costs per month. You can always add the additional beckett and pump after the extension is installed.

Brian

[Ixthys]

OOOHHH, duh, I forgot to mention....

I run both dual becketts and a riser extension on my MR3 with a Blueline 100. I had no idea which one was the better add-on, so I did both!!!

The way I have things plumbed, I can't run 1 beckett alone, so I can't tell you anything about 1 vs 2. The riser did seem to help, but partly b/c I had such a darn powerful pump hooked to it.

[Poseidon]

Scott, Gene, George, Charlie, Steven? Do you guys have an opinion here?

[charlie]

Is there an option to add them both?? If not, add the extra chamber. With the new pump the availability is there!!!!

[RGibson]

You need only one beckett to run your skimmer and a Iwaki MD55RLT pump.The air outlet on the MRC skimmer is to small and cuts the out put of the skimmer.One beckett and a md55rlt pump with a 8 in dia riser will take care of a 300 gal reef with room to spare.

[RGibson]

The trouble with the drain on the collection cup is that it lets out the waste fine but not the air.A 1/2 in barb fitting and 1/2 in hose is what is needed to get the air out of the skimmer.If you want to see what a big different it can make take the lid off the collection cup and see the skimmer pick up speed.Do not leave the skimmer this way if you are not going to be close by.

[RGibson]

My own MRC skimmer is 36 in high with a box 5 3/4 high and a 8 in dia tube and a 12 in dia collection cup .one beckett with a Iwaki 55RLT pump.The pump takes 155 watts per hour,and the skimmer runs 24/7. One last thing about skimmer it has the Bubble Lift cleaning system it keeps the riser going into collection cup clean .

[Ixthys]

RGibson,
What is a Bubble Lift cleaning system? Do you have a link?

[RGibson]

The Bubble Lift cleaning system is a device that is on the outside of a MRC skimmer that cleans the tube that is in side the collection cup.There are no moving parts inside the skimmer to make it work and it can be added to a MRC skimmer that you have. The size of the skimmer makes no different to the Bubble Lift .The Bubble Lift will increase the out put of your skimmer by keeping the riser tube going into the cup clean. You will need to talk to Andy MRC about getting one.

[Poseidon]

Thanks RGibson, that makes sense, it does draw a lot of air in, thats for sure.

I also am curious about the bubble lift, is it similar to a "wet neck" that another skimmer uses?

[Poseidon]

LOL! Thanks for that explanation!

[RGibson]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

Thanks RGibson, that makes sense, it does draw a lot of air in, thats for sure.

I also am curious about the bubble lift, is it similar to a "wet neck" that another skimmer uses?

It not like a wet neck ,i have it running for some time on my skimmer and it has work well

[Ixthys]

Originally Posted by RGibson

The Bubble Lift cleaning system is a device that is on the outside of a MRC skimmer that cleans the tube that is in side the collection cup.There are no moving parts inside the skimmer to make it work and it can be added to a MRC skimmer that you have. The size of the skimmer makes no different to the Bubble Lift .The Bubble Lift will increase the out put of your skimmer by keeping the riser tube going into the cup clean. You will need to talk to Andy MRC about getting one.

I wrote to Andy and he denies having made one. Are you sure you've got the right company?

Is this something I could DIY?

[RGibson]

yes

[Ixthys]

Can you expand on that answer?