Sump question. Shark?

[Domboski]

I have been the lucky recipient of a free acrylic sump and in sump skimmer.
The only problem is I have never set up a sump before. I know I am missing a pump among other things. My question is, Has anyone heard of an acrylic sump branded "Shark"?

I will show pictures later but I was hoping to run from work and pick up the parts then set it up! I know...... I am anxious!!

 

[Krish]

Never heard of it, but pics will help determine what you will need

 

[Brenden]

Agree with Krish (just smacked myself) A pic is all we need. Sumps are really simple.

 

[Domboski]

Ok. Here are the images.

 

[Brenden]

From what I see the piece with the PVC elbow goes on top of the higher part of the sump instead of the one it is laying on in pic. That is your input from the tank overflow. Water goes throught the drip tray and into your media (rubble, bio-balls) The other side with the 3 holes is for heaters etc. It looks like the larger hole is a return from the skimmer. The other two is for a skimmer intake and return line to main tank. Looks like they just used putty to stick the skimmer return into the sump. A disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Domboski]

Do you think there is any hope for the skimmer? It seems to be missing some parts.

 

[LakeEd]

Do you think there is any hope for the skimmer? It seems to be missing some parts.

Domboski,

That skimmer looks like an ETSS-750 (Same model I have). ETSS no longer makes this skimmer, but in comparison, check out their ETSS-800, for tank size ratings etc.

Yes, it is missing a few pieces, most you can pick up at Home Depot or Lowe's. For the nyloc thumb screws you're missing... those are quick pickups at either HD or Lowe's.

Both of your risers are missing their air intake sections. Originally, this unit comes with a Venturi type input. You can easily convert them to Beckett type inputs also.

I would suggest you contact "Skimerwhisperer" (Mark) and I'm sure he can help you with any and all of the various ideas for this skimmer.

Here is a picture of mine prior to my conversion to a Beckett;
]

 

[Domboski]

Thanks LakeEd!! I wll contact mark. I tried setting up the sump yesterday (without the skimmer) and I failed miserably. I am somewhat emarrassed since most people say it is easy to set up a sump and I am seem to have trouble. I've always used above the tank refugiums (DIY).

 

[Skimmy]

wow, that skimmer has seen better days, heh...
but these are pretty sweet skimmers when up and running with the right pump. one of their best designs.
the worst thing is someone tried to duct tape the old injectors on, it will suck cleaning that tape gunk off...and it looks as though one injector is missing all together....
but it doesnt look like there are any cracks or non repairable damage
i would suggest cleaning it with some vinegar and a plastic bottle brush.
heat the vinegar in the microwave to hot, not boiling, it will work better.
then, when clean, you can get a good idea what were working with here.
yup, it loks like you need some vinyl 1/4" screws, a 1/2 drain fitting for the collection cup, 1 injector, 1 air imput for the existing injector, a gate valve for the skimmer output, as suggested, you could also modify with new beckett injectors.
i would try calling the factory first and check on avalibility of parts, and ask them the best advice for repairing/modifying.
here's their #'s
AE Tech
72 Maple St., Beacon, NY 12508
Phone: 845 838-9044 845 838-9463
Fax: 845 838-9301
E-Mail: [email protected]

 

[LakeEd]

I think the "Duct-Tape-Mod" must of been something common on these, since that is the way I received my used 750 also (as you can see in the picture I attached). They do clean up, but do take some elbow greast... not bad though.

After my move is over, if you're still working on this Domboski, I'll see if I still have my original injectors, and if I do, would be happy to send them to you.

 

[Domboski]

That would be awesome LakeED! I sent an email to the manufacturer last weekend. I haven't received anything back yet. I picked up some pieces from Home Depot including my own contraption for injectors in case I could not find the originals (see picture). I know I need to clean but before I tortured myself I wanted to make sure I could get the parts

 

[Skimmy]

thats cool, he just saved you probably $20-30 per injector
although the one your making looks pretty good, any shots of the underside of the injector your building?

 

[Domboski]

Here you go. It doesn't fit in completely snug. I'll have to find a way to seal it.

 

[Domboski]

Bump..................................

 

[shallowreef]

i use to have that sump. I didn't like it because it was too small and hard to work in. I switched to a 20gal tank, much easier to use.

 

[LakeEd]

Here you go. It doesn't fit in completely snug. I'll have to find a way to seal it.

Worse case... use Teflon tape over the top of the fitting that is slipping down over... layer upon layer of it. It will build it up, and makes for a VERY snug fit.

 

[Skimmy]

yeah that injector looks like it will work great.
one little trick i can offer you is to drill the air hole to accomodate a john guest speed fit threaded air valve, so you can control the air going through the injector. etss says to run it wide open but i feel they work much better when throttled back a little.

 

[Domboski]

This may seem like a silly question but how exactly does the injector work? It seems this model has both injectors come together as one and I imagine that is where the water flow runs. Do I have to use an air filter for the air intake?

 

[Domboski]

Were you able to create a decent refugium with it? I was thinging of putting Chaeto instead of bio balls and trying to Make the drilled side a refuge.

 

[Domboski]

I checked with AE Tech and they said this particular model skimmer has been out of production for 5 years and wouldn't be able to provide parts. I imagine a sales plow to get me to buy something else. I think he sensed a sucker on the phone (he is probably right). Anyway, I like the idea of reparing it myself and will continue to do so. I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks for being patient with all of my questions.