DC pump on skimmer?
- Thread starter GugsJr
- Start date
GugsJr
TeamCR
I ordered the 4s with the cable for my apex
#theMatrix
Active member
I dont truly see a point of a DC pump on a skimmer. Either skim or not. Skim wet or skim dry.
What's the point of the DC? Skim less? Skim more?
Isn't the goal to get a skimmer that is similar or more to what your tank volume is?
On off, simple
I think DC pumps are a gimmick. Even on a return, on off simple. Do people really turn them down? Like...Oh let me test seems my. Nitrates are too high let let me lower the skim setting on the DC pump...
Ok
What's the point of the DC? Skim less? Skim more?
Isn't the goal to get a skimmer that is similar or more to what your tank volume is?
On off, simple
I think DC pumps are a gimmick. Even on a return, on off simple. Do people really turn them down? Like...Oh let me test seems my. Nitrates are too high let let me lower the skim setting on the DC pump...
Ok
GugsJr
TeamCR
They actually have a few nice features you can program with an Apex.
1. After you do a cleaning you can set it to skim lower then normal then ramp it up to it's normal setting. Instead of having to check it and manually adjust it once it "breaks in"
2. slow down the pump during a feed mode ( instead of off ) so you can still skim while the pump is off so you don't overflow your collection cup not to mention ramping it up as well.
some added benefits, they are quieter and use less electricity.
since I had to replace the pump either way why not.
There are other benefits with a return pump as well. By themselves I can see why they wouldn't be that great with a controller there are a lot of options with them.
Well I like to be able to control the flow and for me that makes having a DC pump worth it. Not to mention they start at a slow rpm then ramp up. I like that too. The biggest pro would be they are more efficient than AC pumps. anything easier on my electric bill I love it. Who does not like a break in the electric bill lol. I also forgot if you have an Apex controller which I don't some DC pumps like the Varios will connect to your Apex. I might get one down the line but right now I like just being able to go to my controller and hitting the + or - to give more flow or to take some away.
#theMatrix
Active member
The problem I saw with DC on a return. Was that at higher settings it would drain the water lvl a lot lower....thus starting the ato so I kept it at setting number2. At 3...it would drain and suck In air and run dry.
This might be diff on my next tank with full drains so i can max out the pump.
The problem I saw. Was I wasn't draining fast enough to record water back up
Make sense?
This might be diff on my next tank with full drains so i can max out the pump.
The problem I saw. Was I wasn't draining fast enough to record water back up
Make sense?
GugsJr
TeamCR
Could it be that your drains couldn't keep up with the amount of flow the pump was putting out. I have a bean animal overflow and my ehiem 5000+ compact can't put out enough for the 2 drains I have going (1 full siphon, 1 durso, 1 emergency)
#theMatrix
Active member
And that's why I'm going with two full dursos on new set up. Creating a full siphon
GugsJr
TeamCR
Omg just installed the various 4s and wow, just wow. The bubbles it produces and it doesn't make a sound! My gf goes is the new pump working. Since its right next to our TV room. With the 3 returns my tank is quiet! I'll post a video later tonight after a few errands
#theMatrix
Active member
Is this varios with a needle impeller?
GugsJr
TeamCR
#theMatrix
Active member
Noticed you had both of the air silencers on the skimmer open. Did you loose one of the rubber caps?
GugsJr
TeamCR
Looks like the new pump has helped my pH as well. Since that's the only thing I've changed on my system.View attachment 22367