downdraft skimmer (ETSS) question

[eddi]

I am considering purchasing an ETSS 800 for my 360 gallon shark tank. My question is since it is a downdraft skimmer and the output is at the bottom, does anyone know whether it must be above the water line in the sump? I know it would be better, but will it cause a problem if it's not?

The skimmer is 26", the inside of my stand is 30" and my water line is 6"-8" so I will not be able to use it if it neds to be above it.

I hope that was clear enough.

Eddi

[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: eddi ]</p>

 

[reefland]

I have an ETS 800 with Iwaki MD55RLT and I'd say its under powered for a 180 gallon tank. I wouldn't even consider it on a tank the size your looking at. And a shark tank will have a high bio-load.

But to answer your question, yes it needs to be above the sump water level. I've never seen someone able to run an ETS 800 under a tank correctly unless they had some really high custom stand.

I run mine to the side of the tank.

 

[lionfish1]

I had an ETS, now it's in my closet, git a Lifereef VS3=36"

 

[lionfish1]

I had an ETS, now it's in my closet, I picked up a Lifereef VS3-36" this model can do 500gal tank, it's the best skimmer I have seen and used, and talk about quiet, you won't even know that you are running a skimmer it's so quiet, craftsmanship is superb, and it pulls out the thickest smelliest dirtiest crap I have ever seen, they are a bit pricey but worth every red cent, I wasted some of my money with the ETS should have known better, I know that my Lifereef will last me a long time, www.lifereef.com , cya and gl.

 

[AF Founder]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by eddi:
<strong>I am considering purchasing an ETSS 800 for my 360 gallon shark tank. My question is since it is a downdraft skimmer and the output is at the bottom, does anyone know whether it must be above the water line in the sump? I know it would be better, but will it cause a problem if it's not?

The skimmer is 26", the inside of my stand is 30" and my water line is 6"-8" so I will not be able to use it if it neds to be above it.

I hope that was clear enough.

Eddi

[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: eddi ]</strong><hr></blockquote>

Firstly, it needs to be above the sump, and secondly, the 800 is not sufficient for your needs. Get the model 1000, with the 60-inch stack and use it with an Iwaki 70-RLT. That is the kind of efficiency that you need with 360-gallon shark tank.
Terry

 

[eddi]

Thank you very much to everyone for all the responses. I had looked at the Lifereef line earlier, I guess I will take a second look.

Thanks again,

Eddi

 

[lionfish1]

You can't go wrong with a Lifereef, many happy customers me included, once I get my dig. camera Iwill post some pictures in action, of the skimmer that is

 

[coralite1]

I dont want to contest the efficiency of ETSS, i have used the gemini version of the model Mr. siegel suggested and they work very well at that. For the money and for the amount of energy used i truly believe that a long contact time standard counter current skimmer would be alot more efficient especially if used w/ an ozonizer. Consider a marine technicalo concept pro skimmer. i really like these skimmers because they use a recirculating pump within the skimmer for air production and the incoming water can be provided by the drain from th2 overflow. At the very least, i guarantee your water will be clearer and a little more germ free.