MR-2 Skimmer?

[PalmTree]

I've had my MR-2 w/ single old style becket for a little over a year now and I've got very mixed feelings about it. I have the skimmer running external and raised about 3 inces above the height of the sump. The water returns back into the sump area by a 1.5" bulkhead installed on the side of the glass. When it is functioning the way it is suppose to its great. Pulls out tons of crap out of the water etc. It is however very tempermental. I've noticed that the levels inside the skimmer fluctuates quite a bit. It can be fine one hour and then extremely low the next. When it does hover on the low side all the excess waste becomes caked on the colum slowing down the skimmer's performance. I have the model with the quick release which in my opinion is a waste of money because you need gorilla sized hands to screw it on and off. I've tried all types of AS SEEN ON TV devices to loosen and tighten the union at no avail. Its easier to take the whole thing apart. I was wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions or similar/diffrent experiences with this skimmer. Maybe I am doing something wrong. Enlighten me! :tongue1:

 

[kimoyo]

I've had issues with the air outlet from my collection cup. If my foam drops the first thing I look at is where the air is getting exhausted. If water gets trapped in the hose from my collection cup (I vent my collection cup outside) or the water gets too close to the top it will create back pressure and drop the foam.

Also, if that bulkhead installed on your water return is below the water that could also be the issue. You need a vent somewhere in the outlet plumbing and if it is installed underwater, the water level can't vary.

 

[cali_reef]

Throw that POS MRC in the garbage and get a Barr Aquatic Skimmer:lol2:..

 

[meschaefer]

Throw that POS MRC in the garbage and get a Barr Aquatic Skimmer:lol2:..

After reading Palm Tree's posts, I was waiting for Cali to chime in. Actually anytime I see anything regarding MRC Skimmers, I can only think of Cali's stong opinion on the matter.

 

[cali_reef]

After reading Palm Tree's posts, I was waiting for Cali to chime in. Actually anytime I see anything regarding MRC Skimmers, I can only think of Cali's stong opinion on the matter.

You know it:lol2:

I will always remember the ones that really goes out of their way to screw me over, but all these years in the hobby I can only think one that has done this to me with malice.

 

[RGibson]

You mean that you and Andy are not friends?

 

[bad coffee]

Do you have a gate valve on the output? I'd start by controlling the water level in the skimmer.

B

 

[PalmTree]

I kind of remember someone not being a fan of MRC and guess it was Cali. HAHA.. I do have a gate valve installed and I don't believe that is the problem. I can have it dialed in just fine and it will work great for days and all of the sudden it will just drop the level down so that no foam can spill over. I will def look into adding a vent on the output inside the sump but again I don't think that is the problem. My sump level remains constant as long as I don't shut my pump off obviously.

 

[kimoyo]

I looked at the instruction on the MRC site but I think these might be a little better. http://www.barraquatic.com/super_skim_instruct.php. Its a different skimmer but the installation is the same.

I do have a gate valve installed and I don't believe that is the problem. I can have it dialed in just fine and it will work great for days and all of the sudden it will just drop the level down so that no foam can spill over. I will def look into adding a vent on the output inside the sump but again I don't think that is the problem. My sump level remains constant as long as I don't shut my pump off obviously.

Then I would look at the way the air is exhausting from the skimmer, specifically the collection cup.

Any pics of your setup?

 

[PalmTree]

Cali was right! I should have gotten a Barr Aquatics! The instructions on MRC suck! It is missing tons of information and after reading it the first time all I had were questions. I am going to look into the T-fitting on the output side of the skimmer. I really don't think that is the problem though. I'm starting to get the impression that the beckets clog up very frequently and I find myself taking them apart every 3 to 4 weeks. There is also a hard calcium like deposit on the outside of the becket behing the housing if that makes any sense. After I celan it all up the things is good as new. I have pics of my entire set up in my tank thread. Thanks for all the responses. At least I know I'm not crazy!

 

[PalmTree]

 

[PalmTree]

I know the pic is from a distance but I think you kind of get the idea. Only diffrence is that I have droped down to 1 becket because the second one was damaged and started leaking.

 

[cali_reef]

Quality MRC products:lol2:

Is the outlet of the skimmer submerged with normal water level??

 

[PalmTree]

HAHA I know right? I should have taken it as a hint. Right now the bulkhead is about 1 1/2 inches below the water level. I have an auto top off so the water remains at a constant level.

 

[cali_reef]

You should try putting a T at where the water enters the sump, this may help keeping the water level in the skimmer consistant. You need to vent that line so as the water exit the skimmer, it is not "pulling" more water out of the skimmer.

 

[PalmTree]

Yeah I think I'm going to give it a shot. Pseudo recommended doing the same. Do you think I should stick to 1.5" fittings or should I go up one size larger?

 

[PalmTree]

Funny thing happened a week and a half ago. The skimmer all of the sudden just started working flawlesslly!

 

[steve68]

i was also going to sugest the T on the output side.
i keep the water level in my MR-2 high & yes the huge Union on the neck is a waste of money i have not used it from day one, barraquatics skimmers are sweet they have more options that make a lot more sence.

 

[PalmTree]

I'm kicking myself in the butt for not picking up a Barraquatics! Well at least everything is okay now. Hopefully it stays that way!