Jorge Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 Anyone know of a way I can measure air pull on my bb5k? I don't think my skimmer is skimming as good as it should. Before I go ordering a new pump does anyone know of a way I can test it? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 Yes, you'd need a dwyer flow meter similar to the one I have on my calcium reactor. Needs to be in correct units though. How are you going to know if your results are good or bad though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted April 27, 2015 Author Share Posted April 27, 2015 Hi Bill, reef octopus claims the pump air draw at 2100 l/ph. I'm thinking maybe hook up a flow meter to the air inlet? I know I will most likely not see exactly what they claim but if its too far from those numbers then its probably time for a replacement. I've noticed the micro bubbles within the skimmer body are not as fine as they used to be. I'm going to try and reduce the turbulence in the body and increase contact time to see if that helps. However I'd still like to test the pump for air draw if possible.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 They are pretty cheap on eBay, for a BB5k you should get one that reads up to 100 Scfh and you can use it on other pumps in the future. The BB5k should be around 72 Scfh depending on any restrictions from the silencer or tubing. I recently discovered my silencer to be gunked up inside. I would check if it pulls harder if disconnected from the silencer. Also the inside of the volute can get pretty gunked up if not cleaned out well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted April 27, 2015 Author Share Posted April 27, 2015 Nice! I'll check them out.. I believe a vinegar bath is well overdue.. Been over 2 years without a cleaning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 Once you pick up a meter, they have female threads on the back. Grab the meter and head to home depot to find fittings to hook it up to your skimmer pump. The section that has small brass and plastic fittings is the place to look, same place the JG fittings are in (at least at our HD). Do a test with the pump disconnected from the skimmer as well as connected. Connected to the skimmer may lower the results. I learned this because BlueZ helped me as he was working on the DC12000 pin wheel. Good luck, it is a real problem, good thing you caught it. Hopefully the vinegar bath puts you back in business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted April 28, 2015 Author Share Posted April 28, 2015 I was a little busy today but I did get to clean my skimmer, change uv bulbs and water change. I'll be looking into a flow meter now that I have something to work with. Thanks for the help gentlemen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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