ASM G-3 Protien Skimmer

DRC Archive General Saltwater Discussion
1

I have heard some people talk about a, “Gate valve modification” that can be done to this skimmer to make it better??? I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the benefits are of doing this, what i need to make the mod, and how to do it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

2

On most skimmers a gate valve mod is just changing the way you adjust the flow through the skimmer. A gate valve gives you very precise adjustments with a quick response time to water height change. It doesn’t really change the performance of the skimmer, but makes it easier to adjust. The mesh wheel mod is where you replace the pump impeller with enkamat mesh, this chops the bubbles much smaller. With smaller bubbles there is more surface area for protein fractionating. When you combine this with a gate valve mod, it really pumps up the ability of a skimmer. I did the mesh mod on a bubble magus NAC6, big difference. It was a pain in the tooshie to adjust with the standard rotating output so I went back until I can get a gate valve.

3

[quote=“Scottman81, post:2, topic:5679”]
On most skimmers a gate valve mod is just changing the way you adjust the flow through the skimmer. A gate valve gives you very precise adjustments with a quick response time to water height change. It doesn’t really change the performance of the skimmer, but makes it easier to adjust.[/quote]

Well said.

4

I have very little experience with doing something like this do you know where I can get these items and how to make the modification to the skimmer

5

Here is the complete mod package.

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=45&category_id=11

6

Thanks Craig, one possibly stupid question. Why do you need a gate valve when you can just adjust the level of the skimmer by moving the outlet tube up and down?

7

Gate valve allows for fine tuning of your skim level, also no chance of bumping the tube and changing it, less noise / mess / chance of mess.

There is no rule that says you HAVE to gate valve mod it, I have just personally found it easier to adjust the skimmer to the exact level I want it and change it easily if I am so inclined.

8

Appreciate the answer just wonder why people do it. I’m thinking of doing the gate valve and mesh mods.

9

Craig do you have a picture of the gate valve installed on your skimmer I was thinking about making it myself.

10

I just had to go through 18 photobucket pages and I realized I don’t have one good enough to see any detail.

I’ll have to try to take one, I’ll be home next week in the evenings if you want to stop over to see it in person, but I’m headed away for the weekend tomorrow.

11

I haven’t forgotten and would still like to get over to see the skimmer mod. This week and next week are pretty busy at the moment. I will keep you posted. Thanks.