Aqua C Remora Problem

[sosgal721]

I have a Remora with the Mag3 pump that I can't get to work right. I have had it running for about a month but I have to suspend the collection cup way above the unit to prevent it from filling up with water. Even if I place the o-ring as far down on the collection cup as it will go before falling off, the cup will still fill with water in about 3 minutes.

I called AquaC the day that I set it up to see if I did something wrong, but they said that it was set up properly and that it was probably something in the water that prevented the bubbles from popping. They asked if I used any epoxies or chemicals in the tank in the tank (which I haven't) then suggested I switch water sources. Since I have an RO unit and it reads 000ppm I don't think that my water source is the problem. The only other things going into the water are Reef Crystals and food(frozen mysis, formula I,II, mysis flakes, freeze dried blood worms, and shrimp pellets).

I had a SeaClone 150 before that had the opposite problem, mainly that it put very little in the collection cup (and certainly not just water), until it decided to siphon a couple gallons of water onto the floor. Now it is a $100 powerhead in my freshwater tank.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

 

[TomToro]

I have a Remora with the Mag3 pump that I can't get to work right. I have had it running for about a month but I have to suspend the collection cup way above the unit to prevent it from filling up with water. Even if I place the o-ring as far down on the collection cup as it will go before falling off, the cup will still fill with water in about 3 minutes.

I called AquaC the day that I set it up to see if I did something wrong, but they said that it was set up properly and that it was probably something in the water that prevented the bubbles from popping. They asked if I used any epoxies or chemicals in the tank in the tank (which I haven't) then suggested I switch water sources. Since I have an RO unit and it reads 000ppm I don't think that my water source is the problem. The only other things going into the water are Reef Crystals and food(frozen mysis, formula I,II, mysis flakes, freeze dried blood worms, and shrimp pellets).

I had a SeaClone 150 before that had the opposite problem, mainly that it put very little in the collection cup (and certainly not just water), until it decided to siphon a couple gallons of water onto the floor. Now it is a $100 powerhead in my freshwater tank.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

Yes. I had to go down to an Hagen 802 and it finally settled down enough to foam. Until then I had a rio 1400 I think and it always filled with water even with the cup all the way up. Depending on the bioload, you can even go down to a maxi 1200 and have it work. At least mine did.

Also, I had to clean the 'spray nossle' with a 180 degree bend brush. Sometimes it gets clogged and sprays no bubbles.

HTH,
Tom

 

[sosgal721]

Yes. I had to go down to an Hagen 802 and it finally settled down enough to foam. Until then I had a rio 1400 I think and it always filled with water even with the cup all the way up. Depending on the bioload, you can even go down to a maxi 1200 and have it work. At least mine did.

Also, I had to clean the 'spray nossle' with a 180 degree bend brush. Sometimes it gets clogged and sprays no bubbles.

HTH,
Tom

So you are saying that there is too much flow(and bubbles) coming from the Mag 3? That certainly makes sense and I asked the AquaC guy about that, to which he replied "we have customers running a Mag 5 on it without a problem". I'll try restricting the flow on the pump to see if that changes anything. Thanks

 

[scottdwh]

Do you have a Remora or Remora Pro? The Remora uses just a Maxijet 1200 and the Pro takes a Mag 3. Maybe you have just the Remora w/ a Mag and its producing to much flow through the skimmer.

 

[TomToro]

So you are saying that there is too much flow(and bubbles) coming from the Mag 3? That certainly makes sense and I asked the AquaC guy about that, to which he replied "we have customers running a Mag 5 on it without a problem". I'll try restricting the flow on the pump to see if that changes anything. Thanks

I am saying that in my case that was the answer. Not sure about your situation. How's that for no-commitment?

I don't think there are too many bubbles coming from the mag 3 since the bubbles are supposed to come from the patented spray induction nossle within the skimmer. I think there might be too much flow. If it was me, I'd tee off the mag 3 and slowly valve the pump into the skimmer until I got the flow I needed. Very easy to do and only cost you around 8 bucks for the 3/4" valve and some hosing. I'd tee it off into the sump or back into the tank (whichever you have)so you don't put back pressure on the pump. Most say it doesn't matter about the back pressure shortening a pump's life, but I like to run a pump at it's full capacity instead of holding it back. Again, my opinion.

 

[sosgal721]

Do you have a Remora or Remora Pro? The Remora uses just a Maxijet 1200 and the Pro takes a Mag 3. Maybe you have just the Remora w/ a Mag and its producing to much flow through the skimmer.

I have the Remora Pro, forgot to mention that.

I am saying that in my case that was the answer. Not sure about your situation. How's that for no-commitment?

I don't think there are too many bubbles coming from the mag 3 since the bubbles are supposed to come from the patented spray induction nossle within the skimmer. I think there might be too much flow. If it was me, I'd tee off the mag 3 and slowly valve the pump into the skimmer until I got the flow I needed. Very easy to do and only cost you around 8 bucks for the 3/4" valve and some hosing. I'd tee it off into the sump or back into the tank (whichever you have)so you don't put back pressure on the pump. Most say it doesn't matter about the back pressure shortening a pump's life, but I like to run a pump at it's full capacity instead of holding it back. Again, my opinion.

I just assumed that as long as the spray nozzle was clean the amount of bubbles was directly related to flow. Either way that will be a good way to find out if too much flow is the problem.

 

[TomToro]

I have the Remora Pro, forgot to mention that.



I just assumed that as long as the spray nozzle was clean the amount of bubbles was directly related to flow. Either way that will be a good way to find out if too much flow is the problem.

I think you're right about the amount of bubbles. I didn't mean to come off as a knucklehead. I've got a couple of skimmers and I'm glad I've tee'd off the pump. It gives me a lot more control.
Good luck,
Tom

 

[sosgal721]

I think you're right about the amount of bubbles. I didn't mean to come off as a knucklehead. I've got a couple of skimmers and I'm glad I've tee'd off the pump. It gives me a lot more control.
Good luck,
Tom

I finally had a chance to do some experimenting and it looks like too much flow given my bioload might be the problem. I just did a simple experiment with a plastic bag slid partially over the sponge filter on the intake, but it wasn't stable enough to let run for a while since it kept moving. I think I am going to switch the mag 3 with my $100 powerhead in the freshwater tank since I don't have room to add any piping without moving some rocks first, then see how that goes.

 

[blasterman_]

When Remora's are over driven they will produce too many large bubbles and fill an extended collection cup. I had the same problem with one of mine until I used a lower volume pump.

Also, just because somebody uses brand X pump doesn't mean that pump works the same for somebody else. These things all vary a bit, and even more so when we take into account couplings, etc.

 

[Miss my puffer]

Sorry for interupting the post, just had to comment on the pretty marine Betta. What kind of aquarium are you keeping him, reef or fowlr? I just got a small one a week ago and put it in my reef (no shrimp or small fish for it to go after).