Skimmer Silencer?

[Unarce]

So, I'll be switching out and upgrading my skimmer in the next couple of days. It will also be an in sump skimmer. I was wondering what other people use to quiet down the pumps noise and vibration. I've heard some use mouse pads under a pump, but am not sure if this is internal or external. I'd like to use something internal.

TIA

Karl

 

[Anonymous]

What are you switching to? I have run a MRC-2 and a ER ES5-2 with nothing under them and did not have a problem. Both were in sump. I am not planning anything under the RS-250 I have for the new tank.

 

[Len]

I use vibrapods to awesome effect under my pumps, but they should only be used externally. I probably wouldn't trust mousepads either. Mcmaster sells a lot of different types of rubber sheets. I'd try a neoprene sheet from them that is soft (low durometer). I haven't searched, but if they have FDA approved rubber sheets, that'd be the best/safest bet.

BTW, what skimmer? If you haven't decided on one yet, consider a recirculating needle wheel design where the pump is naturally located off the sump floor.

 

[Unarce]

Gentlemen, thanks for the replies. I'll be going from an EuroReef RS5-3 to a CS8-3. Both have the pump at the floor. There's a very light vibration that I'd like to try and eliminate completely. I think Orchard Supply carries the rubber sheets. I'll check the specs later today.

 

[Unarce]

I couldn't wait to install the upgrade, so I put the new skimmer in yesterday. The pump noise isn't so bad. I think the gate valve kit on the new one make it a little quieter, too.

Anyway, here's the before and after shot:

 

[Anonymous]

Karl, I have just the product for you. One of Randy's side businesses is distributing a product called Nitrile. It's a better version of neopreme. It performs better then neopreme in every case, and is FAR better at both sound and heat insulation.

We just need to figure out how to get you some. I have 2 rolls at my home Hmm, guess I could just fedex you some. It would only cost me like $5 to ship to you OM me your addy

 

[Anonymous]

Woops, it's not Nitrile, that's what those medic rubber gloves are made oiut of I don't recall the actuall name of the material, but it's sold under Therma-Brite by Applied (& Advanced) Insulation Technologies.

http://www.applied-insulation-technology.com/home.htm

or if you want to see the intro

http://www.applied-insulation-technology.com/

 

[Anonymous]

Nice upgrade. I think I am going to DIY the gate valve on my new skimmer.

 

[Anonymous]

Man I wish I could silence my return pump, that bastard is vibrating so loudly that at night I can hear it upstairs. I just don't know what to do about it, it's a spa-flex return, and I think that's where the sound is coming from as I can get a nice massage if I touch it. I'm almost tempted to go back to rigid piping.

 

[Anonymous]

Hate to say it Mike, but throw in a section of vinyl tubing for isolation. Spa Flex doesn't really cut it as far as isolation is concerned IME.

 

[Anonymous]

So how big of a section of vinyl would be adequate? a 6 inch hunk? a foot? And any particular place it should be located? From the pump directly to the plumbing?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd add a foot or so, prior to the return pump touching anything else. Then isolate the pump with some foam under it. I got some for you as well

 

[Anonymous]

Randy's wonder foam!?? Btw is that stuff water safe? Since the pump is in the sump.

Now I just have to find some appropriate connectors to hook vinyl tubing into the mix.

 

[Anonymous]

It's not only water safe, but it can take petrochemicals on it as well, with out any breakdown. It's very inert, hypoallergenic actually. It's one of the selling points as appernently a decent % of people are allergic to neopreme.

 

[Unarce]

Gresh - Thanks! I'll PM you.

Mark - It really makes the 'tuning' part a whole lot easier and precise. I'm toying around with the idea of DIY'ing the recirculating feature, since I have the extra Sedra now.

Mike - Are you sure it's the SpaFlex or just the pump? I'd try Gresh's material first, to see if that'll help.

 

[Anonymous]

Karl: Well I'm sure it's the pump which is causing the vibrations in the first place, but the spaflex is vibrating enough I think to make some noise, it was vibrating against a piece of wood then I stuck a towel between it and the wood and it became quieter. It's still loud enough to cheese me off at night though if I wake up in the middle of the night.

 

[Unarce]

Guess I could have worded it better :roll: :lol:

90% of my plumbing is spaflex, with my Dart sitting on a wood block that's sandwiched between rubber padding. Fortunately, I get no vibrating noise.