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FAQs about Skimmer Operation/Maintenance 18
Related FAQs: Best Skimmer Op./Maint.
FAQs, Skimmer Maintenance, Skimmer
Operation/Maintenance 2, Skimmer
Op/Maint. 3, Skimmer Op/Maint. 4,
Skimmer Op/Maint. 5, Skimmer Op/Maint.
6, Skimmer Op/Maint 7,
Skimmer Op/Maint. 8, Skimmer Selection 9,
Skimmer Op/Maint 10,Skimmer Op/Maint
11, Skimmer Op/Maint 12,
Skimmer Op/Maint 13, Skimmer
Op/Maint 14, Skimmer Op/Maint 15,
Skimmer Op/Maint 16, Skimmer Op/Maint
17, Skimmer Op/Maint 19, &
Best Skimmer FAQs, Skimmers 2,
To Skim or Not to Skim, Best
Skimmer Selection FAQs, Skimmer
Selection, Skimmer Selection 2,
Skimmer Selection 3, Skimmer Selection 4,
Skimmer Selection 5, Skimmer Selection 6,
Skimmer Selection 7,
DIY Skimmers, Hang-On Models,
Algae Control, CPR Skimmers,
Deltec Skimmers,
ETSS Skimmers, Euro-Reef Skimmers,
Prizm Skimmers,
SeaClone Skimmers, Skimmers
for Eclipse Systems, Skimmers for
Small Systems, Skilter
Skimmers, Tunze Skimmers,
Algae Control Related Articles:
Skimmers by Steven Pro,
Protein Skimmer Impressions
By Steven Pro,
Marine Filtration,
Mechanical, Physical &
Chemical, and FAQs,
Tiny Bubbles (not the Don Ho classic) and Larger Ones &
FAQs, Bubble Troubles 2, | 
Neat, yuck!
|
Uniquarium Skimmer Upgrade – 05/31/08
I just wanted to say
thank you for the great advice.
<<We’re happy to help>>
I placed
an AquaC Remora-Pro skimmer in my 100 gallon FOWLR tank with awesome
results.
<<Ah!...excellent>>
I have a Clear for Life Uniquarium so
it took some work to modify the rear of the tank to accommodate the
Mag-3 pump. (A coping saw and about 1 hour of work)
<<Very good>>
I struggled with finding the best skimmer that would fit in the space
available for many months.
<<Sounds like your research paid off>>
Please let your readers know that if they own this particular aquarium
that it is possible to retro fit a much better protein skimmer to the
rear of the tank.
<<You just did>>
Again thanks for the great
advice.
<<Always welcome. EricR>>
Skimmate Production - Is this amount sufficient? 05/30/2008
The picture below shows what the skimmer has removed in 3 days. The
skimmer is a ASM G-4 and it's running on a 120G reef with 40 gal
sump.
With so much talk about skimmer performance being based on
amount of skimmate produced in a period of time, I wanted you all to
comment on this particular skimmer's performance. I think it's doing
a good job!
<<Yes, that's sufficient. The amount of skimmate will
depend on factors like how much you feed, the stocking level of the
tank etc etc>>
Thanks, Steve
<<Thanks for the questions
Steve. Regards, A Nixon>> |
Neat, yuck! |
Re: Skimmer Operation 5/27/2008
Rich,
I've read over your suggestions and I'm afraid I don't
quite follow. I'm looking at my skimmer, pump, and user's manual,
and can't help but think
"What venturi?" I was under the
impression that the AquaC skimmer's didn't need a venturi of any
kind because of the spray injection method they employ. As far as I
can tell, the EV-150 doesn't use any sort of additional air intake.
The newer EV-180's have an air valve, but I don't believe there's
any such mechanism utilized by the EV-150.
<You are correct and I
was mistakenly thinking of a different skimmer.>
In my reading I
have seen suggested that it's possible for a skimmer, for various
reasons, to stop functioning efficiently for a period of time. Do
you think it's likely to be one of those cases that just needs some
time to sit and sort itself out, or is there something truly wrong
with the skimmer?
<This is sometimes possible as skimmers break
in over a few days.>
Perhaps a clogged or damaged injector?
<
As with any type skimmer, long-term efficiency is tied to its
cleanliness. Although the spray induction injector does not require
regular maintenance, it can become clogged by a piece of coral,
snail shell, etc. If you notice a drastic reduction in skimming or
water flow for no apparent reason, check to see if an obstruction
has become lodged in the spray injector. Turn off the water pump,
unscrew the black inlet fitting, and simply remove the obstruction.
Once clear, you can thread the fitting back into the top of the
skimmer and turn the pump back on to resume normal performance.
However, you have thoroughly cleaned the unit and the special design
of the injector has large holes so it may just need time.
Also,
this skimmer was rated for approximately a 300gph pump, the Mag 7
pump you are using is twice that and is the new recommended pump and
should be actually making more bubbles because of the increased
velocity thru the injector.>
Some aspect of the impromptu
installation in the Rubbermaid bin that was preventing efficient
operation?<If the pump is running wide open and the gate valve is
open enough for the water level inside the skimmer to be maintained
just below the base of the neck, and the injector is clean, then
there is very little else you can do but wait with this skimmer. I
say this because Aqua c says in their manual QUOTE: "Do not be
surprised if your skimmer requires a few days to begin skimming
effectively. Trace quantities of oils within the skimmer will
initially prevent foam from building properly. Even though the unit
may not be removing proteinaceous waste, it will vigorously
oxygenate your aquarium water and benefit the health of the system
immediately.
After approximately one week your skimmer should be
functioning near maximum efficiency. In some cases, this period may
be reduced or extended." end Quote.
What I noticed from the pic
was larger bubbles which usually indicates water flow too slow
and/or too much air. Which would cause turbulence and larger air
bubbles. Hence why the new EV Series have the adjustable air ports).
After reviewing the manual I also found this trouble shooting
guide...
QUOTE"1. Skimmer isn't producing very much foam
A.
Give the skimmer at least two full weeks of continuous operation to
reach its maximum potential. If the unit still fails to produce
foam, check the water pump for problems. A faulty or underpowered
pump will not drive the air-induction injector properly, which will
lead to low levels of foam production.
B. Check the water level
inside the skimmer's main chamber. An incorrect water level will
prevent proper foam production. Adjust the exit valve so that the
interior water level is near the top of the main chamber (fig. 5).
C. AquaC protein skimmers feature an intense air flow-thru rate,
which means that they are highly influenced by oils, fats, and other
chemicals dissolved in the aquarium water or air source. You will
notice a drastic, temporary reduction of foam production after fish
feedings or other events which introduce chemicals into the water.
Foam production should resume within several minutes to a few hours,
depending on the nature of the chemical disturbance. This should not
be any cause for concern since your high performance skimmer will
rapidly make up for any time lost due to the disturbance.
D. Wipe
away any salt creep that might have accumulated around the base of
the foam tower. There is a very thin air gap between the foam tower
and skimmer box – if this air gap becomes clogged with salt build-up
the skimmer will stop foaming. Salt can be removed by dribbling hot
water through the gap and scraping it away with a piece of wire or
plastic." End Quote. Aqua C EV-150 Manual)
HTH, a bit more than
my last response. Rich>
Thanks again for any and all ideas,
appreciate the help and feedback!
-Tyler
As for the errors;
I'm not perfect, but at least it's readable! ;)
<LOL>
Re: Skimmer Operation 5/27/2008
Rich,
Thanks again for the response. I spent the better part of
the weekend working on the new tank and have finished setting up the
plumbing and completed a leak/flow test. In a few days it should be
ready for saltwater, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see how
it runs.
-Tyler
<Do let us know. My friend has an EV-150 and
he said it took 2 days for it to foam, so now I am curious as I use
Beckett type skimmers that foam in minutes. Rich>
Re: Skimmer Operation -
6/3/08
Hey
Rich,
Got the system up and running in its permanent home a
couple of days ago, added salt, got the SG to 1.026, and set the
skimmer running. Well, guess what I found this morning when I got up
to head to work; a tower of foam about halfway up the riser. I don't
know if it just needed a couple of days to run or if it's somehow
related to the mess I made adding sand last night.
<Good to hear
it is working out!>
Thanks a lot for all of your advice on the
matter...you'll probably be receiving an e-mail from me the first
time I get some skimmate out of it.
When you do, be sure to read
it in your best excited school girl voice, as I'll probably be
bouncing around the apartment out of pure joy.
<Will do!>
It's
amazing how the simplest aspects of this hobby can be so incredibly
exciting.
<Once your system stabilizes and begins to mature and
you start adding more and more corals your excitement will be
compounded! Now to start reading up on all the WWM articles about
Ozone and calcium reactors! Cheers~Rich>
-Tyler |
When Your Pump Hates Your Skimmer! 5/17/08
Hello WWM Crew--
<Joe.>
Been reading your fantastic site for a while, as well as every
book I can find (the first I found? The Conscientious Marine Aquarist).
<Me too!>
Thank you all for the work you're sharing with the world.
<Thank you, a pleasure to help out.>
Now my problem. I cleaned out my
protein skimmer (Remora Pro) a few days ago. While doing so, I removed
the Rio pump attached to it to check inside. Since then, I have not been
able to get the pump to stay attached to the skimmer consistently...it's
always loose. I've loosened & retightened the plastic rings that hold it
to the skimmer, but it just won't stay attached for more than 5-6 hours
at most.
<Yikes!>
Today, one of the rings was missing when I found
the pump dangling pointlessly. I'm sure it's buried amid the rock
somewhere in the back of the tank. I still have the other plastic ring,
but no matter how much I tighten the ring with pliers, the pump only
stays on until I plug the it back in. Half a second after starting it
up, and the pump is dangling by its cord in the water.
<Not good.>
I've been messing with it for the better part of an hour tonight, and
I'm really not sure what the course of action is for this sort of
problem. Any ideas on getting the pump to stay attached on the skimmer?
<Hmmm, possibly a few culprits here. First, do consider replacing the
short length of tubing used to connect the pump to the skimmer. A piece
of appropriate inner diameter vinyl will be fine. In time the supplied
tubing will become stretched out, offering little to no friction to make
the pump stay put. Also, the plastic ring, clip, may need replacing. My
Remora now uses zip ties due to the same issue. The zip ties are cheap
to replace and offer superior holding power in most situations due to
the smaller “click” increments when compared to the supplied plastic
rings.>
--Joe T.
<I hope this helps, Scott V.>
Re: Help with SPS-
Question About Installing My New AquaC Skimmer – 05/08/08
Hey Eric,
<<Hi Andy>>
Sorry to bug you yet again, but I have a
follow up question.
<<Not a problem…ask away>>
My AquaC EV-180
arrived today and I have a question about it.
<<Okay… And don’t
misunderstand this as I’m more than happy to help but… I know Jason
and Steve of AquaC personally, and I can assure you they are more
than happy to assist with ANY questions concerning their skimmers.
And let’s face it, they “are” the subject-matter experts in this
case [grin]>>
Currently, my Coralife Super Skimmer sits in my
sump--which means it is basically skimming water that it has already
skimmed.
<<Mmm, to a degree maybe… My Euro-Reef skimmer too sits
in the sump…in a “skimmer chamber” designed/located at one end. This
chamber receives the water from the gravity drains in the display
tank and is then “picked-up” by the submersible pumps feeding the
skimmer. With the return pump in the pump chamber situated at the
opposite end of the sump, positive water flow pulls the skimmed
water “away” from the skimmer thereby reducing the amount of
reprocessed water. I won’t sit here and tell you that some already
skimmed water doesn’t get reprocessed…but the success of these
skimmers (assuming a quality design and manufacture such as that
offered Euro-Reef, and of course your AquaC product) speaks for
itself>>
When I install my EV-180, I was thinking of sitting in
my sump but feeding it directly from the tank by using a short,
screened "U" shaped piece of PVC that hangs on the back of my tank,
connected to a piece of flexible hosing that ultimately connects to
the Mag 7 pump. The skimmed water would then dump into the sump.
<<Hmm… Could be done… but if what I am envisioning is accurate, this
will be less effective than letting your overflows simply feed
“surface” water to the skimmer chamber. Also... Skimmer operation
and efficiency will be effected if/when the “screen” on the U-tube
becomes clogged and water flow is reduced>>
Someone on Reef
Central stated that they didn't think this would work. The response
was:
"I could be wrong but putting a siphon tube into your DT to
feed the skimmer defeats the purpose of your overflow. The overflow
is supposed to skim-off the very top surface of the tank's water
(where all the organics will float to). This then drains to the sump
where the skimmer separates the organics (via foam fractionation).
If you have reasonable flow through your sump your skimmer won't be
re-skimming the same water. Yes some is re-skimmed and some gets by
the skimmer w/o having been skimmed but by and large the system will
work. Your siphon would be taking water from below the surface and
would presumably be missing most of the organics."
Is this guy
right?
<<Indeed he is. No need to make the installation of your
new skimmer any more complex/difficult than necessary. Simply
position the skimmer in the sump near the outlets of the overflow
drains, and install according to Jason’s and Steve’s recommendations
as outlined in the manual>>
Thanks!
<<Always welcome. Eric
Russell>>
Re: Help with SPS- Question About Installing My New AquaC Skimmer -
05/09/08
Thanks Eric.
<<Welcome Andy>>
My problem
is I have an old sump that does not have a chamber for a skimmer.
<<Oh?>>
The first chamber is bioballs, then to chemical
filtration boxes, then to return outlet.
<<Ahh…sounds like a
wet/dry filter. Not the best for a “reef” tank as you probably
know>>
Eventually I will remove the bioballs and move the
skimmer.
<<Was just about to suggest this… In the interim I
would just place the skimmer in the last chamber (or wherever it
fits)…I’ll bet you will still see an improvement over the previous
model. Regards, EricR>>
R2:
Help With SPS…Question About Installing My New AquaC Skimmer -
05/10/08
Hey Eric,
<<Hi Andy>>
Oy! What an
adventure.
<<Oh?!>>
Perfect timing on the delivery of my
skimmer--I got home last night to find my Coralife Super Skimmer had
gone haywire, had overflowed the collection cup, and was dumping
foam into the return compartment of my sump--nothing like getting my
fish drunk on concentrated organics!
<<Mmm…actually, this can
happen with the best of skimmers under the right conditions>>
It
took me 3 hours, a Dremel tool to remove some acrylic flanges in the
return chamber of the sump (which I didn't take into account when
measuring for space)
<<Ruh-roh>>
to make room for the EV-180,
the use of a hacksaw blade (with my hands!) to remove another
acrylic flange (I didn't think using a Dremel tool to cut away a
submerged flange was the best idea for long-term health and
happiness),
<<Indeed>>
and trips to 2 Home Depots, but I
finally shoe-horned the skimmer and the pump in my sump, and the
skimmer was producing a nice amount of foam this morning and there
was already some skimmate in the collection cup.
<<Excellent>>
What a nice piece of gear!
<<Yes…Jason and Steve have done very
well with the design>>
I am really happy with it and I can
already tell that it is going to be a huge improvement over the
Coralife—the difference in the volume/amount of foam produced alone
is incredible.
<<An important aspect>>
This weekend, I intend
to start the bio-ball removal process and will do 1/3 per week so as
not to shock the system. Actually, though, I noticed that the Mag 7
pump gets pretty warm,
<<Ah, well…if this is a critical
consideration you may want to upgrade to the cooler, quieter, and
longer running Eheim 1262. This pump will probably over-drive the
skimmer a bit which can increase its efficiency…just be sure to
plumb a valve on the output side of the pump to temper the flow if
needed, if you go this route>>
and the way I was able to fit it
in my sump worked out nicely because it keeps the pump body out of
the water--I was able to rest it on two baffles with the intake
pointing down.
<<Mmm…but hopefully submerged enough so
fluctuating water levels don’t cause any problems with the skimmers
performance (or damage to the pump)>>
Unfortunately, the skimmed
water dumps in close proximity to the skimmer pump, so I'm sure I'm
getting some re-skimming.
<<A small concern here…really>>
So,
I think I really do need to get the bio-balls out and move the pump
to the first compartment.
<<Will be better…agreed>>
Yes, I do
have an old (20 years old, to be exact!) wet-dry filter. A Pisces
500--I can't even find the company anymore.
<<Many such have come
and gone>>
At the time I bought it, it was top of the line. When
I got back into this hobby last year, I really thought the only
difference between a "wet-dry" filter and "sump" was the presence of
bio-balls.
<<Hee-hee! Not so…a good (or bad) “design” can make
all the difference. But even so, a good workable sump (or refugium!)
can be easily configured from a plain simple aquarium and a few
cleverly positioned baffles. Or even with no baffles at all!>>
Eventually, I will probably end up replacing my current filter with
an up-to-date sump, but I hate to throw good money away if I can
make my existing equipment work.
<<Nothing wrong with that>>
Same with the bio-balls--I know, and have read, that they are not
the best for a reef tank, but it is my understanding that this is
because they are so efficient that they tend to generate a lot of
nitrates.
<<Yes…and then can’t process it any further like live
rock/sand does>>
I am very diligent about monitoring water
quality and doing weekly water changes, and I have always had 0
nitrates so, until I needed the space in my sump, I really felt that
removing them wasn't a good idea because I was getting efficient
filtration without the nitrates--as Scott V once told me "If it's
not broke . . . "
<<Maybe so… But do also consider the
possibilities if this tank was not having to deal with the extra
burden re>>
Take care and thanks again (and again) for all of
your time/help.
Andy
<<Always happy to share. Eric Russell>> |
Beckett skimmer problems 4/7/08
Good morning, afternoon, or whatever time you have ladies and gents.
I only try to query this site as a last resort after researching as
much as is prudent before taking up your time, as it is much
appreciated. I have a Precision Marine bullet skimmer that I just
can't get to skim anymore and I am pulling my hair out trying to get
it to work. I've had the unit for about a year now and it has worked
great until recently.
<Mmmm... you may not actually have "much
to skim"... there are a few tests... the easiest being to use
another (known working) skimmer here... or move water to a system to
test with same, the present skimmer to another tank...>
About 2
1/2 months ago after adding a new fish I added some API stress coat
to the water to help with the slime coat on a new flame angel. the
skimmer didn't work right ever since.
<Yes... a usual
phenomenon...>
It just sits there and boils the water in the
reaction chamber and makes a nasty brown layer at the top of the
water. after 2 months and a gazillion water changes to remove
whatever i put in there to cause this, it still didn't foam or would
foam for a very short period of time (15 min) and stop. I removed
the skimmer, cleaned it from top to bottom ( injector, air lines
skimmer body, everything). I called the manf. Precision Marine and
told them what was going on and they said there shouldn't be any
reason it won't work. agreed!
<... Mmm, am interested to know the
RedOx reading here...>
So after 6-7, 10%-15% water changes
cleaning the skimmer top to bottom, verifying the pump is working
properly- it is, reading WWM FAQ's I concluded that the system is at
equilibrium and the bio filter is keeping up with the load. Fish
seem happy, corals seem OK, not happy just OK. fine!
<Likely so>
Now 2 weeks ago I add another fish from quarantine, a tang that eats
voraciously every scrap of food that it can get, the bio load must
go up accordingly, therefore there should be something there to
skim.
<Mmm, not necessarily. Could be the micro-biota in the same
are having an influence here>
After a week in the tank I am doing
some maintenance and feeding the frogspawn and mushrooms some
chopped up scallops the skimmer starts working and boy did it start
working. OK great skimmer works now, fantastic!
<Ahh!>
3 days
later I change the micron bags in the sump( I use them to catch
bubbles from the skimmer and to keep noise down from the overflow
water entering the sump. These bags are changed weekly, hosed off,
soaked in bleach, then the stress coat
<This also will stall
skimming>
dechlorinator for 24 hrs, and dried out for next week)
and add some top off water that I had buffered with Seachem reef
buffer. Turned everything back on- skimmer hasn't worked since! I
know that some buffers will cause skimmers to stop temporarily but a
week, or 2 months ? Is it a bad batch of buffer that causes this ?
<Mmm, no>
Is it the stress coat dechlorinator or this combined
with the buffer?
<The first by itself and the "aging" of your
system... Not the buffer>
I have been cleaning the bags like this
for almost a year now but I think i used the Kordon brand before. I
have been using the Seachem products for almost as long. I buffer
the top off water with the reef buffer or some times magnesium or
reef builder from Seachem. The reef buffer is a newer bottle but the
skimmer hasn't worked in so long I can't remember when I started
using what . Any ideas? If its the buffer is there any way to
counter act this. I did a bunch of water changes before and that did
nothing.
Here are the tank parameters if this helps.
salinity
1.024
hardness 10dkh
Ca 400
Ph 8.1 to 8.2
ammonia .25
(ouch!) this is my main concern with the skimmer nitrate an nitrite
0
Tank is a 75 g. with 100# + of live rock and 100# of sand
residents include a Yellow Tang, Tomato Clown, Fairy Wrasse, Royal
Gramma, and a Flame Angel
a Frogspawn
a bunch of Mushrooms
a Leather Coral
<Could be a bunch of terpenoid activity from...>
a pulsing Xenia
and now some BGA I see as becoming a problem
Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. the residents seem
unaffected by the ammonia for now but they won't be for long I fear.
Thank you very much for any insight, I look forward to your response
John P.
<I might test as suggested above... otherwise, I would
not be concerned. Cheers, BobF>
Re: Beckett skimmer problems 4/7/08
Thank you Mr. Fenner for your response. You seem inclined to believe
it is the stress coat dechlorinator causing the skimmer problems.
<At least partly, yes>
Is there a better product you would
recommend to dechlorinate the filter bags or should I just spay them
off with tap water and let them dry?
<Yes... I would buy, mix up
and store (in small... quantities... a few months use at a time),
simple sodium thiosulfate (hyposulfite)... can be gotten through
photo outlets... one pound to a gallon or so clean freshwater...
This is the old DeChlor product...>
I did some reading about
RedOx in Mr. Calfo's book Reef Invertebrates and Mr. Sprung's reef
books and that points to weak water flow and low gas turnover as
well as low oxygen levels if I am correct?
<In part, yes...
there is much more>
I am using an Iwaki MD55RLT return pump into
a manifold in the tank so I think flow is pretty good ( I'm guessing
800-900 gph after head loss). The skimmer is fed air through a 3/8
inch tubing that runs to the outside because of some cabinet
refinishing I did a few weeks back so I believe the tank is getting
a good supply of fresh air if this relates to RedOx in a positive
manner. I don't have any way to test RedOx so I try to rely on good
husbandry. I have had a consistently low PH problem
<This is
indicative...>
since I
have had this system and dose Kalk
daily
<... am not a fan...>
to keep PH elevated
<...
doesn't really do this...>
and my Ca. and Alk seem fairly
balanced.
You mentioned terpenoid activity is this referring to
the corals reacting to one another?
<Can but there is a
larger/separate issue of Alcyoniid production, its effects...>
the leather and the frogspawn sit in opposite sides of the tank with
the mushrooms about 8 inches from the frogspawn and the Xenia about
the same from the leather.
<The leathers activity goes all
through the system water... almost instantaneously>
I'm just
concerned about the rising ammonia level, I've had 0 ammonia since
the rock has cured. One would think if there is ammonia then there
should be something to skim.
<Ah, no...>
if the system is in
equilibrium then so be it - something to be thankful for.
Thanks
so much for you response, much appreciated. John P
<Unfortunately... there are too many "if this, then that" stmt.s to
be made here... Are you "into" chemistry, physics... part. as they
relate to biology? Got some time? BobF> |
Lack of skimmate from protein skimmer 4/7/08
How is everyone today,
<Getting by.>
I have noticed that you
suggest that a cup a day of dark skimmate from your skimmer should
be had, but I have a difficult time getting three cups per week, and
it is not all that dark.
<Not necessarily a big deal if water
quality is ok and algae is under control.>
I am currently using a
Coralife Super Skimmer 125 on my 75 gallon mainly reef tank set
inside a 30 gallon refugium. The only fish I have are 1 Maroon Clown
and 1 Lawnmower Blenny. I also have two Cleaner Shrimp, a Sally
Lightfoot an Emerald Crab, about a dozen Hermit Crabs and a couple
of Snails. The coral is a wide variety of Leather and Sps corals.
Should I expect more from my skimmer or with the load I have in my
tank is what I am getting sufficient.
<I would guess that the
skimmer is doing ok, how does your tank look?>
Thanks in advance,
Shawn
<Welcome>
<Chris>
Re: Lack of skimmate from protein skimmer. 4/7/08
Hello again Chris,
<Hi>
My tank looks great. The only problem
I am having is with algae growth on the front glass. It has to be
cleaned 2 to 3 times a week.
<That's pretty normal to be honest.>
I also do 15% water changes every other week. Perhaps my algae
growth is do to the fact I recently went to a six light T-5 HO
system. I did reduce the daylight cycle from 12 to 10. Perhaps I
will drop it down some more and see what that does.
<I would not
really worry about it, algae will always try to colonize "virgin"
territory, aka your front glass.>
My phosphates read 0 so I don't
think that is a problem.
<Good>
Thanks again for your help,
Shawn
<Sounds like your nutrient control methods, including the
skimmer, are doing fine and I would not worry too much about the
skimmer production.>
<Chris> |
Coralife Super Skimmer Flooding On To Floor! – 03/22/08
Dear Crew,
<<Morning, Andy>>
I was hoping you may have heard
of a solution for my problem (other than "buy a AquaC or EuroReef"
;-) ).
<<Mmm…but “is” good advice [grin]>>
I have a Coralife
Super Skimmer that actually does a pretty good job at collecting
dark green skimmate daily. However, one thing about this skimmer
that I absolutely HATE is that it is prone to spontaneously go nuts
and overflow the collection cup, with water all over my floor.
<<I would hate that too>>
There is no rhyme or reason to this. It
will operate great for months and then one day I will come home to
find 4 gallons of water on my floor.
<<Yeeikes! Troublesome
indeed!>>>>
Tuesday night, I thoroughly cleaned every part of my
skimmer. It worked great until last night, when my wife says "Why is
there water all over the floor?"
<<Uh-oh>>
I searched WWM and
found a post from someone that had the same problem, and Crew
directed that he contact the manufacturer. So, I did this but
haven't heard back yet.
<<Likely of little help in this
situation, as you explain it>>
I'm sure I will hear "refer to
page X of the manual. Make sure the bubble diffuser isn't clogged,
blah blah blah."
<<Yes…or something even less useful>>
I know
that additives can impact the operation of this skimmer,
<<Indeed…especially caustic elements (Kalkwasser) that cause
saponification of fatty Esters in the water. And though this
can/will increase a skimmer’s efficiency/skimmate output, it
ordinarily won’t cause it to flood 4-gallons of water on to the
floor. On the other hand, some “liquid coral foods” contain so much
of these fatty components and the like that ANY skimmer will “go
nuts” for a time.>>
but the only thing I add to my system other
than top-off water is ESV B-Ionic 2-part calcium buffer.
<<Hmm…wouldn’t think this to be the problem here>>
I have checked
everything, so I know it's this skimmer and not me or the other
elements of my system. I was hoping that the Crew might have gotten
some updated information about this skimmer in respect of this
problem. Maybe it just is the skimmer design and my only real
solution is to bite the bullet and get an AquaC.
<<I think it is
as you have stated…that the “design” and engineering of the skimmer
are likely the problem here. The best skimmers in the world can
“flood” under the right circumstances…but a quality product of good
design wouldn’t be giving you the headaches you seem to be
experiencing…based on the information you have provided. Aside from
replacing the skimmer…you could try setting it to produce a less-wet
skimmate which may reduce its potential for “accidents.” Another
option would be to live with the skimmer’s quirks and modify the
skimmer cup for the addition of a drain line to a larger container,
if feasible>>
Thanks for any input/thoughts.
Andy
<<Not
sure I’ve done any more than maybe confirm what you already knew
[grin]. Regards, EricR>>
Re: Coralife Super Skimmer Flooding On To Floor! - 03/23/08
As I expected, Eric. Darn!!
<<Ah yes…figured you “already knew”>>
Attaching an outlet hose to the collection cup wouldn't work here.
When this thing goes crazy, it GOES crazy--if I didn't have a Tunze
auto top-off system running, it would drain my sump in no time.
<<I see>>
Ironic that the top-off system actually contributes to
my wet floor issues here, although the alternative would be a fried
pump . . .
<<Indeed…bit of a “Catch-22”>>
It's funny--all the
money I've spent on lighting, livestock, etc.--I just bought 2
IceCap 250W MH ballasts to replace my stock Odyssea ballasts. $281,
but I hesitate spending that same amount for a quality skimmer . . .
Priorities, priorities.
<<Perhaps being more than just priority,
it’s normal to try to save a buck here and there…the trick
(obviously) is learning where to pinch those pennies. It’s not
always easy considering manufacturer’s often outlandish claims and
even those of individuals trying to justify their own poor
judgment/choices>>
Thanks again for your help.
Andy
<<Happy
to share. EricR>> |
Current Fission Skimmer Problems 3/12/08
Hi crew! Hope all is well with everyone.
<Hello James, it is, I wish
the same to you!.>
First I'll give an overview of my setup. I have
recently decided that I wanted to try my hand at reef keeping.
<Great!>
I decided to use a 36 gallon AGA corner tank that I have had
empty for some time. The tank has been up for about 3 months with about
50 pounds of live rock from Lalo and some from Fiji. I have just
recently gotten a test kit and while my water parameters aren't perfect
I think they are acceptable for now. ( I should mention that I am using
straight tap water.) Salinity - 1.023, Ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate
- 0, PH - 8.2, Calcium is between 380-400, Phosphate - 0ppm to .25ppm,
KH 12-13dKH.
<Yes, I would work on raising the salinity to 1.026 and
lowering the KH a bit.>
I am going through a brown algae bloom and
have been for about 2 weeks. Within the last few days I have started to
get some neon green slime algae? Not sure about that but I figure it's
normal.
<This is a phase many new systems go through.>
As for
equipment I have a Marineland 660 Powerhead for flow(170gph), Marineland
Penguin 200 BioWheel HOB for more flow(200gph) and it doubles as a
chamber for carbon, I use no filter cartridge with this. Lighting is
provided by Corallife Lunar Aqualight 130 Watt Power Compact 1/2 03 true
actinic and 1/2 10,000k. I plan to supplement this with a 150 Watt Metal
Halide Pendant.
<OK>
And finally my problem. A Current Fission
Skimmer rated for 110 gallons. It has been running for a week now turned
all the way down. It starts overflowing the collection cup in seconds if
it is turned up even slightly. At the lowest setting it will overflow in
less than two minutes.
<Not good.>
To solve this I have ran a
piece of airline tubing from the collection cup back into the tank that
continually siphons.
<Innovative solution!>
It has actually
started to collect a thick slimy brown skimmate in the very bottom of
the collection cup. This unit comes with a sponge bubble diffuser that
if left off the skimmer will not overflow,
<A telling sign.>
however it covers the tank with microbubbles so thick you can’t see thru
the tank clearly. I thought of adding a sump and not using the diffuser
but I have read about a lot of cases where skimmers' in sumps still sent
bubbles into the main tank.
<They can, but a sump gives you more
bubble fighting options via baffles.>
I don't know if it matters but
my skimmer pump is approximately 10 inches underwater and has a flow
rate of 300gph. The return is approximately 2-3 inches underwater.
<Sounds fine.>
The skimmer seems to do very well without the bubble
diffuser, but you cannot see the tank. Did I buy a bad skimmer?
<It
sounds like a restricted diffuser causing the level in the skimmer to
rise too high. Do check the diffuser and make sure all is unrestricted
and clean through the unit. Otherwise I would contact the manufacturer
regarding this problem.>
I would have thought the skimmer should have
broken in by now. I have pictures but they are all a few megs in size
even when saved as a jpeg or bmp.
<They are not necessary in this
case.>
Thanks for any input! You guys do a great job!
<Welcome
James, thank you!>
Sincerely,
James Mercer
<Regards, Scott V.>
Skimmer suddenly runs clear.
Skimmer Trouble 3/10/08
Hi Folks!
<Hello.>
As always, thanks for your fine site and all of
your help.
<Very welcome, thank you.>
We have a 75g reef with a
20g Eco-Systems refugium. System has been up and running for almost 2
years. Water parameters are as follows:
Temp.: 77.5 f, SG: 1.026, Ph:
8.3, Ca: 425ppm, Mg: 1325, NO3: 5ppm, dKH: 6.7
<Keep an eye on the
KH, it is on the low end.>
We test the water and perform a 15% (12g)
water change every week. When doing the water change we typically add
calcium & magnesium to the new water as it mixes to maintain the levels
above. Water parameters have remained
very stable almost since the
very beginning.
<Sounds good.>
I have the skimmer adjusted so that
I need to clean the cup about every 5 days or so. The skimmate has been
appropriately dark & smelly.
<OK>
Suddenly, however, the skimmer
has started to run clear and fills the cup in about 1 minute!!
<Something’s amiss.>
We have made no changes to our regimen
whatsoever. No new food or additives of any kind.
<Anything else new
to the tank, decor, equipment?>
At the present time, I'm letting the
skimmer run without the cup on in hopes that this symptom will work
itself out. But I have no idea what has caused this or how long it will
last.
Any ideas?
<If this has continued past an hour or two there
is likely something wrong with the skimmer itself. The two items to
check are the air intake (line, injector, venturi, whatever your
particular skimmer uses) and the pump impeller, especially on needle
wheel skimmers. Obstructions on either will cause the pump to push less
air and more water into your skimmer, potentially causing the overflow.
Also double check your skimmer adjustments to make sure nothing was
inadvertently bumped. Something has changed, it is just a process of
elimination to figure out what.>
Thanks in advance!
Jan & Ellen
<Welcome, I hope this helps, Scott V.>
Running Protein Skimmer Outside Sump 2/28/08
Hello
<Hello.>
I have a new 65 gallon reef ready all glass set up.
I also have a 11.5 gallon refugium.
<Great! A refugium is a nice
addition to any tank.>
My problem is that my skimmer is too wide to
fit into the compartments... how can I plumb the skimmer outside the
refugium or use a container to place it into? I have a 38 gal reef set
up I am moving to the new 65 gallon.
Thanks
<As far as externally
plumbing the skimmer, it will depend on which skimmer you have. Some
simply cannot be run like this. You can easily get a container (tank,
plastic bin, 5 gal bucket if it will fit into it) to run it in. You will
need to have your overflow feeding the skimmer container and then have
the container overflow into the rest of your sump/refugium system via a
bulkhead (Uniseals are nice if you use the 5 gal bucket) and PVC. There
are many ways to do this, all different for each situation. It all just
requires a little innovation. Good luck, Scott V.>
Re: Running Protein Skimmer Outside Sump 2/29/08
Okay the skimmer type is a aquatic life support systems by optimum
aquarium mtg. already has a place for the inlet to screw into and a
outlet.
<I am not familiar with this particular skimmer. You may be
able to externally plumb it if the skimmer is a quality recirculation
model (does not leak). If you have questions about its suitability to
run externally I would contact the manufacturer.>
Not sure what a
Uniseal is? can you explain?
<It is a flexible bulkhead; more
accurately a pipe grommet. They are handy for running pipe through
irregular or round shapes such as a bucket. A simple Google search will
show you exactly what they are.>
I read I should cut two holes in the
return pipe in the overflow.. is this correct?
<You mean your sump
return line? You can drill two small (1/8” or so) holes just below the
waterline to act as a siphon break in the event of a power outage. >
Thanks
<Welcome, Scott V.>
Skimmer Operation Question 2/24/08
I have some questions about my sump setup for my reef tank as I
don't think it is set up properly to allow optimum performance for
my skimmer as it does not produce very much skimmate.
<OK>
We
paid someone to setup our system for us as we have little knowledge
about these things. However, I have been doing a lot of reading on
your site and in the skimmer's manual and this has raised many
questions. Unfortunately the manual does not advise on the best
placement for setup, probably because so many systems are different,
but does give instructions on placement of the components. We have a
Corallife Super Skimmer that has a venturi air system with a
needle-wheel pump that is mounted as a hang-on system. The only
thing I see that differs from the manual setup is that the output
line that goes into the bubble diffuser cup overflows into the tank
with about a 6 inch waterfall drop as opposed to being set into the
water to allow only a .25 overflow drop per the manual.
<This
alone can have a decided impact on skimmer performance. The pump is
designed to have water level higher up in relation to the skimmer.
By making it pump the extra 5”+ you are taking away from the pump’s
ability to feed the skimmer water and air, quite likely
significantly.>
I've read on your site, and I quote Anthony,
"Proteins accumulate in the very top most layer of water (like sea
foam on the sea). Our goal is to skim (via overflow) and concentrate
them for handling by a skimmer. Ideally this means that they should
overflow or be carried raw into the skimmer feed/pump If instead we
allow them to crash into a primary vessel (chamber one) before
overflowing to a secondary chamber with the skimmer (number two)
then the proteinaceous matter can migrate to the surface of chamber
one and get partly bypassed. Essentially... we are looking for a
direct path of raw overflowing water to the skimmer."
<All this
is very true and can drastically affect skimmer performance.>
I
do believe that my setup is exactly what Anthony is saying that we
should not do. It is very difficult to get a good picture of my
setup so I have attached a crude drawing that I did.
<It gets
the point across!>
I am thinking that the skimmer should be in
the chamber after the first intake chamber.
<Or the first chamber
if it will fit, at least the feed pump.>
I am also thinking that
since the proteins accumulate in the top layer of water, the chiller
pump along with the waterfall from the diffuser box may be mixing
the water too much for the skimmer to get the proteins out of the
water.
<It will dilute the compounds, making each pass through
the skimmer less efficient. This mixing is going to happen on its
way through the overflow lines anyhow. Mr. Calfo’s statement above
is alluding to the option of feeding overflow water directly into
the skimmer or having the overflow water as close to the skimmer
intake as possible to minimize the bypass of the raw water. This
goes in conjunction with the overflow providing a true surface
skimming, something that not all overflow designs do.>
What do
you think? Is my setup fine and am I over-analyzing this or should I
make some changes?
<The changes mentioned above will certainly
help; you must run this skimmer in the chambers with a higher water
level to have a chance for any of the other factors come into play.>
The bottom line is: my skimmer does not produce much output and I
believe that I have it adjusted correctly.
Also, are both my
chiller and UV sterilizer working to their best efficiency with have
both the input/output lines so close to each other?
<No, they
are not. You will be recirculation the same water in the chiller and
UV doing this. I would try to plumb them to run off your return pump
and into your display if you can. Do pay attention to the
manufacturer’s recommended flow rates through each unit if you do
so.>
Should they be in separate chambers of the sump or would
that be detrimental to my skimmer operation?
<However you end up
situating them, I would try to plumb their intakes/outputs after the
skimmer.>
Thank you for any comments or advice you can provide.
Deb
<Welcome, good luck, Scott V.> | 
|
AquaC EV240 Producing Microbubbles 2/16/08
Hello Gents - and thanks again for the fantastic resource. If only we
all followed all the advice you give us!
<Heee…and if gas were back
to $1 a gallon!>
Here's my dilemma - I have a 150XH fish only tank
with a large wet dry and a Living Color coral insert.
I run an Aqua C
EV 240 on my reef and have one for this tank as well.
I installed a
new wet dry this week. Problem is that the skimmer is putting a tone of
micro bubbles back into the display.
<Was it doing this before the
new wet/dry? The same manufacturing residues/oils that can cause a new
skimmer to spit out microbubbles are present in the new sump. You may
just need some time.>
The sump is as follows - 40" long. From right
to left, the tank drains into a 26" area of bio balls. I don’t have
enough room in the cabinet, so I use a submersible Mag9 as the return
pump. Due to the fact that the last area of the sump is the only 'open'
area, it’s crowded. I have the Mag 9 tank return pump, the Ev240 and the
Mag 18 that feeds the 240.
<According to the AquaC website this pump
overdrives this skimmer and may need to be throttled down a bit. This
could be playing a factor in bubble return.>
The skimmer water
returns right to the area where the tank return pump is.
<Tough
situation, even the slightest amount of bubbles will be returned to the
tank.>
Unfortunately, I have VERY little space in that open area so
I'm hoping to solve this problem.
Any ideas? I can call Jason Kim on
Monday as well.
Thanks
J
<I would definitely contact Jason Kim
for his input. In the meantime, you may want to try either some filter
foam or filter sock types of materials between the skimmer output and
the return pump to help catch the bubbles. Welcome and good luck, Scott
V.>
Protein Skimmers And Water Turbulence – 01-31/08
Hello,
<<Howdy>>
Quick question.
<<Okay>>
I have an AquaC
Remora w/MJ 1200 and prefilter box on my tank. The skimmer is able to
produce a cup of dark skimmate a day.
<<Excellent>>
I recently
added two additional powerheads to my tank and the skimmer stopped
producing skimmate.
<<Ahh…>>
I had noticed this in the past when I
readjusted the return outlet to change circulation pattern. Is it
possible that I am creating a circulation pattern that does not allow
the skimmer to take in raw DOCs?
<<The evidence would seem to bear
this out>>
I don't think it is just filtering the same water over and
over, but I can't be sure.
<<Likely what is happening is the
sub-surface and surface turbulence is reducing the “concentration” of
DOCs at the surface of the water, as well a channeling raw water away
from the skimmer box, thus reducing the “efficiency” of the skimmer.
Some authors recommend not directing pump outlets toward the surface of
the water for this reason>>
I tried to check the site, but I couldn't
find anything about circulation affecting skimmers.
<<There will be
one now [grin]>>
Thank You,
Sean
<<Happy to share. EricR>>
Protein Skimmer, op. 1/24/08
Hello all,
<Hello.>
First time with a question on your site
(which is great by the way, have learned so much).
<Excellent!>
I
have just set up my new 55 gal FOWLR tank about 3 weeks ago. I have an
AquaClear 110 power filter, two AquaClear 30 powerheads, and a pro clear
aquatics 75 protein skimmer. There is about 25 lbs of aragonite sand and
I just have about 5 lbs of live rock just for something to look at for
now (has been in there for about half a week).
<OK>
My question
is, my skimmer is not collecting anything. My ammonia is about 0.5
still. Is this normal for a new tank, or should it
be collecting a
lot of dark stuff?
<It should collect some, but with only 5lbs of
rock and no fish at this point (I hope), there is not much of a bioload.
Raise the water level higher in the skimmer if you can and give it some
time. Also check the airline and water intake for any obstructions.>
Also, I have 130W PC lighting that has been on from about 7am until 10pm
(because I am at work between then and have not put it on a timer yet),
and the live rock that I do have is a bit brown and white.
<Yes, get
the timer and cut back to 10-12 hours a day.>
There is still some
light green and maroon sports on it though. There is none of these
colors anywhere else in the tank though. Should I worry about this, or
is my live rock just doing what it is supposed to be doing?
<It is
going through the normal curing/tank cycling process.>
I also want to
get more live rock now and finish off the last 40 lbs or so.
<The
sooner the better, your rock can cure together. Otherwise you will go
through the whole process again. Once you get more rock you should see
some skimmate out of your skimmer. If you don’t, consider upgrading to
an AquaC, EuroReef or ASM.>
Thanks so much for your help.
You guys
(and gals) are great!!!
Matthew Diethorn
<Thank you for the kind
words, good luck, Scott V.>
Re: Protein Skimmer, op. 1/25/08
Thanks for getting back to me so fast, but I just have one more thing.
<No problem.>
I got the live rock from my LFS and it is said to be
already cured.
<Even if it is truly cured, it can need to go through
the process again to some extent after moving to your tank.>
I got
home from work yesterday (timer is now set up to run from noon till
10pm) and it is very brown, even the white that I was talking about is
turning brown and the color that was on it is also turning brown.
<Common with new tanks.>
There is no other brown stuff on the sand or
glass at all.
<Good.>
Should I be doing water changes without any
bioload?
<I would. It will certainly lower your ammonia level, as
well as any nitrite/nitrate that may have accumulated thus far (have you
tested for these?). Also, starting water changes now starts good
habits.>
All I do now is top off my evaporation. Also, my specific
gravity is at about 1.029, a bit high I know.
<Yes, lower to
1.025-1.026. Do be sure you are topping off with freshwater.>
I don't
really know how soon I can get more live rock. Is my lighting maybe a
bit too bright? (doubtful).
<No.>
I hope this is normal for cured
live rock and will turn for the better.
<It will get better with
proper maintenance, i.e. water changes for now.>
Thanks for anymore
help you can give me.
Matthew Diethorn
<Welcome. Good luck, Scott
V.>
|
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