expected skimmer output - Page 2

MatthewJ · 11-21-2008, 09:42 PM

checked the airline, everything looks fine. I cleaned this out pretty good when I first got the tank. I cleaned up the skimmer. I keep my water level in the tank just under the plastic rim. I deleted my old pictures of the skimmer, but here are some new ones:

redseareef · 11-21-2008, 09:56 PM

Rocks,
Thanks for the pics. It looks like quite a bit of air bubbles in there to me! IT looks ot me like the water level is too low for the skimmer.
The reason I say that is there is not a uniform amount of grunge on the neck of the skimmer.
Can you raise the water level safely in the sump area? Since you do not have a overflow box in the tank, where is the water level at in the tank?
Thanks

Reefmack · 11-21-2008, 09:56 PM

How's the water level in the back and in the pump chamber - is it close to the top of the pumps - maybe 1/2" or less from the top. Are you cleaning the sponge every few days? Anything you can do to keep water level up in the back will get the water level up in the skimmer and help skimming by lowering the amount of height that the bubbles need to climb to get into the cup. And maybe follow redseareef's comments above (and mine) about the airvalve itself possibly being clogged with salt.

Reefmack · 11-21-2008, 09:59 PM

The best way to raise the level in back (other than clean filters) is to drop that gate all the way to the bottom to get maximum water pulled into the back.

MatthewJ · 11-21-2008, 10:06 PM

There have always been a TON of bubbles. The sponge gets cleaned about every 3 days, and as you can see it has been trimmed down. When I turn on just one of the pumps, the water level is above the pumps. The bubble/water level within the skimmer rises a good 1/2" inch. With both on it drops to about 1/8" or so below the top of them. There is a corresponding drop in the skimmer. where do you guys keep your water level in the main tank?

redseareef · 11-21-2008, 10:10 PM

Rocks,
Mine is 3/4 of a inch above the bottom of my pumps. Thats where I have it set at with the Tunze Osmolator.
Does you skimmer have a air adjustment on it?

MatthewJ · 11-21-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefmack

The best way to raise the level in back (other than clean filters) is to drop that gate all the way to the bottom to get maximum water pulled into the back.

I had been keeping the water level just below the plastic rim and the gate partially closed so that the surface would get skimmed. Otherwise it has a bunch of crud in it. I will try to open up the gate (I already raised water level) and see what happens. The new Hydor deflector might help with the crud.

Reefmack · 11-21-2008, 10:14 PM

My level in the tank is just below the back trim, and in the pump chamber about 1/2" below the pump tops. When it drops about 1.5 - 2" below the pump tops I know it's time to clean or replace my filter pad before I start getting a whiteout of microbubbles.

redseareef · 11-21-2008, 10:15 PM

If it does back off on the air. This will do two things:
1. Cutting off the air intake will increase the water intake and it may raise the water level in the skimmer a bit more.
2. If not, you can restrict the output on the skimmer useing a piece of sponge to block off part of the water output going out of the skimmer.
I have never seen that thing out of the water, so I am just throwing ideas out there and trying to help. I KNOW it's different then mine!
Does anyone know if the pump is different too??

redseareef · 11-21-2008, 10:17 PM

I know that skimmer works. I have seen it! Heck, I have my 20.00 Rio skimmer for a hang on back up for othe rtanks and it works once you get it dialed in. And that thing is TOTALLY CHEESY!!!!

MatthewJ · 11-21-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redseareef

Rocks,
Mine is 3/4 of a inch above the bottom of my pumps. Thats where I have it set at with the Tunze Osmolator.
Does you skimmer have a air adjustment on it?

you mean the little screw valve right?...yes.

redseareef · 11-21-2008, 11:55 PM

yes, the one on the end of the airline tube if the skimmer came with one

MatthewJ · 11-23-2008, 08:05 PM

okay, after cleaning the skimmer, raising the level of water in the tank and opening the overflow gate fully...I'm starting to see reasonable skimmate. The only problem is the water in the main tank is really high. I have to be really carefully when I put my arm in the tank. Is having the water that high okay? I really think that is what did the trick.

Here's a snapshot of the new action. This is in 24-48 hours. Is the skimmate too watery or just about right?

Reefmack · 11-23-2008, 08:42 PM

Wow - that's a definite improvement! The color of the skimmate looks good. It shows how water level dependent the skimmer can be, plus the other changes should have helped also. How high have you got the water level in the main tank? If it's too high for comfort maybe try draining it a bit to see at what point the skimmer stops skimming. It sounds like you're close to the top of the black rim?

redseareef · 11-23-2008, 09:51 PM

myusernamerocks,
BRAVO!!!!! I knew it was that water level!!! Nice job dude! Well, if I had that whole skimmer in front of me I know I could get the water level up in it, and the water level down in the tank.
If you get really ambitious, take it out and fire me off some pics!!! I want to see the bottom of the skimmer where the water exits rocks!
Once I see the size of that opening, we can go from there. The high water level can then be lowered in the main tank.
Please post of picture of the water level in the tank too if you can. I would like to see where it sits.
Yea, that skimmate looks great! What a improvement!

11-21-2008, 09:42 PM	#16 (permalink)
MatthewJ Cabbage Leather Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 372 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output checked the airline, everything looks fine. I cleaned this out pretty good when I first got the tank. I cleaned up the skimmer. I keep my water level in the tank just under the plastic rim. I deleted my old pictures of the skimmer, but here are some new ones:

11-21-2008, 09:56 PM	#17 (permalink)
redseareef RS Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: L.A. California Posts: 1,357 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output Rocks, Thanks for the pics. It looks like quite a bit of air bubbles in there to me! IT looks ot me like the water level is too low for the skimmer. The reason I say that is there is not a uniform amount of grunge on the neck of the skimmer. Can you raise the water level safely in the sump area? Since you do not have a overflow box in the tank, where is the water level at in the tank? Thanks __________________ I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESS, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG 2Corinthians 12:10 So, God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind.......... Genesis 1:21 Why would God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden? Why would God allow Satan to tempt Eve? Wouldn't it have been better had God not placed this tree there and there where no opportunity for temptation? But how would God know you truly loved him unless you had a choice? How would God know you truly wanted to obey him unless you had a choice?

11-21-2008, 09:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output How's the water level in the back and in the pump chamber - is it close to the top of the pumps - maybe 1/2" or less from the top. Are you cleaning the sponge every few days? Anything you can do to keep water level up in the back will get the water level up in the skimmer and help skimming by lowering the amount of height that the bubbles need to climb to get into the cup. And maybe follow redseareef's comments above (and mine) about the airvalve itself possibly being clogged with salt. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

11-21-2008, 09:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output The best way to raise the level in back (other than clean filters) is to drop that gate all the way to the bottom to get maximum water pulled into the back. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

11-21-2008, 10:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
MatthewJ Cabbage Leather Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 372 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output There have always been a TON of bubbles. The sponge gets cleaned about every 3 days, and as you can see it has been trimmed down. When I turn on just one of the pumps, the water level is above the pumps. The bubble/water level within the skimmer rises a good 1/2" inch. With both on it drops to about 1/8" or so below the top of them. There is a corresponding drop in the skimmer. where do you guys keep your water level in the main tank?

11-21-2008, 10:10 PM	#21 (permalink)
redseareef RS Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: L.A. California Posts: 1,357 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output Rocks, Mine is 3/4 of a inch above the bottom of my pumps. Thats where I have it set at with the Tunze Osmolator. Does you skimmer have a air adjustment on it? __________________ I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESS, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG 2Corinthians 12:10 So, God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind.......... Genesis 1:21 Why would God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden? Why would God allow Satan to tempt Eve? Wouldn't it have been better had God not placed this tree there and there where no opportunity for temptation? But how would God know you truly loved him unless you had a choice? How would God know you truly wanted to obey him unless you had a choice?

11-21-2008, 10:14 PM	#23 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output My level in the tank is just below the back trim, and in the pump chamber about 1/2" below the pump tops. When it drops about 1.5 - 2" below the pump tops I know it's time to clean or replace my filter pad before I start getting a whiteout of microbubbles. __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

11-21-2008, 10:15 PM	#24 (permalink)
redseareef RS Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: L.A. California Posts: 1,357 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output If it does back off on the air. This will do two things: 1. Cutting off the air intake will increase the water intake and it may raise the water level in the skimmer a bit more. 2. If not, you can restrict the output on the skimmer useing a piece of sponge to block off part of the water output going out of the skimmer. I have never seen that thing out of the water, so I am just throwing ideas out there and trying to help. I KNOW it's different then mine! Does anyone know if the pump is different too?? __________________ I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESS, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG 2Corinthians 12:10 So, God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind.......... Genesis 1:21 Why would God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden? Why would God allow Satan to tempt Eve? Wouldn't it have been better had God not placed this tree there and there where no opportunity for temptation? But how would God know you truly loved him unless you had a choice? How would God know you truly wanted to obey him unless you had a choice?

11-21-2008, 10:17 PM	#25 (permalink)
redseareef RS Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: L.A. California Posts: 1,357 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output I know that skimmer works. I have seen it! Heck, I have my 20.00 Rio skimmer for a hang on back up for othe rtanks and it works once you get it dialed in. And that thing is TOTALLY CHEESY!!!! __________________ I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESS, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG 2Corinthians 12:10 So, God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind.......... Genesis 1:21 Why would God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden? Why would God allow Satan to tempt Eve? Wouldn't it have been better had God not placed this tree there and there where no opportunity for temptation? But how would God know you truly loved him unless you had a choice? How would God know you truly wanted to obey him unless you had a choice?

11-21-2008, 11:55 PM	#27 (permalink)
redseareef RS Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: L.A. California Posts: 1,357 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output yes, the one on the end of the airline tube if the skimmer came with one __________________ I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESS, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG 2Corinthians 12:10 So, God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind.......... Genesis 1:21 Why would God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden? Why would God allow Satan to tempt Eve? Wouldn't it have been better had God not placed this tree there and there where no opportunity for temptation? But how would God know you truly loved him unless you had a choice? How would God know you truly wanted to obey him unless you had a choice?

11-23-2008, 08:05 PM	#28 (permalink)
MatthewJ Cabbage Leather Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 372 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output okay, after cleaning the skimmer, raising the level of water in the tank and opening the overflow gate fully...I'm starting to see reasonable skimmate. The only problem is the water in the main tank is really high. I have to be really carefully when I put my arm in the tank. Is having the water that high okay? I really think that is what did the trick. Here's a snapshot of the new action. This is in 24-48 hours. Is the skimmate too watery or just about right?

11-23-2008, 08:42 PM	#29 (permalink)
Reefmack NaClH2O Addicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC, USA Posts: 6,132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output Wow - that's a definite improvement! The color of the skimmate looks good. It shows how water level dependent the skimmer can be, plus the other changes should have helped also. How high have you got the water level in the main tank? If it's too high for comfort maybe try draining it a bit to see at what point the skimmer stops skimming. It sounds like you're close to the top of the black rim? __________________ aka Terry Excellence in reefkeeping is achieved by mastering the fundamentals, and learning from mistakes. No such thing as an evil crab. Only humans have the ability to be evil. "If you don't like what your fellow forum neighbors are doing, then don't pay so much attention to them" 34g Red Sea Max 130 (April 07), ~50-60 lbs. live rock, Aragonite substrate. Lighting: Current USA Outer Orbit Pro - 150W HQI, 2 x 24W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI, 2 x 24W Super Actinic T5 HO Fluorescent by UVL, Vortech MP20, LifeReef RSM Siphon, EShopps RS-75 Sump, Euro-Reef custom sump skimmer, Simplicity media reactor, Tunze Osmolator ATO, ReefKeeper Lite L3 controller Reefmack's RSM 130 and...Red Sea Max Owners Club and My JBJ 6G in this thread[/color][/i]

11-23-2008, 09:51 PM	#30 (permalink)
redseareef RS Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: L.A. California Posts: 1,357 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: expected skimmer output myusernamerocks, BRAVO!!!!! I knew it was that water level!!! Nice job dude! Well, if I had that whole skimmer in front of me I know I could get the water level up in it, and the water level down in the tank. If you get really ambitious, take it out and fire me off some pics!!! I want to see the bottom of the skimmer where the water exits rocks! Once I see the size of that opening, we can go from there. The high water level can then be lowered in the main tank. Please post of picture of the water level in the tank too if you can. I would like to see where it sits. Yea, that skimmate looks great! What a improvement! __________________ I DELIGHT IN WEAKNESS, IN INSULTS, IN HARDSHIPS, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DIFFICULTIES. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG 2Corinthians 12:10 So, God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind.......... Genesis 1:21 Why would God put a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden? Why would God allow Satan to tempt Eve? Wouldn't it have been better had God not placed this tree there and there where no opportunity for temptation? But how would God know you truly loved him unless you had a choice? How would God know you truly wanted to obey him unless you had a choice?

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