help with mounting a hob skimmer

crocodile receptionist

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I just got a Coralife 65 Skimmer and I had it running for a day or 2 when I realized it had to be mounted higher. I read that the pump in the tank must be 2-3 inches below the waterline for it to work properly. I have it set up just hanging on the back but I am wondering how I can raise it up higher. Here is a photo of the problem I am having. Let me know if you guys think of anything to do. Thanks!!!

IMG_1205.jpeg IMG_1203.jpeg
 

fishguy242

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hi ,can you shorten hose on pump to skimmer,i have used many,never raised body.
 

GoVols

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Can you cut off some of the tubing going down to the pump???

Screen Shot 2021-03-06 at 12.00.19 AM.png


That way the pump would be higher after the extra tubing was cut off.

Or, lower your water level.
 

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I will cut it and let you know how it works, and would you not recommend raising the whole skimmer?

Yeah,
I'm with @fishguy242 on trimming back the pump's hose.

Just remember that it can take a while for a new skimmer to break in (settle down to dial-in) and longer on a new setup. It needs time to build up a good slim coat on the inside.
 
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Yeah,
I'm with @fishguy242 on trimming back the pump's hose.

Just remember that it can take a while for a new skimmer to break in (settle down to dial-in) and longer on a new setup. It needs time to build up a good slim coat on the inside.
Thank you all for the advice, I just trimmed it down. Currently, it is not producing any bubbles, how long does this usually take?
 

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Thank you all for the advice, I just trimmed it down. Currently, it is not producing any bubbles, how long does this usually take?

Is your air intake line attached in the correct manner?
 

fishguy242

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or possible clog in venturi intake.careful they tend to snap off pretty easy,just a pipe cleaner will do.
 

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INITIAL OPERATION 1. Plug water pump (650 - 750 gph) into an outlet or power source. NOTE: Inspect connections for leaks and make sure that the water is flowing through the unit.


2. Adjust the water-level adjustment dial so that the micro-bubbles are below the collection cup cone. Let the pump run for 24 - 72 hours to “break-in” the unit.

(5.1) Use flow control valve for coarse water level adjustment with Model 65.

Use water level adjustment dial for fine adjustment. NOTE: Initial operation of protein skimmer may produce excess bubbles and waste. Allow collection cup to fill-up and discard waste-water until production decreases.

OPERATION 1. Turn water-level adjustment dial to raise water level within the main chamber and cone to desired skimming operation.

DRY SKIMMING OPERATION (5.2) 1. Adjust micro-bubbles to .25" - .75" high inside collection cup cone. NOTE: Dry skimming will produce a dense foam layer that rises to the top of the cone where it collects until the dry foam overflows into the collection cup. RESULTS: 1. Dry foam (froth) 2. Dark, concentrated waste material (Less Volume)

WET SKIMMING OPERATION (5.3) 1. Adjust micro-bubbles to .75" - 3" high inside collection cup cone. NOTE: Wet skimming will produce a thin bubble layer that rises to the collection cup lid where it bursts and slides down the collection cup as wet wastewater. RESULTS: 1. Wet foam 2. Light, diluted waste material (More Volume)
 
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INITIAL OPERATION 1. Plug water pump (650 - 750 gph) into an outlet or power source. NOTE: Inspect connections for leaks and make sure that the water is flowing through the unit.


2. Adjust the water-level adjustment dial so that the micro-bubbles are below the collection cup cone. Let the pump run for 24 - 72 hours to “break-in” the unit.

(5.1) Use flow control valve for coarse water level adjustment with Model 65.

Use water level adjustment dial for fine adjustment. NOTE: Initial operation of protein skimmer may produce excess bubbles and waste. Allow collection cup to fill-up and discard waste-water until production decreases.

OPERATION 1. Turn water-level adjustment dial to raise water level within the main chamber and cone to desired skimming operation.

DRY SKIMMING OPERATION (5.2) 1. Adjust micro-bubbles to .25" - .75" high inside collection cup cone. NOTE: Dry skimming will produce a dense foam layer that rises to the top of the cone where it collects until the dry foam overflows into the collection cup. RESULTS: 1. Dry foam (froth) 2. Dark, concentrated waste material (Less Volume)

WET SKIMMING OPERATION (5.3) 1. Adjust micro-bubbles to .75" - 3" high inside collection cup cone. NOTE: Wet skimming will produce a thin bubble layer that rises to the collection cup lid where it bursts and slides down the collection cup as wet wastewater. RESULTS: 1. Wet foam 2. Light, diluted waste material (More Volume)
Thank you so much for all of that info! The skimmer was working fine for 1 day and producing bubbles but now it won't produce any. I turned it off for a day becasue I was not going to be home and I read that they can overflow easily the first couple of days. for some reason it just won't produce bubbles unless I blow into the tube, I see an air gap that's about 2 inches inside the tube. Could that be the issue?
 

fishguy242

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hi,check for crack at venturi inlet.
does it rattle on start up? possibly needs impeller??
 

fishguy242

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if it is not getting air ,and intake is clean ,leaning to impeller,
if can the octopus hob series are great skimmers ,they do not over flow ;)
 

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Thank you so much for all of that info! The skimmer was working fine for 1 day and producing bubbles but now it won't produce any. I turned it off for a day becasue I was not going to be home and I read that they can overflow easily the first couple of days. for some reason it just won't produce bubbles unless I blow into the tube, I see an air gap that's about 2 inches inside the tube. Could that be the issue?

Post #1 seems to be identical to what you're experiencing


I'd try out the OP's solution and the other's feedback inside that thread.
 

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