Skim sm167 tuning

[rahger]

Hey all. I just recently got my dc skimz model sm167
I’ve had it off while I dosed the microbacter7 to get the tank going. I have two fish right now. More on the way but wanted to try getting it dialed in. It’s my first dc skimmer so I’m having some issues getting a foam head.

I’m also getting a lot of micro bubbles being pushed out the bottom of the skimmer into the sump and tank.
Skimmer is recommended to be in 6-8” it’s sitting in 7.5”

I’m not quite sure how to go about tuning it. Do I peg the power and adjust the collection height, or peg the power, tune the air, then dial in collection.

Here’s what I got so far.

 

[FactoryKTMmotocross46]

I'm not sure about the pump speed as I just have the sm161 but if you close back on the outlet knob, it should raise the water height up in the chamber. It'll probably act crazy for a few days until it breaks in, then the micro bubbles should stop.

 

[rahger]

I’m getting a lot of big bubbles at the top and no foam is that to be expected before it breaks in. Seems like one little adjustment and the thing overflows

 

[FactoryKTMmotocross46]

Yeah, it looks pretty normal from the picture, the foam should accumulate eventually. Ive found that it depends on how dirty your water is on how thick the foam gets.

 

[link81]

I run mine about 1/3-1/2 power on the pump. If i raise it any more it fills the cup and becomes nearly impossible to tune.
air wide open
adjust skimmate thickness with the gate valve.
"tighten" drops the water level and makes thicker skimmate,
"loosen" raises the water level and makes thinner.

 

[rahger]

Thanks all. I’ve found out why it was a pain. The valve wasn’t turning the gate at the bottom consistently. I took it apart tightened down the nut that holds the gear and the gate together and now it turns more predictably.

 

[rahger]

I run mine about 1/3-1/2 power on the pump. If i raise it any more it fills the cup and becomes nearly impossible to tune.
air wide open
adjust skimmate thickness with the gate valve.
"tighten" drops the water level and makes thicker skimmate,
"loosen" raises the water level and makes thinner.

I will try this when I’m home. I’m pretty sure I have the power at 13/20, but the air line is about 50% so I’ll play with it. Thanks so much.