Skimmer Q&A Thread

[action21]

As you raise your whole skimmer higher there is less water in it. I cut a plastic egg crate and using zip ties I cut 4 pieces of pvc pipe to apx 3-4” and then put skimmer on top of that This raised the skimmer up which in turn lessens the water level in the skimmer

 

[Ian Baxter]

As you raise your whole skimmer higher there is less water in it. I cut a plastic egg crate and using zip ties I cut 4 pieces of pvc pipe to apx 3-4” and then put skimmer on top of that This raised the skimmer up which in turn lessens the water level in the skimmer

That’s a great idea!!

 

[BornHandy]

Most skimmers have some sort of adjustable water lever (for inside the skimmer). Try and find that first. If not, more air means less water, and that may drop the internal water level a little.

Also, most skimmers have an optimal water depth they are supposed to operate in.

If your sump has adjustable baffles, you can try and lower the water in the skimmer chamber that way, or raise the skimmer by placing it on a stand.

In any case, the water inside if the skimmer should come somewhere close the the bottom of the collection cup, and allow a dry foam to build, then push up the inner section of the cup, then overflow into the cup itself.

 

[Ian Baxter]

Most skimmers have some sort of adjustable water lever (for inside the skimmer). Try and find that first. If not, more air means less water, and that may drop the internal water level a little.

Also, most skimmers have an optimal water depth they are supposed to operate in.

If your sump has adjustable baffles, you can try and lower the water in the skimmer chamber that way, or raise the skimmer by placing it on a stand.

In any case, the water inside if the skimmer should come somewhere close the the bottom of the collection cup, and allow a dry foam to build, then push up the inner section of the cup, then overflow into the cup itself.

Does this look better? I didn’t raise it, but messed with the different settings.

 

[BornHandy]

Does this look better? I didn’t raise it, but messed with the different settings.

I didn't see a picture. Can you try to upload again?

 

[Ian Baxter]

 

[BornHandy]

Much better! I would call that perfect!

 

[DarrenCar]

somatic 60 sump

I believe you need to get that skimmer a little deeper. Recommended Water Height - 6"-9"

 

[Dub]

This is the official R2R Skimmer Q&A Thread where the answers to your questions are as concentrated as skimmate!

We will do our best as a community to answer questions you have concerning protein skimmers so ask away!

Thank you!

OK, just so you know this is my first post so I know nothing about forum posting. Also I am new to aquariums since I haven’t had one since 1970. Recently purchased a used Red Sea Reefer 170 and have it up and running. Been running for a month and all seems well. My problem As I know it is with my skimmer. It has a label on it that says “devil Red” with a picture of a devils face in red. That is all I know about it. It is in my sump with 8 inches of water. I have taken the Moyer apart and cleaned it as well as the rest of the skimmer. Now come the problem. I can get it tuned in and it appears to be working onl it fills the collection in 24-36 hours and the water is like dark tea. If I move it to remove my filter sock it goes crazy and air bubbles overflow the cup as well as coming from the bottom of the skimmer. It takes me a couple of days to get it to working again. Is this a result of a cheap skimmer or do I have something setup wrong? I have searched the net and cannot find the skimmer but have found one that looks like mine and it is a model 250 priced between 88 and 100 dollars. Maybe a company buyout? Thanks for any advice. Dub

 

[reeftivo]

i was thinking diablo skimmer but yours may be a similar brand to this. Maybe not the same model but a good chance it's the same manufacturer. Not a lot of info on these. I would say get a pic up of it in sump and lets take a look.

 

[Dub]

I made a raised ledge out of egg crate and pvc for legs. about 4” tall and set skimmer on that.

i was thinking diablo skimmer but yours may be a similar brand to this. Maybe not the same model but a good chance it's the same manufacturer. Not a lot of info on these. I would say get a pic up of it in sump and lets take a look.

bingo, that is the skimmer I have. Anyone have any suggestions on it's operation?

 

[reeftivo]

bingo, that is the skimmer I have. Anyone have any suggestions on it's operation?

what level do you have it running at in the sump?

it's recommended at 7 to 9.5 i think.

Filetsr socks; Are you using the felt filter socks or the mesh? Also, how do you clean them?

 

[reeftivo]

If all else fails and your skimmer keeps giving you issues after member feedback, i would consider a more proven brand of skimmer if you intend to be vested in using one. There are some really good smaller units like the Tunze comline 9004 you may want to take a look at. they are very versatile units and are not too pricey.

 

[reeftivo]

Anyone use a Lifereef skimmer looks interesting.

check out this older thread. may have some good info for you

Got LifeReef ??? Show us your LifeReef Sumps, Skimmers, and Anything else you may have by LifeReef.

I just ordered a new LifeReef Sump System today ! I am on a waiting list, so until Jeff builds mine out, I thought it would be interesting to see some of your LifeReef Systems. Please post lots of pics ! Let's start a LifeReef gallery thread.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Dub]

what level do you have it running at in the sump?

it's recommended at 7 to 9.5 i think.

Filetsr socks; Are you using the felt filter socks or the mesh? Also, how do you clean them?

My water level is at 7 inches and my filter sock is a red sea felt at 100 micro. I clean them in the washing machine on low setting and no additives.

 

[reeftivo]

My water level is at 7 inches and my filter sock is a red sea felt at 100 micro. I clean them in the washing machine on low setting and no additives.

7 inches should be fine. any pics of where the foam head is adjusted to? a short video of it running would be nice if you can post one.

for what it's worth I run mesh socks because they are easier for me to maintain and rinse. They let a little bit more through for the critters. I run sock-less when i'm out for extended periods (vacation etc..). I've ran felt socks in the past, but had to rinse them sometimes two or three times, when new, just to get production residues off them so my skimmers wouldn't go Berserk. i rinse my felt socks with a cap full of bleach on warm cycle, then do another rinse after the first cycle stops. this helps minimalize any left over detergent residual from previous clothes washing.


You say the over foaming only happens when the filter socks are removed? wierd! You also stated that you are getting a full cup every 24 to 36 hours, so i would set the foam head a bit lower in the body to get a dryer content. try just a small adjustment and let it rest for a couples hours, then see where you are at.

 

[Dub]

7 inches should be fine. any pics of where the foam head is adjusted to? a short video of it running would be nice if you can post one.

for what it's worth I run mesh socks because they are easier for me to maintain and rinse. They let a little bit more through for the critters. I run sock-less when i'm out for extended periods (vacation etc..). I've ran felt socks in the past, but had to rinse them sometimes two or three times, when new, just to get production residues off them so my skimmers wouldn't go Berserk. i rinse my felt socks with a cap full of bleach on warm cycle, then do another rinse after the first cycle stops. this helps minimalize any left over detergent residual from previous clothes washing.


You say the over foaming only happens when the filter socks are removed? wierd! You also stated that you are getting a full cup every 24 to 36 hours, so i would set the foam head a bit lower in the body to get a dryer content. try just a small adjustment and let it rest for a couples hours, then see where you are at.

As you can see from the picture below the foam head is just at the top of the cup inner tube. I just cleaned the cup this morning so nothing is in it at this time. The excessive foaming was not caused the sock change rather from me tilting the skimmer so I could pull the sock trey out. Also I remeasured the water level and it is at 8.25 inches. Iva e 4 felt socks and 1 mesh sock. It didn’t appear that the mesh sock removed much so I started using the felt. As you can see from the picture there is not much room for the skimmer after I partitioned the sump for a refugium to the left of the skimmer/sock area.

 

[reeftivo]

if that's how it operating right now then don''t sweat it. just leave it.

 

[Dub]

if that's how it operating right now then don''t sweat it. just leave it.

Thank you!!

 

[Shrimplets]

This is the official R2R Skimmer Q&A Thread where the answers to your questions are as concentrated as skimmate!

We will do our best as a community to answer questions you have concerning protein skimmers so ask away!

Thank you!

do i really need a skimmer? I'm looking at a 40g nuvo tank and would like to know if a skimmer is something i should invest in.
Stocking plan is as follows

-1 Watchman Goby
-1 Fire goby
-2 Clowns
-2 Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp
-1 Pistol Shrimp

Coral


-Ricordea Florida
-Rhodactus Mushroom
-Frogspawn
-Xenia