I realize this is a common question (after several google searches) but I haven't found a solid answer yet. How do you set up a skimmer? I let it run, change depth (I can't let the water in the sump get too low because the pump will suck air, and i can't raise the skimmer any more or it won't clear, i have tried running the level at the skimmer between 8 and 12 inches), even added an air valve and I simply can not get the skimmer to not overflow within a few minutes. Its become very frustrating and really is the biggest pain for me in the hobby thus far. Whats the secret?
Skimmers
- Thread starter frantz
- Start date
Honestly I'm not sure what pump it is but it does seem a bit strong for the skimmer. I got the setup used. I have turned the air down so only a pinhole amount is getting in and that seems to be working but is that a normal requirment? I'll try and get some pictures once i find some camera batteries. Perhaps a slower pump would pay off in the long run by not wasting so much extra power?
Second what the others said, but no, restricting the air down to a minimum is not common nor is it even close to desirable. Reduce the incoming water if you have to (depending on the skimmer this could be done different ways) but you want all the air injection you can get. Bubbles are where it's at, and if you choke it down to a "pinhole", you are losing almost all of them.
sounds to me like you need to adjust the amount of water leaving the skimmer. you should be able to open a gate valve or whatever it is that adjusts the water retained or discharged from the skimmer. if you can open the "discharge valve" start there and see if that lowers the water level in the skimmer. that should reduce how much is overflowing +1 on needing more info too. pics would be helpful... good luck
it's probably just too much pump for the skimmer...
you want lots and lots of bubbles... (which obviously means more air, not less)...
but again.. post pictures of the setup... (or go to a website and figure out which skimmer you've got and post a link
you want lots and lots of bubbles... (which obviously means more air, not less)...
but again.. post pictures of the setup... (or go to a website and figure out which skimmer you've got and post a link
- Messages
- 339
- Reaction score
- 8
When I first started I had a har time setting up my skimmer. Since you got it used, it's even harder, because you don't know if the skimmer is outdated and even how to dial it in properly. But it beats buying it brand new for $300. I've been there, an in the end you're going to learn a lot. If you can't get the answers you need George at pure reef in Alpharetta and anyone at optimum aquarium in kennesaw will be able to help you
Skimmer is a reef octopus and i think its a 160, not the newer style with the box on the bottom. The pump looks similar to the ones I see in pictures so perhaps its a "stock" pump? I have the Skimmer raised on a storm drain cover which lifts it aprx 3" from bottom of tank. The pictures are horrible, but perhaps they'll help identify the problems I'm having. Thanks again for your help.
alt="" />
alt="" />
alt="" />
