SkimmerIntroductionSheet20190501

Inspiring Excellence in Fish Care!

A new protein skimmer (or one that has been thoroughly cleaned) requires a breaking in period before it reaches peak efficiency. During this time, it may spill microbubbles into the sump and may under/overskim. For this reason, the skimmer will require daily inspection and adjustment. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks. Breaking in a Skimmer Two parts of a skimmer can generally be adjusted. Air input - usually, it’s best to leave this fully open. Water flow - Usually, it is the outlet of the skimmer that is adjusted. Adjusting the flow will change the water level in the skimmer. When adjusting the skimmer, a good place to start is to have the water level about 1/3 to 1/2 way up the neck. Adjust every few hours until the correct amount of waste is collected. When breaking the skimmer in, extra attention must be paid to adjustment for the first few days. The skimmer will need periodic adjustment to account for changes in water quality which will affect how the skimmer works - some foods and treatments will make a skimmer over-skim and may require turning it off or down. When adjusting water level in a skimmer, a higher water level will give you more liquid in the collection cup (“Wet” skimming) while a lower water level will collect a drier skimmate (“Dry” skimming). Wet skimming will collect waste a little faster but much more water is lost. Wet vs Dry Skimming Adjusting a Skimmer

Air Volume

When running at full efficiency, the body of the skimmer should be full of bubbles. A good rule of thumb for judging whether there are enough bubbles is to put your hand behind the body while the skimmer is running. Your hand should be difficult to see (unless there is light behind which illuminates your hand). If you can clearly make out the details behind the body, the skimmer is not running at full efficiency.

Check all connections are secure and not obstructed in the Air Intake/Venturi. Troubleshooting and Maintenance Air Volume

Either soak the venturi in fresh water or white vinegar, or use a syringe to force warm (not hot) fresh water through the air intake with a syringe. Check and clean the pump.

General Notes

Almost all issues with skimmers are either a blocked air intake (see above), a dirty pump or a matter of adjustment. Skimmers are physically fragile. Care should be taken when working with them. When servicing a skimmer, any o-rings should be lubricated. This will make it easier to work with the skimmer and minimise the chance of damage.

Dry skimming Slower but less water is lost.

Wet skimming Faster but more water is lost.

It will also help protect the o-rings from the corrosive effects of salt water.