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5.
Starting/Performance
The system can be started when the Turboflotor is correctly installed. After switching the pump on, air is
automatically drawn into the skimmer. To minimize the noise level, connect the air inlet tube with the
blue connecting piece of the silencer supplied. Fix the silencer with the holding device on the aquarium or
the filter system.
The mesh wheel breaks the air into small bubbles. This method eliminates the greater proportion of the
noise. After the initial start, some hours may pass before the first foam is pushed into the collection cup.
This is due to a reaction between the surface of the acrylic glass and the aquarium water. Equilibrium of
electrical charges takes place. After a maximum of 24 hours, the foam should be pushed evenly into the
collection cup. The quantity of liquid and organic substances is dependent on the pollution of the
aquarium.
6.
Problems
Adjustments:
The skimmer and the foam production can be adjusted by moving the foam cup up and
down with the help of the 0-ring (4). In this way, the water level in the foam cup is adjusted to the
optimum function, depending on the foam production in the aquarium.
If the skimmer is added to an existing aquarium, there might be a high concentration of organic
substances already dissolved in the water. This results in very tiny bubbles in the skimmer. These tiny
bubbles remove the organic substances effectively, however, it may be that some of these bubbles are
drawn back into the aquarium. After a few days, the concentration of organic substances will have
decreased to such low levels that this effect will have gone and the water flow is free of air bubbles.
Some types of frozen food may have the same effects. It is best to thaw and wash the food prior to
feeding it to the fish. The air bubbles will stop after a short period by themselves.
Wet foam:
With freshly prepared sea water, after using water conditioners or at extremely high loading,
excessive wet foam may be produced. This wet foam is forced into the cup, requiring more frequent
emptying than normal. After approx. one day, the aquarium load will be normal and the skimmer will
produce the correct foam.
The frontcover plate of the I 400 has an inlet lattice at the top side. The water level should be in the
lattice center. After refilling evaporated water without previous cleaning of the foam pot, an extremely
strong foam development can occur. Therefore, clean the foam cup before freshwater will be re-filled or
work with a re-fill system (e. g. AB Aqua Medic Niveaumat).
Dry foam:
Not enough foam or too dry foam could be an indication that the mesh wheel is dirty or the
venturi is obstructed. A thorough cleaning is recommended. Remove the hose connection from the
pressure side of the pump. Mount the foam cup deeper.
7.
Maintenance
The collection cup should be cleaned regularly (daily or weekly, depending on the organic load).
The reaction pipe of the skimmer needs to be cleaned only once or twice a year. The venturi pump should
be also cleaned from time to time. The pump has to be removed and the complete pump housing and the
mesh wheel flushed with clean water. The same procedure should be undertaken with the air injection
nozzle.
