7
Type
Outlet
height
Total
height
Venturi
pump
Power
consumption
Capacity
Turboflotor
5000
Shorty II
39 cm
73 cm
Ocean Runner
3500 with needle
wheel
65 Watts
up to 1,500 l
400 gallons
4. Principle of operation
The aquarium water is pumped to the skimmer using a separate pump (not supplied) which should
have a capacity of approx. 2,000 - 4,000 litres/hour. The relative positions of the inlet and outlet
ports ensure the maximum contact time of air bubbles in the counter-current. If the Shorty is
mounted in a cabinet, it can be supplied with water directly from the overflow of the aquarium. In
this case, a bypass should be installed so the volume of water can be adjusted.
The venturi pump draws the water from the skimmer and mixes it with air. Within the pump
housing, the bubbles are cut into very fine pieces by the Aqua Medic needle wheel. The air/water
mixture is pumped back into the skimmer. The treated water flows out of the bottom of the
skimmer and is pumped through the two transparent pipes positioned outside the skimmer back
into the aquarium or filter sump.
5. Installation
•
Check that the sealing rings for the unions are in place.
•
Put the holding plate for the venturi pump to one side of the skimmer. Push the pump on to the
holding plate and connect the pump to its union.
•
The PVC air tube should be fed so that the end is higher than the water level in the skimmer.
This air tube must not hang down.
It should only be out 5 cm at the top.
•
Connect the bottom end of the tube to the air intake of the pump.
•
The water inlet is located at the opposite side of the outlet pipes. Attach the union and hose tail
(20 mm).
•
We recommend a pump with a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 litres/hour for the water supply or
direct connection to the aquarium overflow.
•
Fit the rubber sealing ring for the bayonet socket of the reaction pipe. Push the foam cup into its
seating and turn it to lock.
The drain from the skimmer has to run freely into the aquarium. A PVC pipe (40 mm dia) can be
glued into the drain ports. It is possible to let both drains flow into one pipe but the diameter of the
pipe must not be reduced. If the drains are left separate, a reduction in pipe size to 32 mm is
possible.
The skimmer can now be filled by pumping water directly from the aquarium. Ensure that the
water level of the aquarium is not lowered too much. As soon as the water level in the skimmer
reaches the height of the venturi pumps, these pumps should be started. Top up with sea water as
necessary.
After first use or after cleaning of the skimmer, it takes some time for the initial foam to build up in
the reaction pipe of the collection cup. This is because the cleaned acrylic initially reacts with the
water until a build up of fatty acids naturally takes place.
After approx. 24 hours, the foam should be pushed slowly and evenly into the collection cup. The
quantity of liquid and organic substances depends on the pollution of the aquarium.
