Red Sea MAX E Series, Installation And Operation Manual

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Red Sea MAX
®
E-Series
22
14 Trouble shooting
Q. My set up is new and the skimmer doesn’t seem to be skimming.
A. Check that the salinity of the water is within the correct range for
reef aquariums. If the setup is new or if you have just cleaned your
skimmer, rinse thoroughly with water and return to the sump. The
skimmer should start foaming within a few days. Skimmers react to
changes in water density and other harmless chemical residue from
the production process. While this is safe for your aquarium, it will
impede the skimmer’s efficiency for a couple of days. Remember that
your skimmer will work only if the water contains proteins, as these
proteins bind to the surface of the air bubbles and give the bubbles
the structural rigidity they need to ascend the neck of the skimmer
and settle in the collection cup.
Q. My skimmer is new and is producing a lot of weak, watery foam
(over-skimming).
A. Production of an excessive amount of weak, watery foam – also
referred to as over-skimming indicates the presence of chemical
substances that need to be removed by the skimmer. Lower the
position of the Skim Adjuster as necessary to reduce the water level in
the skimmer neck and if necessary reduce the air flow by adding the
air valve to the air inlet and restrict the air flow until you get a stable
foam production. It may take a few days for the skimmer to remove
all of the chemicals.
Q. My set up is not new and skimmer isn’t producing foam or it is too
dry and builds on the neck.
A. During a new set-up the bio-load is low and the amount of organics
is negligible. If your MAX
®
is fully stocked, increase the height of the
skimmer shutter as necessary and open the air valve. Check the water
level in the rear filtration chamber and raise it to the optimal line. If
you still get light foam production inspect for blockage in the airline or
skimmer inlet.
Q. My skimmer is not new and is over-skimming after feeding and/or
supplementing.
A. See Feeding and Supplementing in chapter 12 (page19).
Q. The water level in the aquarium is too high.
A. Check the surface skimmer comb for restrictions such as algae or snails
and clean the comb as instructed above.
Q. A pumps has stopped working or is making mechanical noise.
A. Disassemble and clean the pump as instructed above.