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5. Starting/Operation
The system can be started when it is correctly installed. After switching on the pump, 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 unit on the aquarium or filter system above water level.
The needle wheel breaks the air into small bubbles. This method eliminates the greater proportion of noise.
After the initial start, it might take a few days until the foam production is ideal. This is due to a reaction
between the surface of acrylic glass and aquarium water. Equilibrium of electrical charges takes place. The
quantity of liquid and organic substances is dependent on the pollution of the aquarium. Using the
DC Runner
Controller,
the foam production can be optimized. It is normal that you need to adjust a few times in the first
period.
In the discharge of the skimmer, there is a sponge that needs to be cleaned regularly.
6. Problems
Adjustment
The skimmer is adjusted by using the water level controller so that it works to its optimum.
The water level in
the skimmer has to be adapted for foam production. If the foam is too wet, the water level controller (Fig. 1,
No. 4) has to be further opened and thus the water level lowered. If the foam is too dry, the process has to be
done vice versa. Furthermore, there is the possibility to control the foam production electronically by the
DC
Runner Controller.
Air bubbles in the outflow
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
organic substances effectively, however, it may happen 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.
Very rarely, there’s a reasonable adjustment in new established aquaria. Either the skimmer „cooks over” or
„bubbles“ without foaming power. This is normal and will be settled by itself as soon as living animals will be in
the tank.
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. Greases will stop the skimming
completely.
If the air nozzle or air hose is blocked with salt or lime deposits, less air and more waters is sucked in. In this
case, clean both completely.
Wet foam
First of all, lower the water level in the skimmer by turning the water level controller (Fig. 1, No. 4). With
freshly prepared salt water or 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 should be normal and the skimmer will produce correct foam.
In new set-up aquaria, there is usually no reasonable skimming. The skimmer produces large
quantities of wet foam. This is normal and can be adjusted with the controller until the foam cup is
no longer full.
Dry foam / not enough bubbles
Not enough or too dry foam could be an indication that the needle wheel or air injection nozzle is dirty. A
thorough cleaning is recommended. Remove the pressure nozzle from the pump. If it’s not a problem of
cleaning, increase water level inside the skimmer by the water level controller.
7. Maintenance
The collection cup should be cleaned regularly (daily or weekly, depending on organic load). The reaction pipe
of the skimmer needs to be cleaned only occasionally. The venturi pump should also be removed and cleaned
regularly so there is no negative impact on the air output. The pump has to be removed and the complete
