11
Fig. 2: DC Runner Controller 1.1
1.
–Button
2.
LEDs
3.
Power supply
4.
0 - 10 V socket
3.4. Maintenance / cleaning the pump
Depending on contamination, the pump and Power Wheel have to be cleaned occasionally, at least
in two-months intervals, if necessary more frequently.
First of all, remove the retaining plate. Then, take off the pump lock. Now, the complete impeller
can be taken out.
4.
Starting the skimmer
•
The air tube has always to be installed upward over the water level in the skimmer.
This air
tube must not hang down.
Therefore, it should always be connected to the silencer (Fig. 1,
No. 5). The silencer has to be put into a borehole of the foam cup’s lid. Connect the bottom end
of the tube to the air intake of the pump. The foam cup is simply inserted into the skimmer’s
housing from the top.
•
The ideal water level for each skimmer is listed in table 1. With higher or lower water levels,
airflow rate and skimming power will decrease. The filter sump should either contain an
overflow edge that keeps the water level in the ideal range or it should be equipped with an
automatic refill unit, such as Aqua Medic Refill System.
•
The skimmer will be filled by starting the venturi pump on a low level. A very quick water flow
leads to very fast overflowing of the foam cup. Here, special caution is required, if one connects
the outflow nozzle of the foam cup via a hose with a container standing beside the filter sump.
There is the danger that the container overflows if the skimmer spills over. Thus, this would also
lead to strong loss of water in the filter sump whereby other devices could run dry and
therefore, could be damaged. The flow should be adjusted by using the adjusting screw (Fig. 1,
No. 6) and / or the pump controller so that nearly dry foam will be produced. There is an arrow
on the adjusting screw. If it points to the skimmer, the outlet is set to the lowest level.
•
Ensure, when filling the skimmer that the water level of the aquarium resp. filter sump is not
lowered too much. Possibly, keep freshly prepared saltwater ready for refilling.
•
After first use or after cleaning 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.
5.
Maintenance
•
Foam cup:
Depending on the organic load, the cup should be cleaned daily to weekly.
•
Skimmer pipe:
This only needs occasional cleaning. We recommend intervals from 6 to 12
months.
