1. Introduction to Protein Skimming
Protein skimming removes suspended or dissolved organic materials from the aquarium water by a
mechanical process called foam fractionation. These materials consist of protein fragments and other
waste, produced by the living organisms in the marine aquarium. Since these compounds are
potentially harmful to the aquarium inhabitants, rapid removal is essential.
The waste products are surface-active substances (surfactants), which collect at air/water surfaces
in a one molecule thick layer. Inside a good Protein Skimmer a very large air-water contact area is
created by blowing numerous fine air bubbles into the seawater. Protein molecules and other organic
matter collect on the surface of these bubbles. As the protein covered bubbles rise to the water
surface of the Skimmer, a protein rich foam is formed, which is pushed into the collection cup by
the constant airflow.
The great advantage of Protein skimming lies in the fact that as waste material is removed, it is
separated from the water flow. In contrast, the particulate matter collected in a mechanical filter,
stays in contact with the water flow and if not removed breaks down, increasing the organic loading
of the aquarium.
2. The Prizm Principle of Operation
The Prizm Pro Skimmer consists of 4 basic components; Main Body,
Collection Cup, Inlet Pipe and Pump.
It is designed to either hang-on
the aquarium or to be installed next to or inside a sump.
The Prizm Pro
combines an efficient 18 blade Turbo air/water injector together with
Red Sea's Patented convergent-divergent flow technology Reaction
Chamber. Water and air are drawn into the skimmer through the Inlet
Pipe by the 18 blade air/water mixer, which has been designed to generate
the optimum ratio between the water/air flow rates, producing a constant
stream of superfine air bubbles in a homogenous air/water mixture.
The unique reaction chamber is divided into 2 compartments consisting
of a convergent upward flow first stage, followed by a divergent downward
flow second stage. The decreasing cross-sectional area of the convergent
first stage, causes great turbulence and extended contact time between
the air bubbles and water. The increasing cross-sectional area of the
divergent second stage, causes the air bubbles to flow both co-and-
counter-current before arriving to the water surface. The combined action
of the 2 compartments creates a protein loaded, stable foam at the throat of the skimmer, positively
pushing dry foam up into the collection cup.
The bubble-trap under the reaction chamber redirects any escaping air bubbles ensuring that bubble
free water is returned to the aquarium via the cascade. In addition, the bubble-trap acts as a Mechanical
filter by trapping small particulate matter, thus removing it from the water flow.
The Flow Regulator located on the Inlet Pipe allows the skimmers performance to be optimised for
all aquarium conditions.
3. Safety
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
-
To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the
following.
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER
-
To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be taken since water is employed in
the use of aquarium equipment. For each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself;
return the appliance to an authorized service facility for service or discard the appliance.
TM
Prizm Pro
Protein Skimmer
Installation and Operation Manual
for Red Seas
1
GB
a. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is malfunctioning, or if it is
dropped or damaged in any manner.
b. To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle getting
wet, position aquarium stand and tank to one side of a wall
mounted receptacle to prevent water from dripping onto the
receptacle or plug. A "drip loop" shown in the figure, should
be arranged by the user for each cord connecting an aquarium
appliance to a receptacle. The "drip loop" is that part of the cord
below the level of the receptacle, or the connector. Use an
extension cord if necessary, to prevent water traveling along
the cord and coming into contact with the receptacle. If the
plug or receptacle does get wet,
DON'T
unplug the cord.
Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies power to
the appliance. Then unplug the device and examine for presence
of water in the receptacle.
c. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
d. To avoid injury, do not contact moving parts.
e. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts,
and before cleaning. Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
f. Do not use an appliance for other than intended use. The use of attachments not recommended
or sold by the appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
g. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures
below freezing.
h. Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before operating it.
i. Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.
j. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating should be used. A cord rated for less
amperes or watts than the appliance rating may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the
cord so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
4. Assembly Instructions
To prevent breakage during shipping the Prizm Pro comes unassembled.
Before using, familiarize yourself with the components by assembling and disassembling the unit as
described hereafter. To ensure watertight seals the parts are connected with o-rings. When assembling
for the first time wet the o-rings with water of use a small amount of lubricant such as cooking oil.
Inlet Pipe & Pump Assembly
The pump is supplied ready for installation; however before use familiarize yourself with the pump
assembly by disassembling and reassembling as described below.
The Pump Cover is connected to the Pump Body with a bayonet connector, holding
the inlet port in position. To remove the Cover, rotate counter clockwise and pull
the cover away from the Body. The Inlet Port is positioned by 3 locators on the
Body and sealed with an o-ring. To remove the Inlet Port simply pull away from
the Body. The Rotor/Impeller assembly can be lifted out of the Pump Body.
Reassemble; replace the Rotor/Impeller assembly, place the Inlet Port above the
Pump Body ensuring that the 3 locators are positioned correctly and press down
evenly. Place the Cover above the Inlet port, press the Cover to the Body while
rotating the Cover clockwise. If you experience difficulty in rotating the Cover check
that the Inlet Port is positioned correctly.
In addition to being the water inlet, the Inlet Pipe houses the Air
Inlet Tube and Flow Regulator.
To attach the Inlet Pipe to the
Pump; Place the Inlet Pipe above
the Pump in Position 1 as shown in the diagram below aligning the
arrows on the Inlet Pipe with those on the Cover. With small
movements clockwise and counter clockwise of a few degrees, push
the Inlet Pipe downwards and thereafter lock the Inlet Pipe in position
by rotating it clockwise 90 degrees to position 2.
2
GB
Power
Cord
Aquarium
Drip Loop
Position
1
Position
2
