Jul 25, 2017
Laura Grim
wrote
I am running the K2-120 on a Red Sea Max 250E (66 gal. plus 12 gal sump). Sump has a constant water level of approximately 7 inches. I have been running the skimmer about 3 months and due to reduced output decided to give it a good cleaning.
In order to get any production, I find I have to keep the gate on the adjustment valve completely closed. Is it okay for it to run like this? Does this limit the amount of water actually going through the skimmer?
I constantly have diatom blooms and trouble controlling nitrates and wonder if part of the problem is ineffective or inefficient skimming.
In order to get any production, I find I have to keep the gate on the adjustment valve completely closed. Is it okay for it to run like this? Does this limit the amount of water actually going through the skimmer?
I constantly have diatom blooms and trouble controlling nitrates and wonder if part of the problem is ineffective or inefficient skimming.
Reply
10 Answers
Jul 26, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
How long has the aquarium been set up and what is the salinity of your water?
The water level does appear to be awfully high within the protein skimmer, which will decrease air and water intake of the pump. I would suggest that you close the output valve till you retain pea size or larger bubbles where the skimmer collection cup attaches to the skimmer body.
The water level does appear to be awfully high within the protein skimmer, which will decrease air and water intake of the pump. I would suggest that you close the output valve till you retain pea size or larger bubbles where the skimmer collection cup attaches to the skimmer body.
Jul 26, 2017
Laura Grim
wrote
Thanks for the answer. Tge tank has been up since February and salinity is 1.025.
The output valve is completely closed and my main question is if that is an efficient way to run the skimmer and if not how to avoid that.
The output valve is completely closed and my main question is if that is an efficient way to run the skimmer and if not how to avoid that.
Jul 26, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
The more closed the valve is the less water that the skimmer processes and to a point, less air that is drawn. Lowering the internal water level will help draw in more water and air. What is your stocking level like and what is the turnover rate within your sump?
Jul 26, 2017
Laura Grim
wrote
If I lower the internal water level by raising the skimmer higher in the sump, the level of the bubbles in the skimmer body gets lower and the output will not reach the collection cup at all.
I don't have a flow meter, but am running a Sicca Syncra 4.0 return pump. I'd say a minimum of 700gph turnover.
I have 9 fish (2 clown, 2 cardinals, 2 basslet,1 lawnmower blenny, 1 watchman goby, 1 dragonet), 1 skunk cleaner shrimp, 1 pistol shrimp, 2 emerald crabs,1 sand star, 3 nassarius, several hermits, 3 large astrea, sun coral, 2 frog spawn, an aussi chalice,3 rock flower anemone, 3 ricordia, some zoos.
Even with a heavy bio-load, which I'm not sure if I have, this skimmer is rated for 75 gallons. Including sump, my set up is at a max, 82 gallons.
I don't have a flow meter, but am running a Sicca Syncra 4.0 return pump. I'd say a minimum of 700gph turnover.
I have 9 fish (2 clown, 2 cardinals, 2 basslet,1 lawnmower blenny, 1 watchman goby, 1 dragonet), 1 skunk cleaner shrimp, 1 pistol shrimp, 2 emerald crabs,1 sand star, 3 nassarius, several hermits, 3 large astrea, sun coral, 2 frog spawn, an aussi chalice,3 rock flower anemone, 3 ricordia, some zoos.
Even with a heavy bio-load, which I'm not sure if I have, this skimmer is rated for 75 gallons. Including sump, my set up is at a max, 82 gallons.
Jul 26, 2017
Laura Grim
wrote
My biggest question is how is old water being removed from the skimmer if the outflow valve is completely shut?
And if the skimmer is recirculating the same water in the reaction chamber, how can this be efficient or effective?
And if the skimmer is recirculating the same water in the reaction chamber, how can this be efficient or effective?
Jul 26, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
I would keep the skimmer running in 7in water just open the output valve. You want to allow the small micro bubbles to retain within the body the neck of the skimmer is used for the larger bubbles that settle to foam. By opening up the output which will lower the water level within the skimmer will allow the skimmer to process more water and collect more orgaincs which in return will increase the hydrostatic surface tension of the water within the skimmer.
You may be cycling too much water through your sump. Usually most aquarists will strive for 4.5-5 times turnover through the sump which allows the filters to process the water more efficiently before being returned to the tank. I think this along with increasing your bioload will kick the skimmer in gear.
You can measure your flow by seeing how long it takes to collect 1 gal from your drain line. Then divide that by 3600. This will give you a very good idea of the turnover rate through your sump. You may need to valve your return feed down.
You may be cycling too much water through your sump. Usually most aquarists will strive for 4.5-5 times turnover through the sump which allows the filters to process the water more efficiently before being returned to the tank. I think this along with increasing your bioload will kick the skimmer in gear.
You can measure your flow by seeing how long it takes to collect 1 gal from your drain line. Then divide that by 3600. This will give you a very good idea of the turnover rate through your sump. You may need to valve your return feed down.
Jul 26, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
The bottom of the skimmer is not completely sealed and when you raise the inside water level of the skimmer it will decrease the draw of air and water. In the first set of photos the water level exceeded the collection cup mount. Please see image for explaination.
Jul 29, 2017
Laura Grim
wrote
Hi Jeremy. Thanks for all the information. I'm implementing your suggestions and am seeing good skimmer production. I did lower the foam level. I thought it needed to be higher to overflow into the cup. The neck of the cup now seems to get fouled more quickly.
Jul 31, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
As the skimmer draws dissolved organics from the water it will collect it till the concentration allows the formation of foam. As the surface tension of the water changes within the skimmer the size of the foam as well as the graduation of bubbles sizes will expand. Give it a couple of week at this setting and adjust in small increments once daily, if needed, to get your desired collection.
Aug 01, 2017
Laura Grim
wrote
Will do. Thanks.