Jan 21, 2014
Matt
wrote
I have a Open volute POV-DC2 skimmer and would like technical help with tuning my skimmer. The DC motor allows for different speeds. I currently run it at maximum speed thinking that more bubbles and flow is better. However, my skimmate is little. I'm thinking that I don't have the most efficient setting. The outflow is tuned so that bubbles break at the bottom of collection cup.
My system is a 300 gallon mixed reef with medium fish bioload.
Please advise on speed adjustment and how that might affect my skimming efficiency.
Matt
My system is a 300 gallon mixed reef with medium fish bioload.
Please advise on speed adjustment and how that might affect my skimming efficiency.
Matt
Reply
11 Answers
Jan 21, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
At what water depth is the skimmer sitting on. This is measure from the floor where the skimmer sits to the water surface line.
How old is the tank and what is your tank's salinity?
How old is the tank and what is your tank's salinity?
Jan 21, 2014
Matt
wrote
I had the skimmer at the recommended water depth of 6.5 inch. I recently changed it to 9 inch water depth without much difference.
Jan 21, 2014
Matt
wrote
tank is 4 months old. Salinity is 1.024.
Jan 21, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
9 inches is way too deep. You need to bring it back to no higher than 6.5 inches. The skimmer is not supposed to pull skim mate 24/7. The way skimmer work is when organics accumulate in the tank, the skimmer will start to work and collect. Then it will not collect again unless organics are added to the tank again.
You also have a relatively new fish only tank so it may take a little longer for the skimmer to settle down.
You also have a relatively new fish only tank so it may take a little longer for the skimmer to settle down.
Jan 21, 2014
Matt
wrote
OK. I'll bring it back to 6.5. Although physical tank is new,the livestock are not. All the live rock and sand and fish and corals are were all transferred from my old tank which was running for 4 years. Chaeto is growing well. I've had the same issue with the skimmer in my old 120 gallon tank as well when running at 6.5 inch depth.
Please advise on the speed adjustment and what that does to the skimming. I don't get the need to adjust the speed.
Please advise on the speed adjustment and what that does to the skimming. I don't get the need to adjust the speed.
Jan 21, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
On a tank that size, make sure the pump is running at full speed and just use the gate valve to adjust the height.
Here is a good article on dialing your skimmer:
http://www.coralvue.com/support/317511-How-do-you-dial-in-a-protein-skimmer
Here is a good article on dialing your skimmer:
http://www.coralvue.com/support/317511-How-do-you-dial-in-a-protein-skimmer
Jan 21, 2014
Matt
wrote
Thank you for the replies.
What is your take on this open volute design? I know what the marketing materials say, but as a technical person who understands skimmers, am I going to get better performance or is the pump location taking up valuable space in the mixing chamber?
Although the air draw is comparable, I've gotten much better performance from my bubble king mini 200 which the POV-DC2 replaced. I'm thinking I should have just replaced the bubble king pump rather than try this new skimmer. Am I wrong to think this?
What is your take on this open volute design? I know what the marketing materials say, but as a technical person who understands skimmers, am I going to get better performance or is the pump location taking up valuable space in the mixing chamber?
Although the air draw is comparable, I've gotten much better performance from my bubble king mini 200 which the POV-DC2 replaced. I'm thinking I should have just replaced the bubble king pump rather than try this new skimmer. Am I wrong to think this?
Jan 21, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Matt,
How old is the POV-DC2? How long have you been running it for?
How old is the POV-DC2? How long have you been running it for?
Jan 21, 2014
Matt
wrote
I got it in June 2013. It has been running ever since then.
Jan 22, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Open volute allows for a larger chamber where the pump can push and mix air into the water. So, open volute allows for a better mix of air and water making the skimmer much more efficient. It also makes it harder to dial and a little more sensitive to water chemistry and changes in tension.
I personally have a POV1 in my home tank and love it. It took me a little while to dial it in but once I got it working the way I wanted it, it is pretty much hands off. I had mine sitting at 6.5" of water and it was collecting but it was a little wet. I like it when the foam is super dry and has a golden sheen to it. I brought it down to 5" inches and it worked great but the pump was making funny noises because it was too shallow. I then put it at 5.5" and it now is perfect. The more room at the top allows for the air and water to mix for a longer period of time allowing the really dry and golden sheen foam to form and stay at the top. The stuff that it collects is amazing. My wife requires me dump the waste in the basement bathroom with the door closed and the airman on!!!! Go figure!
I personally have a POV1 in my home tank and love it. It took me a little while to dial it in but once I got it working the way I wanted it, it is pretty much hands off. I had mine sitting at 6.5" of water and it was collecting but it was a little wet. I like it when the foam is super dry and has a golden sheen to it. I brought it down to 5" inches and it worked great but the pump was making funny noises because it was too shallow. I then put it at 5.5" and it now is perfect. The more room at the top allows for the air and water to mix for a longer period of time allowing the really dry and golden sheen foam to form and stay at the top. The stuff that it collects is amazing. My wife requires me dump the waste in the basement bathroom with the door closed and the airman on!!!! Go figure!
Jan 22, 2014
Matt
wrote
OK. You've given me hope. I'll try to raise it even further to 5.5" and see if that makes a difference.
thanks.
thanks.