Skimmer

R

Rudy

Over my head
Dec 3, 2002
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I am using a skimmer (Bermuda Aquatics) for the first time. I have never employed one on any of my previous set-ups (Nanos)

I am trying to determine the right amount of bubbles to create. It seems there is a fine line between not enough and too many. When I open the air valve too much the bubbles raise well into the collection cup area and bring water with them such that the colletion cup overflows with H2O.

In contrast, when opened too little bubbles never rise out of the chamber. I know my set-up is new and there is likely not much to skim at this point, but I would like to try to work-out these kinks ahead of time.

I have the water level within the body of the skimmer at about 1" below the top of the body, as per manufaturer recommendations. Unfortunately, the recommendations from the manufacturer stop there. Very limited instructions.:mad2:

Any guidance anyone might offer will be appreciated.:confused:

Good Night

BERMUDA AQUATICS PROTEIN SKIMMER.jpg
 
Before you start messing with the actual amount of air intake, I'd adjust the water level and see how that works for you. You'll have to find what works best for you and take what the manufacturer says with a grain of salt ;).
 
Amphiprion said:
Before you start messing with the actual amount of air intake, I'd adjust the water level and see how that works for you....
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Great, yet another imperfect science in our hobby. :swear:

I am confused a bit by your statement, are you saying keep the O2 level at maximum and lower the water level versus maintaining the water level and choking back the ait intake? I thouht one always wanted the water level as high as possible to allow for the molecular process (capturing of electrons) as much time as possible to occur, i.e the higher the water level the more time (distance) for the bubble(s) to travel?
 
That is true, but there is a maximum efficiency point in skimmers. If you have too much air verses the amount of water, the bubbles start combining to create larger bubbles which greatly reduces the surface area you have to remove the waste. You have too little air, and you obviously don't have a lot either.
It sounds like the skimmer is still breaking in? I would lower the air intake and lower the water level for a few days and then start playing with both :P
 
fishieness said:
It sounds like the skimmer is still breaking in? I would lower the air intake and lower the water level for a few days and then start playing with both :P
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Thanks Fishieness - I'll be step back a few days and wait to see what happens. Patience is a virtue.
 
fishieness said:
That is true, but there is a maximum efficiency point in skimmers. If you have too much air verses the amount of water, the bubbles start combining to create larger bubbles which greatly reduces the surface area you have to remove the waste. You have too little air, and you obviously don't have a lot either.
It sounds like the skimmer is still breaking in? I would lower the air intake and lower the water level for a few days and then start playing with both :P
Click to expand...

True, but that also depends upon whether or not the skimmer is getting enough air to begin with (many, if not most do not), so they are far from their optimum.

I missed the part about the skimmer being new, so if that is the case, I'd give it a bit longer before I play with it too much. If you still have performance issues after a week or two, then try adjusting the water column with the air wide open. If that does not give satisfactory results after trying a wide range of levels, then start toying with the air intake. In any case, the less variables you have to deal with, the simpler the setup process will be.
 
Amphiprion said:
I missed the part about the skimmer being new, so if that is the case, I'd give it a bit longer before I play with it too much. If you still have performance issues after a week or two, then try adjusting the water column with the air wide open. If that does not give satisfactory results after trying a wide range of levels, then start toying with the air intake. In any case, the less variables you have to deal with, the simpler the setup process will be.
Click to expand...

Amphiprion, are you saying go with the factory default for air intake, but drop the water level down as low as necessary so the bubbles and accompanying water does not blow the top off the collection cup? ;)
 
Rudy said:
Amphiprion, are you saying go with the factory default for air intake, but drop the water level down as low as necessary so the bubbles and accompanying water does not blow the top off the collection cup? ;)
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Yup :). That is the most easily controlled variable and how most skimmers are adjusted. Some do actually require throttling on the air intake, but those are usually ones that either pull too much air or ones that don't make small enough bubbles from the start. The main thing is to adjust one variable at a time, since it is most effective at finding the skimmer's "sweet spot."
 
Amphiprion said:
True, but that also depends upon whether or not the skimmer is getting enough air to begin with (many, if not most do not), so they are far from their optimum.
Click to expand...

Also true :P (mainly depending what skimmer you have)
 
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