protein skimmer operation

[zengoth]

This isn't a question of whether to get a skimmer or which to get - I opted for SeaClone 100. My question is to any who use this as to its operation - the instructions were of no help. I understand the thing needs to be turned up enough to get air through the tube and into the big cylinder in order to get foam to rise. But to do this, there are so many microbubbles flowing into my tank, I can't see anything (it's like someone has shaken up a snow globe) and I am sure my livestock can't be happy with the hurricane-like turbulence.

Is it just a matter of trade off- to get decent gunk foam to rise into the cup, I need to create a maelstrom in the tank? Or am I just not setting this thing up correctly.

Thanx in advance.

 

[Conski]

I dont know about that skimmer but i know alot of pricey skimmers are pieces of crap, maybe you should Google yours and see what others say about it.

 

[fsn77]

It appears there's some known annoyances with the air control valve. Replacing it with a better valve seems to help things out.

You may find these threads useful:
SeaClone 150 Mesh Mod result
seaclone owners...
sea clone 100
SeaClone

 

[Cerianthus]

Not just the valve but at the nipple where air meets the water, salt will build and also at tip of intake side of air line tubing, carbon could also build.

Any restriction will affect the performance of skimmer. Even the dirty prefilter (foam on the pump, if any)

 

[ToeJam]

Another Sea Clone victim... /sigh ...i really wish they would pull that POS off the market.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I agree. It's way overpriced for what it's actually capable of doing...which really isn't much to begin with. I'd return it and get an Octopus or AquaC Remora skimmer instead.