Originally Posted by
dadszx7
:help:
I've got the same skimmer, works great.
1. Make sure the air valve is fully open. Meaning just barely screwed into the black sleeve. The tube from that goes to the entry on the pump in the tank.
2. The o-ring, goes around the collection cup, that goes on the top of the skimmer. Right hand side, if your looking from the front tank to the back.
3. Make sure the baffles are packed on the left side-don't compact them too much. Just berely under the water line.
4. The o-ring should be around the collection cup. That is used to hold the cup on the water line on the skimmer. The bottom of the collection cup/entry funnel. Should be kept about
1/8-1/4 inch below the water line on the collection side.
5. Make sure that you fill collection cup, with fresh water.
6. Clean the collection cup as needed. Cleaning out the cup, entry funnel and clear tube entering the collection cup. I clean mine about 1.5 days.
If you need anything else, let me know.
I agree with this except for these two points:
1.) I think you will find that if you adjust the air valve a little (not wide open) until the chamber has the most bubbles (completely filled) you will get the best results - it may need adjustment from time to time. I don't know about the units that are shipping now, but I ditched the valve that came with mine and used one from a MaxiJet - it allows for finer tuning. You can also use a needle valve - can be bought from almost any fish place for less than $1. I usually adjust mine once or twice a month.
5.) Fill the collection cup with fresh water??? Maybe clean it but not fill it.
Also if yours came with a Rio powerhead, I would suggest getting rid of it and replacing with a MaxiJet. My Rio caught on fire in the tank.
