How to properly operate hang on back skimmer

[superh]

I'm using a HOB Red Sea Prizm protein skimmer and would like to know how to use this thing properly. When I turn the valve all the way open, the collection cup fills with water which eventually drains back to the intake via the hose from the top of the collection cup to the intake tract. This doesn't seem to be the ideal way. How does one determine what the proper flow rate is?
Thanks!

 

[fraggle_a]

What you need to do is adjust the air inake into the tube. You want it to bubble, but not like a bunch of pirahnas feeding on a dead calf....
My SKILTER POWER FILTER W / PROTEIN SKIMMER does a great job. I had to spend some time adjusting the air flow to get the bubbles/skimmer working right.

 

[saltfan]

In order to get the thing to work, turn the air valve all the way closed, open the water valve to all open, once you have the water going through, turn the water valve to 1/4 open, then turn the air valve to all the way, or until you hear the pump straining because of to much air, and your now set. You need a break in period, so don't get upset if it doesn't skim right away. When its working properly, the foaming bubbles will be at the bottom of the collection cup, which you should be able to see. After a week, you should be able to fine tune the water and air mixture to get good skim. Once this is set, you don't have to mess with the thing again.

 

[superh]

Thanks!

 

[dfox]

I have the prizm deluxe also, and it is working well. It took about 2 days before it really started skimming brown gunk from the water. The first 2 days it was mostly clear. I started with the valve closed, and then gradually opened it over the course of about 2-3 days. As of right now it is a little over 1/2 way open, and that is where I leave it. It skims about 1/2 cup or so of brown stuff per week on a 55 gal tank with only 2 small fish and a clean up crew of about 15 small crabs, snails, and 1 shrimp.

 

[murph145]

i found it worked best when water was turned more than 1/2 way open more like 3/4's the way open and air screw was adjusted all the way out....
this allowed for more water to come in and more bubbles at the same time
when i had one on my 100 this is how much it would collect in like 2-3 days
some stinky stuff for sure

 

[blesum]

I'm glad I got the Coralife Super Skimmer - Only one knob to worry about, and worked fine right out of the box.
-Blesum

 

[kelly shaw]

i just set up a coralife super skimmer yesterday. already had to empty the collection cup today. its running like a champ. i still have a little more fine tunning after it gets most of the stuff out of my tank. but its running great.