Protein skimmer "help" I guess

[cableguy]

Why do people b1t<h so much about some types? I have a seaclone or maybe a coralife, I cant tell which, but I always hear people talk about adjusting them and all of these other problems.
What type of problems are there? It looks like you just set the air tube open enough to create a bunch of bubbles and then clean the cup?
I hear people talking about them over flowing, how is that even possible??
I guess I am looking for some protein skimmer ed-u-ma-cation. (Good qualities vs the bad ones)

 

[cableguy]

Ahh its a el' cheapo seaclone.
Still confused as to why this thigns sucks.

 

[boozer]

I overthought my protein skimmer problem. It's really quite simple once you've read the directions (in my case).

 

[saxman]

all skimmers are supposed to do the same thing: mix air and water in bubbles fine enuff for DOC's to cling to and be collected in the cup (yes that very simplified, but still true).
some skimmers are known for releasing microbubbles in their effluent, which get into the DT and are unsightly. others are picky about water height and don't work well unless the water level is "just right".
skimmers can indeed overflow if adjusted to "wet", an additive is used in the DT that causes the skimmer to oveproduce skimmate, or have other issues like water height (to name a few).
some don't work well at all, period.
for instance, i had a ASM mini-G that i literally tossed into the trash because it was so bad, and it fell apart. however, i have other skimmers i really like. my Seaclone was OK, but needed to be modded with a bubble trap as it did indeed release microbubbles into the DT.

 

[speg]

All I know is my AquaC Remora HOB skimmer was so simple and all I did was plug it in and clean the collection cup/remove algae from the powerhead once in a while..
This stupid biocube skimmer has to be constantly readjusted to make sure it's skimming at all and if you add water or food then the top blows off because it's too powerful at that point... at that time it needs to once again be readjusted.. then after the 'threat' is over it needs to be adjusted again... so annoying.

 

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by saxman
http:///forum/post/3260708
all skimmers are supposed to do the same thing: mix air and water in bubbles fine enuff for DOC's to cling to and be collected in the cup (yes that very simplified, but still true).
some skimmers are known for releasing microbubbles in their effluent, which get into the DT and are unsightly. others are picky about water height and don't work well unless the water level is "just right".
skimmers can indeed overflow if adjusted to "wet", an additive is used in the DT that causes the skimmer to oveproduce skimmate, or have other issues like water height (to name a few).
some don't work well at all, period.
for instance, i had a ASM mini-G that i literally tossed into the trash because it was so bad, and it fell apart. however, i have other skimmers i really like. my Seaclone was OK, but needed to be modded with a bubble trap as it did indeed release microbubbles into the DT.
Saxman.. very good info! I do see some bubbles going into my sump... no biggie. I am looking into some of the mods I can do to this thing now.
Originally Posted by Speg
http:///forum/post/3260712
All I know is my AquaC Remora HOB skimmer was so simple and all I did was plug it in and clean the collection cup/remove algae from the powerhead once in a while..
This stupid biocube skimmer has to be constantly readjusted to make sure it's skimming at all and if you add water or food then the top blows off because it's too powerful at that point... at that time it needs to once again be readjusted.. then after the 'threat' is over it needs to be adjusted again... so annoying.
Im reading some of the same things about the seaclone.
Is the point to keep a "tornado" effect going with some bubbles introduced into that? I noticed if I open the air up all the way, the bubbles dont come out of the return water and it makes a TON of bubbles up top and there is no tornado, but will the bubbles are dark up near the top and some are going to the cup.

 

[mrdc]

Originally Posted by Speg
http:///forum/post/3260712
All I know is my AquaC Remora HOB skimmer was so simple and all I did was plug it in and clean the collection cup/remove algae from the powerhead once in a while..
That's all I do with my romora.

 

[blenny]

I have 2 Seacones, Yes sometimes you get the little bubbles , there is a nutral point that when you find it, It does work pretty good its funny but mine i go by the sound that comes off of it, If the tube is open to far you can hear the powerhead over work and too quiet then its not working, But once you find that point with them you dont get bubbles in the tank and the foam goes in the collection cup the way they all do.