9002 skimer bubbles

[griffithimage]

I installed my 9002 skimmer in my sump and have had it on for about 48 hours. I can't get the bubbles to rise above the rim of the skimmer cup. I've adjusted the screw to a number of positions. What should I do?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Is this an established tank that would have some skimmable organic matter? In general skimming should start within 72hrs of installation if the tank has some organic matter (i.e. the tank is not new and ideally has bee set up for at least a week with some live animals that are being fed). You want to adjust the skimmer very slowly, I would start with the venturi screw opened 3 full turns and open it 1/4 -1/2 turn every 12 hours until you collect some skimmate but since the process of skimming is akin to whipping a meringue and is not instant, any adjustment takes time to show a result and the proteins and cellulose must be present for anything to happen.

 

[griffithimage]

Is this an established tank that would have some skimmable organic matter? In general skimming should start within 72hrs of installation if the tank has some organic matter (i.e. the tank is not new and ideally has bee set up for at least a week with some live animals that are being fed). You want to adjust the skimmer very slowly, I would start with the venturi screw opened 3 full turns and open it 1/4 -1/2 turn every 12 hours until you collect some skimmate but since the process of skimming is akin to whipping a meringue and is not instant, any adjustment takes time to show a result and the proteins and cellulose must be present for anything to happen.

Hi, the tank is approximately 4 months old with 1 fish (10 gallon nano with 20 gallon sump) It turns out the skimmer was pointed the wrong way and creating bubbles by having the hose point directly at the opening rather the the inside dome. I have since corrected it (the power cord wrapped around the unit and exiting from the other side) but now I can't get any bubbles. It has been installed at the wavy water line for 36 hours and nothing is happening. Suggestions?

 

[rvitko]

Assuming it made bubbles before you reinstalled the pump, the most likely culprit is that the airline is kinked or pinched at some point. The only other possibility would be if the venturi was disassembled at some point and the white pre nozzle inside was lost or omitted.

 

[cjk76]

Is the air hose connected to the pump via the little hole at the exit? Is the hose kinked?

Also, if you have the 9002, it didn't come with the sump kit. If the water level in the sump is not up to the line on the unit, or if it fluctuates, it will have issues creating foam. I had to buy the sump kit to keep my water pressure up.

Finally, if you put your skimmer in a very high current area, it may not be getting the pressure it needs. Could it be moved to a lower current area?

I have a 9006. I thought it was broken, then realized I was adjusting it about every 12 hours. I left it alone fully open for 72 hours and it started working like magic! haha.