9015 doesn't foam

[mseepman]

I just installed my new 9015 skimmer into my sump and I get no foam what-so-ever. The sump water level is up to the water mark on the skimmer. The sponge is below the top of the pipe and all the water comes out the top of the pipe or out the hole in the back of the skimmer. If I plug the top of the pipe, the water pushes up and fills the cup. I've checked all my parts and ensured that the bottom is on right. I've also made sure that the pipe isn't pushed too far into the body of the unit.

The only irregularity that I can see is that the white rod in the middle of the Hydrofoamer appears to be split but I'm not sure if that's just how it holds on.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

The split is normal. Do you see air bubbles inside the skimmer? I suspect that the venturi is not connected to the airline or the airline is pinched or loose in the venturi.

 

[mseepman]

I don't see any bubble inside the skimmer at all. I have gone in and taken the hydrofoamer out and made sure that the hose is attached to it and to the cylinder that I thought it came attached to.

Instructions don't really show an inside shot as to how they could be wrong. I will take it apart again and try. Should the hose barb push completely into the hydrofoamer? It only pushes part way in.

 

[mseepman]

I took it apart again and found that the hose wasn't fitting into the Hydrofoamer very well. There are two pieces which the hose must plug in through and one of them seemed to partially block the hole. With some significant pressure, I managed to get the nozzel in and now there are bubbles when I start the unit up. I also raised it up in the sump by 1 1/2" so that the water was not at the water line on the side of the body.

As yet it hasn't created any foam but I'm assuming that it will after it breaks in. I've got the air screw almost all the way out. My tank is also 1 1/2 years old with fairly heavy bio-load.

Roger, is there anything else you think I should do or just wait it out?

 

[rvitko]

It should only push in about half way. It sounds like you may have a bad venturi nozzle. I would contact Tunze Canada about getting a new 3130.16. It is the outer piece, the hole is likely too large.

 

[mseepman]

I think I found a second problem, that nozzle that fits onto the hydrofoamer (i believe the venturi) has a large burr or excess piece of plastic in it. Doesn't the shape of this have to be perfect or no bubbles form?

 

[rvitko]

Yes, that is the part I want you to get replaced. Part 3130.16.

 

[mseepman]

Hey Roger,

I've left a message at the telephone number you provided but have not yet heard back from them.

I'm also wondering if you advise ever piping your overflow directly into this skimmer? I have not done that, but thought that it might clean up the water better if it was always getting the dirtiest water directly.

Your input would be appreciated.

 

[rvitko]

It won't work to pipe the water directly into the skimmer. It isn't designed for that much flow. Until you here back from Phil I could suggest wrapping the nipple with a round of teflon tape to snug the fit and seal out any water seeping in. This should work in the meantime.

 

[mseepman]

Hey Roger, I still haven't heard from anyone at Tunze Canada. Do you know if they closed down for a long break at Christmas? Unfortunately, because the part 3130.16 has a folded edge, I get little to no foam. I wrapped the nippled and it will hold for a while but eventually just pushes out and I have to take the whole thing apart again to re-fit it.
Any other suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

 

[mseepman]

Roger,

Called that number you gave me again and Phil answered...I guess you gave me his home number...lol. Thanks again for your help and I think he will take it from here.

Mark.