CPR BAK-PAK not skimming?

[DetectiveTofu]

Hey all,

I have a CPR BAK-PAK HOB skimmer running on my tank, only it has not skimmed anything out yet.

I swapped out the stock RIO pump for an MJ1200 pump. I also purchased the venturi mod for the MJ1200. I currently have lots of air bubbles in the first CPR chamber, however the collection cup never has anything in it. I tried cleaning out the impeller of the MJ1200 (there was nothing caught in there but I cleaned it anyways), and still nothing. The only time my skimmer pulled something up was when I first added sand and live rock; other than that it hasn't skimmed anything since. My bioload is very light - I only have on Nemateleotris Magnifica (firefish) in my tank. Was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to why the skimmer may not to pulling anything out. Either something is wrong, or my water is super pristine (which I somehow doubt )

thanks in advance
cheers,
RF

 

[Wee-Reef Master]

Make sure that your collection cup level is adjusted appropriately and low enough to accept any bubbles climbing the column. Also don't forget that skimming varies with the amount of protein in the water. Sometimes mine collects very little, then will skim immensely when I add something (including my arm when tinkering). Good luck!

 

[DetectiveTofu]

What is the reccomended collection cup level? Should I have it so the base of the neck is right above the water? Sitting right in the water?

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Seems to work for me when I set it down 1/8"-1/4" down into the water.

 

[650-IS350]

With out the air turned on .. on my cpr HOB Large aqua fuge. I had the bottom of the cup be about 1/2 cm below the water line and had the air opened up full. But would only manage gunk every week or so...It sucks... I only use if now for a fuge since I know emplore a Deltec MCE600...

 

[JeffReef]

My CPR Bak-Pak collects a lot of skimmate. I have the collection cup all the way down and the air all the way open. Skimming wet is my preffered method for Bak-Paks since these skimmers are not very effective to begin with.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

thanks

 

[GreshamH]

If you use a needle valve to adjust the air flow and not the one that comes with the Maxi-Jet, you'll get far better performance. I got a needle valve with JG fittings on either side from SpecraPure.

I run my water lever 1/4" above the rim of the bottom of the riser cone of the collection cup.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Yah, needle valve, MJ1200, and run the cup low in the water. That helps lots.