Deltec AP Series Skimmer Instructions.
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a Deltec AP Series Skimmer.
Deltec skimmers with their Patented Pin Wheel Impellor are renowned throughout the world for their ability to
mix air and water to produce the fine-bubbled foam that is required for efficient foam fractionation.
The AP Series skimmer is the ultimate piece of equipment for protein waste removal from aquariums.
The automatic cleaning head available for larger models can clean both inside and outside of the cup and will
increase the efficiency by a further minimum 20%.
Choice of Skimmer: The initial choice of skimmer should be determined by the size of the aquarium system
and the stocking level.
AP 851
High Stocking Capacity 222 gals
Normal Stocking Capacity 333 gal
Required Water Throughput 222 gals/hr
Assembly: When the skimmer arrives it is likely that it has been packed in a disassembled state to prevent
damage in transit. Study the diagrams attached to reassemble. Always check when screwing the pumps and
couplings together that you have fitted the O-rings that are supplied with the unit, as without these items a
watertight joint cannot be achieved.
Take the opportunity to remove the inlet pipework from the pump and have a look at the Patented Pinwheel
Impellor with its ceramic shaft. Note the venturi pipe where the air passes into the pump. These are all parts
that will require regular cleaning and inspection. Do not switch on the recirculation pumps unless the pumps
are immersed or flooded with water.
NEVER REMOVE THE SEALED PLUG FROM THE SKIMMER PUMP AS THIS WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY
ON THE MOTOR AND MAY MAKE USE OF THE SKIMMER DANGEROUS IN ITS NORMAL WET ENVIRONMENT.
Positioning: The Deltec AP range of skimmers is designed for the unit to stand beside the aquarium, inside or
beside a sump or even positioned remotely with a return drain back to the system. In all types of installation the
water should be able to drain freely under gravity from the outlet pipe into a section of the aquarium system
which is lower than the underside of the return pipe.
Suitable installations are: Pumping from the aquarium and returning water back into the aquarium. Pumping
from the sump and returning water back into the sump. Gravity feed from an overflow to the sump. Pumping
from the sump and returning water back into the aquarium. Ensure for this option that the over flow system in
the tank is large enough to cope with the increased flow.
Note Never install a system that pumps water from the aquarium through the skimmer and then returns it to a
low level sump below. If the pump returning water from the sump to the tank should lose duty or fail then the
sump will become flooded and the tank will empty down to feed pump level. In the case of a power cut the
system will also siphon to the same level.
Feed Supply and Return Pipework: The skimmer should be provided with water from the aquarium system
either under pressure from a separate feed pump or by gravity supply.
For a pumped system use our installation kits or choose a suitable pump and pipe diameter using the table
above and connect it to the inlet of the unit. Rigid or flexible pipework can be used for this task. Connect up the
outlet pipe to allow water to return to the system.
It is recommended on smaller skimmers that a ball valve is fitted on the outlet pipe to achieve better
adjustment of the water level. Larger models may come supplied with a coupling at one side of the ball valve to
allow the riser tube to rotate for easier installation.
If gravity feeding the skimmer it is necessary to fit a tee piece to the existing overflow drain to the sump and
use the branch to supply the skimmer. In order to regulate the supply, a valve should be fitted below the tee.
Ensure that the pipe feeding the skimmer is of large enough diameter and that there is enough head to provide
the proper flow rate.
Operation and Setting: Open the valve on the outlet pipe and allow the skimmer to fill with water then outflow
naturally back into the system. Check for leaks on the fittings. Close the tap(s) on the air intake pipe(s) plug the
pump(s) into a suitable supply and switch on.
Check that all of the pumps are operating by opening and closing the tap on each air intake in turn. This should
produce a stream of bubbles into the skimmer body if operating correctly. Note: Do not run for prolonged
periods of time with the air taps closed.
As with all water pumps it is possible to trap air within the body, which will affect the operation and noise
produced by the unit. To remove this air, switch the pump off and on at the mains a few times until no further
air is released.
Often the pump will be found to run hot at one end. This is often due to trapped air affecting the water-cooling
of the ceramic bearing and can be reduced by following the above procedures.
Observe the water level within the skimmer with the air intake valves closed. For all Deltec skimmers the ideal
operating level for the water is just above the bottom of the black bayonet fitting for the removable cup (A).
Adjust the level by opening or closing the valve the outlet pipe or by altering the flow through the inlet. If it is
not possible to reduce the level below the bayonet then the supply volume is too great and should be regulated
accordingly.
Open the air intake tap(s) and set to the 2 o'clock position. The body of the skimmer should now be white with
fine dense foam. Leave the skimmer to settle down for a day or so before further adjustment to allow the
surface of the plastic to wet out fully as until this happens the true capacity of the unit will not be achieved. With
fresh salt solutions or large water changes it is often common to remove significant quantities of clear or pale
liquid. This is a conditioning compound found in some salts and will not last for long.
The level of the initial foam in the skimmer should rise to half way up the skimmer tube. Adjust the taps to
achieve fine bubbles within the neck of the skimmer. Opening the air intake taps will result in an increased
quantity of wetter foam and visa versa.
During normal operation it is recommended that the skimmer cup is emptied every 2-4 days and that during
this operation the riser tube into the cup is wiped clean of any fatty deposits as build up of this waste product
will greatly reduce the ability for the foam to climb the neck. Ensure before removing the cup that the pumps
are switched off and that the water level is below the bayonet fitting. Whilst cleaning leave the pump switched
off, with the taps open, for 10 minutes to allow any salt deposits in the venturi tube to dissolve.
Use with Ozone: Deltec skimmers are suitable for use with ozone and will automatically suck the gas
through the venturi hose. A maximum volume of 50 mg/h per pump should be used with special manifolds
available for multi pump units. Do not use excessive ozone, as it is dangerous and can cause severe
headaches. Should the skimmer performance deteriorate check the ozoniser for blockage. Ensure that it is
not possible for water to siphon through the ozoniser by installing the unit above the skimmer water level.
Maintenance: The Deltec skimmer range should need very little adjustment and maintenance once set
correctly, however due to the high levels of calcium in marine aquariums and large volumes of air drawn in, it
is common for deposits to accumulate requiring periodical cleaning. Regular introduction of a small amount
of RO water into the inlet tap may help to prevent any build up.
The AP Series Skimmers are fitted with two different types of pump depending on the model.
1. - Smaller skimmers are fitted with Aquabee pumps, which have permanent magnet motors where the
impellor, on start up, can randomly rotate in either a clockwise or anti clockwise direction. In one direction the
full pumping capacity is achieved and in the other a reduced flow is observed. In order to counteract this
effect the Aquabee pumps are fitted with a little flap inside the outlet of the pump, which flips from one side to
the other depending on the direction of rotation thus ensuring that the pump always operates at full duty.
2. - Larger skimmers are fitted with Eheim Pumps, which are also have permanent magnet motors but have
no such flap device, relying on a symmetrical outlet port design and accepting a lower working efficiency.
Due to the high levels of air drawn into the Deltec skimmers it is normal to find dust, and salt collecting in the
inlet tap and venturi pipe. This build up will restrict or block the air supply and will reduce the skimming
efficiency and should be checked and carefully cleaned.
Carefully remove the silicone hose where it slides over the venturi pipe by working it off and not pulling it off
then with a toothpick or fine drill rotated between the fingertips scrape the hard deposit from the inside of the
pipe until it feels clean and smooth. The tap can simply be blown clear to remove the dust ball that always
builds up.
It is recommended every 3 months with either type of pump that they are removed from the skimmer having
first drained the body of water. Strip down the pump to check and clean the impellor of debris. On Aquabee
pumps ensure that the direction flap moves easily and if necessary soak the neck of the pump housing in
white vinegar or D-D EzyClean scale remover to dissolve any calcium carbonate deposits.
On older skimmers check for wear on the impeller by holding the two ends of the ceramic shaft between the
thumb and first finger and look for excessive movement (slop). If this is found it should be replaced, as the
loss of balance will cause unnecessary noise. It should be noted that this is very rare as the wearing surfaces
are both ceramic.
Check for damage or wear of the sealing ring on the base of the cup and if necessary replace it.
Important Note: Ensure that the air intake pipes are always positioned well above the water level in the
skimmer to prevent back siphoning of water when the pumps are switched off.
