DOC Skimmer 9002

[Mstefa1]

I've sent a message through Tunze's website but it looks like this may be a better location to get answers.

I purchased my 9002 from Marine Depot on 8/20/2012. I am running an Aquapod 24g and the skimmer is located inside a CPR Aquafuge 2 medium which remains at a constant water level with low flow.

My skimmer was dialed in and working great within the 3 day break-in peroid. I was extremely happy with this setup as the skimmate was perfect and the skimmer produced very little noise. In fact, I was so happy that I have recommended this setup to others. Then one day I came home and it was making a lot of noise like drinking through a straw and it would no longer skim. I've adjusted it several times with no success so I took it apart, cleaned everything, and set it back up.

It still makes a lot of noise (it was almost silent when new) and although it produces bubbles in the chamber, they don't make it into the collection cup. I have the water level (which is constant) set 1/4" below the wavy line on the side of the unit. I've tested several different water levels with no success. I have tried taking it apart, adjusting the air screw, changing the water level, and everything that I could imagine to get the noise down and get it to skim properly again with no success. Each adjustment I've waited several days to ensure it's not requiring a break in period.

I have confirmed that the airline is unrestricted but the 90 degree elbow that attaches into the hole in the pump greatly restricts air even though it is clean.

While I can't see inside the skimmer while its running to confirm proper operation I have noticed that if I touch the skimmer that bubbles cup up from the bottom of skimmer suggesting that something is leaking. Perhaps this is why it is making a lot of noise and not producing skimmate.

If this was an old unit I'd be trying to obtain a replacement outlet pipe with nozzle as well as a replacement airline and elbow but given the fact that it is only a few months old I feel it is a warranty issue. I would appreciate any assistance. Thank you.

 

[rvitko]

All that has happened is some water was drawn into the air intake, this restricts airflow and creates noise. If even momentarily the water goes to or past the marked line when the skimmer is running this will happen. (For example, hand placed in refugium displaces some water).

Their are two fixes possible, one quick and one thorough

Quick fix, won't completely eliminate noise immediately: Make sure water level is at least 1/4" below marked line. With skimmer running, slowly close off the air screw, unplug it, then plug it back in and slowly open the air screw, the resulting vacuum should remove most of the water in the line and the rest will be removed over a few days use.

Sure fix: Remove and disassemble skimmer and drain water trapped in airline.

Replacing the nozzle and airline will not solve it, the only other possibilities is the airline is disconnected from the top plate, there is a nipple it attaches to under this top plate. If this was ever pulled hard it may be free and able to suck in much more water at a lower level.

Besides that if the pump was removed and reinstallled backwards so the nozzle is aimed up at the cup, this is a definite cause. It should be placed through the hole in the baffle plate and aimed at the sort of bowl depression next to the cup.

I did get your other email and will ignore it since I answered here.

 

[Mstefa1]

Roger, thank you kindly for your reply. First, I don't want my frustration in this issue to be a negative reflection upon how I view Tunze, and their products as a whole. Frankly, I think of my Osmolator as the greatest product I've owned (aside from my Apex of course!)

After a few days of examining your response I've made progress. I'd like to start by saying I do NOT have the airline mod. Your absolutely right on the noise issue. It's funny that the noise cleared up a few hours after my post however I can easily replicate this.

Still, it would seam that it wouldn't produce enough bubbles to produce any skimmate when before I could easily adjust the screw to a position where it would overflow my cup in minutes. I'm confident that my skimmer is put together properly. I took the top panel off (disconnecting it from the airline) and the bubbles increased. I then soaked the top panel in freshwater along with the adjustment screw. After reassembling, it would appear that my problem is solved.

My diagnostic is that either salt or organics adhered to the top panel causing reduced air flow when the water was initially drawn into he airline. It would seam that everything is back to normal. I'm glad that I've learned from this and I hope this helps others as well.

 

[rvitko]

Thank you for the follow up. Every 6-12 months I would submerge the entire skimmer in vinegar and water 1-5 ratio and run the skimmer with the blue screw removed so it pulls this mixture through the air intake.

This will keep it free of built up salt as will being sure it doesn't get too deeply submerged.

 

[Mstefa1]

Thanks Roger, appreciate the advise. Now I'm back to pulling out some nice tea everyday. Cheers!