I'm constantly adjusting my external skimmer

[marino420td]

I have an H&S A150-F2001 external skimmer that is direct fed from my overflow. I am constantly needing to make adjustments to keep the bubble break line where I want it. After cleaning the cup, I adjust so the break line is about 2" below the top. Works great then the next day the break line will be below the cup connection and I'll have to readjust.

I have had the cup overflow several times so I'm very nervous about leaving it unattended for any period of time.

Should I have to adjust this often? If not, why is this happening?

Should I turn off the skimmer when feeding?

 

[jetfixr]

Wow you have to mess with the settings on the expensive ones too? Why doesn't someone make a no headache, "set and forget" skimmer.

 

[hahnmeister]

I think I know what might be going on. Can you post a pic or describe how you have the output standpipe plumbed?

 

[Hop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8705118#post8705118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jetfixr
Wow you have to mess with the settings on the expensive ones too? Why doesn't someone make a no headache, "set and forget" skimmer.

LOL. I have not adjusted my GEO in months I just empty and clean it now

 

[marino420td]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8705318#post8705318 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hahnmeister
I think I know what might be going on. Can you post a pic or describe how you have the output standpipe plumbed?

Here are a few pictures of my setup.

This first pictures shows the direct supply line in the background

This picture shows where the skimmer sits and you can see the output line going into the sump.

This last picture shows the output line going into the PVC bubble trap.

Do these give you enough information?

 

[Jim_S]

I used to own one of these so, I think your problem is where you reduced you exhaust. These skimmers need a free flowing output or you will get fluctuations/surging.

Try to set it up so that the skimmers output gets no restriction. Once you do that, you will only have to clean it

Trust me, you will love this skimmer once its up and running properly.

Jim

 

[hahnmeister]

Yep, thats the problem I bet. If air builds up in the drain line, the output of the skimmer is restricted, and the water level surges. You can either increase the diameter of that pipe, or drill a series of little holes along the top of that spa-flex for the last foot or so before it ends, like 1/8" holes every 4", to let the air vent out easily. With the angle you have it as well... I have no doubt that you have quite the air-pocket buildup in that drain hose.

 

[UCanDoIt]

I agree with the above 2 post as I've owned several H&S skimmers and once they break in and are fine tuned, I don't mess with it at all. Not subject to any sump level changes and even when feeding frozen food, it starts skimming very quickly.

Beside the reduced exhaust plumbing, it looks like maybe the end of the exhaust flexible PVC is slightly submerged? The entire exhaust must be above water, so you will get surging and uneven water level within the skimmer because of backpressure. This is the only tricky thing with H&S skimmers. Look at these samples of exhaust drainning back to the sump. HTH

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6965911#post6965911 target=_blank><big>Originally posted</a> by FinsReef</big>
OK, Sorry for the delay, but here is a few pictures, LMK if you need some more examples
1. This way is wrong, and will cause surging and backpressure

2. These ways are good.

3. This will work, but make sure the length to the sump is not over 2 foot.

Also make sure that you down not neck down the skimmer output size. If it comes with a 1 1/4" ouput, use 1 1/4" or larger pvc to run the return.

It is better to use 45 degree elbows than 90 elbows.

HTH

 

[marino420td]

So I need to ditch the 1" spaflex and use 1 1/4" pvc. I'll keep it above the water level in the sump. My only concern is the bubbles (and noise) this will generate. Hopefully it will not be too bad.

I will keep you posted. Thanks for the help.

 

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8708627#post8708627 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marino420td
So I need to ditch the 1" spaflex and use 1 1/4" pvc. I'll keep it above the water level in the sump. My only concern is the bubbles (and noise) this will generate. Hopefully it will not be too bad.

I will keep you posted. Thanks for the help.

If you put some foam at where the water hits inside the bigger silencer, it should be quiet, but you need to clean the sponge weekly.

 

[marino420td]

I tried to switch out my output plumbing but the pipe on the skimmer is not exactly for 1 1/4" pvc. I had some 1 1/4" pvc and it was too big to fit the skimmer. Of course I glued the fittings together that came with the skimmer and glued in the spaflex. So I had to just cut the spaflex shorter so it was well above the water surface in the sump. I still have a hard time believing that the 1" pipe is restricting the flow because it flows freely even with my ball valve completely open.

Here are current pictures.

Does everything look right to you guys? If I continue to have problems I'll have to figure out a way to connect a larger pipe to the skimmer's output.

 

[hahnmeister]

that should be fine... you have allowed any bubbles that want to escape in the pipe to exit from the bottom so they dont back-up the flow.

 

[marino420td]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed but I think this has worked. Since making the adjustments the bubble break line hasn't moved.

I have yet to have a problem that members on this board have not been able to give a solution to. Thanks guys.