Need help with 9010 skimmer

[billpa]

I have everything assembled correctly...at least I think I do. I put it into my sump, plugged it in and waited....nothing. So I adjusted the air output allowing more air to come in. Then at one point it starts getting really really loud...sounds like its raining I tried a couple of times and then pulled the skimmer out. It wasnt even full of water. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks
Bill

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like water is draining from somewhere other than the tube. Keep in mind that the bottom piece with suction cups must be used and it must be fully seated. The coupler betwenn the screen and the pump must be installed and it is best to do this before putting the bottom lid on so you can be sure it is in right (look from the bottom to see it is connected to the pump). The pipe should be in just to the stop. It will take at least 10 seconds for the chamber to fill up and water to exit the standpipe, but if water is not coming out of the standpipe within 30 seconds I would say something is wrong and water is draining elsewhere (bottom plate) or not being actively pulled through (coupler or screen closed/obstructed).

 

[billpa]

Hey Roger

I went back and checked all the connections...they all seemed fine. But I suppose something wasnt secure because when I put it all back together, it worked! I will post some photos once I get everything cleaned up. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Bill

 

[billpa]

Got my first couple cups of skimmate! This skimmer does a great job of mixing air and water in such a compact body! I ended up dialing down the venturi a bit because it was too wet (was running it all the way open).

Just wanted to say I am very very pleased with the skimmer so far and I will be posting some photos of it shortly. Hopefully I will be upgrading the cup to a collector and hooking it up to my old MRC remote collection container. Roger, are you familiar with this design (has a float that shuts off air once it gets full) and will it work with the skimmer?

Thanks!
Bill

 

[rvitko]

I would be interested to know how it works, I think it will work very well actually.

 

[billpa]

Cool! Good to know. I will hook it up and report back.

Thanks!
Bill

 

[billpa]

Hey Roger

I have one more question. When I purchase the foam extractor for my 9010, will it make it taller than when it just has the collection cup? Im working with very little space so every inch counts. Also, could I take off the elbow on the foam extractor and connect a hose to the output that has a steady decline to my waste collecter? Only reason why I ask is my skimmer is on one end of my sump and the collector has to reside on the other side....the elbow would work if they were directly next to each other (in a perfect world...hehe)

Thanks
Bill

 

[rvitko]

The extractor just includes the actual unit so the elbow and plumbing is all up to you and you can do it any way you want. It will make the skimmer about 2" taller.

 

[scarletknight06]

what benefit is there in getting the foam extractor over using the collection cup it comes with?

 

[billpa]

The benifit of being lazy...longer periods of time before I have to empty out my large waste collector versus emptying out the cup (which isnt really small but not big by any means)

Bill

 

[rvitko]

It also allows a greater air flow and slightly larger reaction area.