Questions about my new 9010...

[pdkinsel]

Roger,
Thank you again for all your help in addresing my questions a couple days ago regarding the 9010. I just picked up my new 9010 today and have some questions/issues.

1. I followed the directions (page 35 manual) in order to prepare for in cabinet filter. No water flowed within the unit. I took out of sump, removed cover for aspirator and noticed the hydrofoamer was not attached to nozzle(part 3130.160) and the end of the hose to the air regulator screw that inserts into the nozzle was not attached also. When I attempted to insert the plastic tip at the end of the hose to the air regulator screw into the nozzle, it would not stay in as the plastic column inside the nozzle prevented it from staying put. I had to "shave" some of the column out from inside the nozzle in order to set that properly into the nozzle for the air to create bubbles. I had hoped that when I purchased this that I could plug in and it would run properly, with the exception of the easy changes to transform it to in-cabinet use. Is it normal that I had to do all this retro work to the 9010 or is this a case that I might want to try another unit? The box that the unit came in was in great shape, but in parts inside the skimmer seem to have disconnected and/or did not fit properly (i.e. the nozzle).

2. There is a stream of water that comes out a small hole on the opposite side of the unit from the riser tube. Is this normal?

3. On past skimmers when I have adjusted the air regulator screw, the water column either lowers or rises. When I adjust the screw on the 9010, it does neither. Is this normal? I realize that I have to go through a "break-in" period, but will this still happen after the "break-in" period?

I look forward to any input you might have.

Paul

 

[rvitko]

1) It is not unusual for the airline to become disconnected in transport but no modification should have been required. The nozzle is two pieces that when lined up should have a very snug fit on the airline hose nipple.

2) Yes, the water is the gasket that seals the cup. The hole drains off the water at the correct column height to put sufficient back pressure on the foam.

3) The water column is so supposed to stay constant, only the volume of air flow should change.

 

[pdkinsel]

Thank you Roger.

 

[rvitko]

Please keep me posted if the skimmer does not produce skimmate with the air screw open about 4 turns something may be wrong with the nozzle.

 

[pdkinsel]

I will keep you posted. I tried to insert the air line hose nipple into the nozzle, but it it would not even go half way in and would fall out of the nozzle.

I have hadd the skimmer running for 24 hrs + now. How much longer should I allow it to break in before I let you know?

 

[rvitko]

It should only go in about half way. The fit should be tight enough that a gentle tug does not pull the line out. Depending on the set up and how established the tank is, some skimming should be apparent within 48hrs (of course a new tank may not have anything to skim). The skimmer is generally fully broken in in 2 weeks.

 

[pdkinsel]

I hope that I did not compromise the efficiency because the air line hose nipple is now further into the nozzle. Should I get a new nozzle and try again?

 

[rvitko]

PM me your address and I will send a new nozzle.

 

[pdkinsel]

Roger,
The skimmer seems to be working great now. The foam is very thick and dry and by the time it gets to the top of the cup it is too dry to fall down in the cup. How can I make it wetter?

The 9010 is in my sump and there is about 4.75 inches of water from the bottom of the skimmer up the sides. Should I add more water in the sump? I look forward to your advice.

I will still replace the nozzle once I receive it. BTW, I PM'd you my address.

 

[rvitko]

We sent the nozzle yesterday. To make the foam wetter you just open the air adjustment screw further.

 

[pdkinsel]

Roger,
I just received the new nozzle-Thank you.

I installed it and it fit perfectly and I noticed a HUGE difference-it started to foam almost immediately! I believe that my "modification" impeded the performance and now the bubble volume changes when I adjust the screw, when before it did nothing when I closed or opened the screw.

I think that maybe the part was off a bit, but your follow up and support has been fantastic. I will keep you posted.

Paul