Royal Exclusiv Alpha 250 Cone Question

[RB Chagoi]

I posted this this question in the Newbie forum. However I think maybe it is better suited here.
I plumbed and set up my 240 Gallon tank yesterday, including LR, sand and am starting the cycling process. All is well with the connections, pump etc. However, I am experiencing an issue with the skimmer I purchased, a RE Alpha 250 Cone. As soon as I plug in the red dragon pump, the water rushes to the top of the slimmer and fills the cup almost immediately. I cannot adjust to prevent this. I suspect it to be a water depth problem.
I am so new to the hobby, I wonder if I should not have this skimmer. Perhaps it is like giving a 16 year old a Ferrari You are just asking for trouble. I have a ADHI, model 60 refugium. The water depth is 13 inches. The cone is sitting on the bottom. Do i need to raise the skimmer to a different water depth? If so, is 8-10 inches suggested?

If raising the skimmer, i.e., lowering the water depth will resolve, can some one explain why water depth matters..

 

[sjm817]

It needs to run in 10" depth. The 1800 LPH tube works well.

Here are a couple of threads that will help you out.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1624196

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1623401

 

[RB Chagoi]

Thank you for the quick reply. I appreciate the information and will raise the skimmer. I still wonder why the depth matters. If the pump is in 6 inches of water or 20 inches it seems to me that it will process the same amount of water? What is the science behind 10" optimal depth?

 

[sjm817]

Primarily, it changes the height of the water in the skimmer body. It also changes the head (back pressure) on the pump and changes the way it runs.

 

[GSMguy]

Skimmers like this (internal, single pass, Pinwheel skimmers) are very sensitive to depth be sure to keep the water at 10" all the time, buy an auto top off if you don't have one allready.

 

[sjm817]

I prefer a baffle to set the water height over an ATO. ATO is still a good idea anyway and is an OK way to do it if you dont have a baffle.

 

[RB Chagoi]

Thanks to you both for the replies. I will set the depth at 10" and skim away.