still having problems with the replacement impellers....

[shullat]

Hi Roger,

Recap, my 9015 and 9005 (reefpack 500) were ordered in France 220/50 Hz, however in Saudi Arabia it is 220/60 HZ, as such I was advised to replace the impellers.

I tried both impellers in the 9015, the 0233.120 was actually moving water within the column but no bubbles were being produced at all. Tried it several times, thinking that maybe I hadn't placed the motor correctly within the skimmer case, but nothing worked. When I placed the cup there was no noticeable rise of water or any bubbles. I then placed the 0233.120_A instead and had water rising and foam. Once the irser column was in place the water/foam went up around 3/4" inch but that is it. This morning i checked it, and there is some foam coming up the riser column, but limited quantity. I know it has to break in but it seems strange that the water level is so low, is it normal. Furthermore, I know water is supposed to pour from the outlet on the back of the skimmer, but i also have water pouring out from the small ozone intake and another thats diagonally opposite in the back. I really don't know what to do.....help!

Thanks,

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like it is not assembled correctly. The impellers you recieved should be smaller than what the pumps came with, the one you recieved with the 9015 should be the biggest, the 233.12 should be the next smaller and the 233.12A even smaller yet. The venturi must be firmly attached and the airline inserted fully into the orifice in the venturi. Insert the pump outlet intoo the green jet pipe in the skimmer and make sure it slides all the way in to where the inlet is at the top of the c shaped channel it slides into. The screw should also be open 3 full turns after you plug in the pump. Also be sure the elbow for the outlet is not pushed in too far so that water cannot exit. Be sure that you installed all the accessories for in sump operation- the oulet pipe, coupler from pump to intake screen and the base with suction cup feet. Make sure the intake is open all the way.

Assuming they sent the corrrect impellers the 233.12 is the correct one for the 9015. The 235.12 it came with should be 20% bigger and with dimples in the sides of the blades near the end. The 233.12A should have somewhat sharper ends as the other 2 are molded and the 233.12A is a 233.12 cut on a lathe to 20% smaller than the 233.12.

 

[shullat]

Hi Roger,

Yesterday I took everything apart, cleaned everything, and placed the 233.120. The skimmer is working, however the water is barely an inch into the riser...no matter what i do with the airflow. Is the skimmer still breaking in or is there still a problem. There is a foam being produced, looks like cotton candy very consistent. So am once again preplexed at what is supposed to happen...is it working or not and how to adjust the water level in the riser. The skimmer is sitting at the bottom of the sump with the water level just below the blue line on the outer case with all the sump extensions plugged in correctly.

Thanks,

 

[rvitko]

Is this on the 9015? You will probably need to open the screw more, that is how you adjust the skimming. 3 turns is just a good starting guideline. The skimmers generally start working in a few days assuming there is something to be skimmed out.

 

[shullat]

Yes this is on the 9015, I have opened the air intake by 3 turns as mentioned. Skimmate is being produced looks like diluted coffee. But the water level in the riser is very low is this normal? Isn't there a way of adjustin it or should i wait a couple more days to see what happens?

thanks,

 

[rvitko]

No, that sounds about right, the water really shouldn't rise up that high and the skimmate color sounds good.

 

[shullat]

So having the water level barely an inch high is normal then? Thanks and sorry to trouble you with so many questions.

 

[rvitko]

Yes, that sounds like it is operating correctly. As long as foam is rising up out of it into the cup that is how it is supposed to work.

 

[shullat]

Worked on the skimmer issue yesterday evening, actually the problem wasn't with the skimmer, but the fact that i had to much turbulence in the sump (too many bubbles from the overflow plumbing. So i placed a filter sock and am running carbon also...no more turbulence in the section and the skimmer started foaming up like crazy.

Surprising how sensitive it is, but now it seems to be working very well. Got around 300 ml of skimmate overnight, I opened it a bit more then the three turns, just fiddling around.

One question, at the moment I have around 28 SPS, and a variety of LPS and softies. SPS represent around 70% of the tank, do you think I will have to upgrade later on to another skimmer or the 9015 is enough. I have been in touch with my vendor in France for the 9024, but would the 9020 be more adequate?

Thanks,

 

[rvitko]

I think it is enough for the stocked 210. Yes, compacting the size magnifies the effect of turbulence and oils so it is more sensitive.