Tuning a skimmer

[Metal Man 1221]

I upgraded my skimmer this summer from an Aquamedic turbofloater to a Reef Mania PS-8, I'm really satisfied with the skimmers performance, however, Id really like to get it running more efficiently. Just wondering if a few more experienced reefers could chime in and help me out a bit.

Now the skimmer has two recirculating Sedra 5000 pumps in case you are not familiar with the skimmer. I had been running both pumps to try and skim the crap out of my tank to kind of catch up on what my old skimmer couldn't handle. Yesterday i shut off one pump, raised my water level and restricted the air flow on the pump to try and get my foam head closer to the top of the riser with out getting an overflow.
Not sure if I'm on the right track, I'm kinda running blind here. Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[shifty51008]

you will be very happy with the skimmer, I run a PS-6 and am very happy with it.

you don't want to restrict the airline you want as much air going to the pumps as possiable. I run mine water level about 2" below the top of the neck and get a good foam. just enough to get a nice dark skimmate but not to wet.

you have the gate valve correct? just turn it ever so slightly and wait about 15 min. till it settles then adjust again.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

WOW, if i run my water level that high with out any air restriction I skim WAY to wet. Now are you talking 2" below the top of the neck leading into the collection cup, or are you talking 2" below the top flange in the body? sorry just trying to be specific. I just really want a dark skim and I just can achieve it, its always yellowish and very watery, and when I try to skim dryer, I cant get any skim at all.

Yes I do have the gate valve on mine btw.

Thanks for your input

 

[shifty51008]

well my skimmer will be adjusted diff. as I run a single ocean runner pump on mine. but I run it 2" below where it overflows into the collection cup. yours may need to be adjusted more. I found it easiest to set it low first and find the top of the foam head and then raise it to just where the top of the foam meets the top of the collection cup.

I can try to take pics if you like.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

That would be great, thank you so much, Im going to love the crap out of this skimmer when it starts kickin @$$!

 

[shifty51008]

give me a bit to get some pics, I know you deff. won't be dissapointed.

also you will have to bare with me as the cup needs to be cleaned still so it will be dirty lol

 

[Metal Man 1221]

NO way it can be as bad as mine, I need one of those fancy self cleaning devices. If there is one thing I hate about this hobby its cleaning the skimmer:hammer:

 

[shifty51008]

ok these are just a few quick ones but you can get an idea of the level as the water level in mine is just below the dark area in the cup.

here is the lid. you can see how much crap it gets as I clean this cup completly every week.

and last is a pic of the skimmate, 2 weeks worth. the flash makes it light in color but trust me it is very dark

 

[shifty51008]

yeah the self cleaning feature would be a very nice add on.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

Yea see thats exactly what Im looking for!

Ill make some adjustments next time Im over there.

Thanks alot

 

[shifty51008]

anytime, if you still have question feel free to PM me