Where's the skim?

[jlindiak]

I've had the 9005 in sump with extension tube for 3 weeks now
and I am barely getting any skim. After looking at other pictures, I
don't understand what I am doing wrong. Overflow is trickling out and the blue screw is almost completely out. Wish I got the 9010 for my 58 gal after reading other messages but thought it would be overkill at the time.

 

[rvitko]

Is it a new tank? Do you have the intake screen fully open and the coupler installed properly between the pump and the intake?

 

[jlindiak]

About two months ago I upgraded from a 30 to a 58 gal and transferred all the rock and livestock to the new system with a
new sump. Yes the screen is fully open and the coupler is installed
properly. I am not sure what the coupler is, but I have those two
pieces that snap together and pressed into the intake section installed correctly. I think the coupler is that smaller piece with
one side shaped like a half moon. This is firmly pressed into the motor.

After 3 days I got about 1/2" of skim.

Should I purchase the motor for the 9010. I think it should fit in
my 9005. I've read from other users that they're much better.

Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

The 9005 should be plenty strong, you can read just as much good about them as well so I don't see the need. I would double check everything just one more time. Open the venturi screw a bit more and give it some time. Not every tank has tons of stuff to be skimmed out.

 

[jlindiak]

I have taken it apart four times and if I back out the screw anymore it will fall out, so I'll just give it some more time.

If it makes any difference I have been adding azno3 for removing nitrates. Although this treatment uses the skimmer for ridding nitrates, is it possible this could be causing a problem?

 

[rvitko]

It could well be, also, opening the screw too much is just as bad as not enough. My experience with AZNO3 was the immediate efffect was to seriously impair skimming and eventually it started to increase skimming after a couple weeks you got watery skimmate. Try closing up the venturi a bit. I know that that skimmer will do the job for your tank and you can see a few people using the 9005 and getting dark skimmate, it really should work just as well as the 9010 if it is a bit less powerful.

 

[jlindiak]

Thanks Roger.

I feel better now with respect to being underpowered and the use of azno3. This is only week one with that stuff. The product seems to be working but it's leaving a red residue on everything in the sump.
Hope that's not a bad thing!