DKoKoMAN’s 305g Basement Reef

[smokinreefer]

Sounds like the skimmer needs to be elevated a bit. Get it up out of the water another inch or so.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

Sounds like the skimmer needs to be elevated a bit. Get it up out of the water another inch or so.

I will give it a try. Recommended is 9-10” but clearly this is not working out.

[gregzz4]

Sounds like it’s not getting enough air. Not familiar with your airflow adjustment but check it to ensure it is open enough, or open it more. The more air it gets, the lower the water will be. If that’s not working, remove the Venturi from the volute and air line, and check for calcium buildup or a blockage. Also inspect the impeller in case something got in it.
Keep in mind too much air will cause it to surge up and down, and cavitation can damage the impeller.

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Sounds like it’s not getting enough air. Not familiar with your airflow adjustment but check it to ensure it is open enough, or open it more. The more air it gets, the lower the water will be. If that’s not working, remove the Venturi from the volute and air line, and check for calcium buildup or a blockage. Also inspect the impeller in case something got in it.
Keep in mind too much air will cause it to surge up and down, and cavitation can damage the impeller.

I find that the more I turn the white volute in the less height of the foam head I get. I started with 4 turns out, to 2, to 1.5 and now I’m at 1. When I screw the volute out the bubbles rise very high.



The stand pipe is completely open and I haven’t even got to the point of turning it as the water level and foam head is so high.


I checked the propellor and nothing is stuck in it. The Skimmer is only 2 months old as well. Could that cause the instability?

[DKoKoMan]

For some reason this photo didn’t show up on the previous post, so here it is.

[gregzz4]

Have you taken the entire Venturi out to inspect it for built up calcium?
I see it’s very new but doesn’t hurt to check
When you adjust it, you are looking for find bubbles to the bottom of the cup, and larger full ones above that.

[DKoKoMan]

Ya I have taken the Venturi out and it’s not gummed up at all. The Bubbles are fine at the base of the cup and the larger ones are popping past the half way point of the cone. At one point it was at halfway of the collection cup and the skimmate was perfect. Just can’t get the foam head back to halfway...it’s toward the top and the cup has been filling quick in 24 hours.

I drained the cup this evening. I will post a photo tomorrow when I wake up to show how much wet skim is being collected.