New Super Skimmer problem?

Joshua1023 · 12/16/2006, 06:42 PM

Simply, before I jam this skimmer under my cabinet, I need to know if there actually is a problem. I assembled it tonight and hooked it up running warm water to flush it out. Naturally, I started messing with the adjustments, and noticed that there are no micro-bubbles,only fat chunky bubbles. Is this due to the fresh water or could there be another problem? I checked and double checked, and everything is set up according to the instructions provided.

Pyrrhus · 12/16/2006, 07:08 PM

Your skimmer is fine, no skimmer will produce fine bubbles in freshwater, the surface tension is not right for it.

Two things not mentioned in the instructions that are imperative IMO, cutting the input tubing as short as humanly possible while keeping the pump submerged, and making sure that the output is not underwater.

Joshua1023 · 12/16/2006, 07:12 PM

Thanks pyrrhus that sets my mind at ease.

Timmy44221 · 12/16/2006, 07:44 PM

YOu will have lots of micro bbuble when it gets into the SW. All over you tank. But no worries, they go away after 1-3 days, also the bubble trap is worthless. Overall I think its a fabulous skimmer.

lotsofgallons · 12/16/2006, 08:12 PM

just keep a close eye on two things

the venturi hole on the top return pipe, it might overflow
and the water level in the collection cup..since you havent had much experience with the skimmer yet, it might fill up and overflow seemingly out of no where

JollyGreen · 12/17/2006, 10:05 AM

It takes some tweaking to get it where it works right, I also had the cup overflow problem, however I think it was because I let the water in the display get too low, (I'm using the SS 65g in Hang on Tank mode), and I think that caused it to overflow.

Since then I have installed a top-off system and haven't had any problems yet, I've only been running it this way about a week, and only when I'm near the tank. I'm slowly working my way to letting it run while I'm gone.

Bandsaw · 12/17/2006, 12:12 PM

What CSS did you get? I had a number of problems with my CSS 125. The pump is a RIO and in typical RIO style, went water electric on me. I replaced it with a GenX 2400 needle wheel. It is a slightly larger pump.

It took mine about 2 months to finally break in. I find that nice thick gooey foam is formed when I keep the water level right at the red ring. Iâ€™ve heard lots of good things about skimming wet, but if I set my CSS to run wet, it ends up going nuts and overflowing. Since I am away from home for days at a time, I need reliability, so I don't chance it and skim dry.

The only modification that I made was to replace the output tube with 1" CPVC pipe as illustrated below.

I think the real secret is fiddle until you get something that works for you. Every bodyâ€™s water is different. Try different water levels on the neck, different depths under the water for the venture input tube.

12/16/2006, 06:42 PM	#1
Joshua1023 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reading PA Posts: 1,526	New Super Skimmer problem? Simply, before I jam this skimmer under my cabinet, I need to know if there actually is a problem. I assembled it tonight and hooked it up running warm water to flush it out. Naturally, I started messing with the adjustments, and noticed that there are no micro-bubbles,only fat chunky bubbles. Is this due to the fresh water or could there be another problem? I checked and double checked, and everything is set up according to the instructions provided. __________________ Only bad things happen fast. Only bad thing happen fast. Only bad things happen fast. Man,I'm friggen hard-headed!!! Current Tank Info: 90 gl tank,Coralife 14K MH lights,2 Current dual daylight/actinic 40 watt fixtures, tidepool sump,Coralife SS 220 protein skimmer,six inch sand bed w/ plenum, Current Prime Tower 1/3 hp Chiller,RedSea ozonizer w/ orp

12/16/2006, 07:08 PM	#2
Pyrrhus Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,713	Your skimmer is fine, no skimmer will produce fine bubbles in freshwater, the surface tension is not right for it. Two things not mentioned in the instructions that are imperative IMO, cutting the input tubing as short as humanly possible while keeping the pump submerged, and making sure that the output is not underwater. __________________ Severe Knowledge In Plumbing

12/16/2006, 07:12 PM	#3
Joshua1023 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reading PA Posts: 1,526	Thanks pyrrhus that sets my mind at ease. __________________ Only bad things happen fast. Only bad thing happen fast. Only bad things happen fast. Man,I'm friggen hard-headed!!! Current Tank Info: 90 gl tank,Coralife 14K MH lights,2 Current dual daylight/actinic 40 watt fixtures, tidepool sump,Coralife SS 220 protein skimmer,six inch sand bed w/ plenum, Current Prime Tower 1/3 hp Chiller,RedSea ozonizer w/ orp

12/17/2006, 12:12 PM	#7
Bandsaw Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Eastern Ontario (above Sudbury) Posts: 720	What CSS did you get? I had a number of problems with my CSS 125. The pump is a RIO and in typical RIO style, went water electric on me. I replaced it with a GenX 2400 needle wheel. It is a slightly larger pump. It took mine about 2 months to finally break in. I find that nice thick gooey foam is formed when I keep the water level right at the red ring. Iâ€™ve heard lots of good things about skimming wet, but if I set my CSS to run wet, it ends up going nuts and overflowing. Since I am away from home for days at a time, I need reliability, so I don't chance it and skim dry. The only modification that I made was to replace the output tube with 1" CPVC pipe as illustrated below. I think the real secret is fiddle until you get something that works for you. Every bodyâ€™s water is different. Try different water levels on the neck, different depths under the water for the venture input tube. __________________ VE3SZB Failure is not an option - It is a requirement if you expect to learn anything. Click on my home page button for pictures of my aquarium. Current Tank Info: 75g Display, CPR SM Aquafuge, 8g sump, 20g tall fuge, Maxspect R420R LED, KoralLin 1502 CaRa, EV-180 Skimmer

12/16/2006, 07:44 PM	#4
Timmy44221 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 88	YOu will have lots of micro bbuble when it gets into the SW. All over you tank. But no worries, they go away after 1-3 days, also the bubble trap is worthless. Overall I think its a fabulous skimmer.

12/16/2006, 08:12 PM	#5
lotsofgallons Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: florida Posts: 249	just keep a close eye on two things the venturi hole on the top return pipe, it might overflow and the water level in the collection cup..since you havent had much experience with the skimmer yet, it might fill up and overflow seemingly out of no where

12/17/2006, 10:05 AM	#6
JollyGreen Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 136	It takes some tweaking to get it where it works right, I also had the cup overflow problem, however I think it was because I let the water in the display get too low, (I'm using the SS 65g in Hang on Tank mode), and I think that caused it to overflow. Since then I have installed a top-off system and haven't had any problems yet, I've only been running it this way about a week, and only when I'm near the tank. I'm slowly working my way to letting it run while I'm gone.