New to Skimming need a bit of help

[JerSaint]

Hi fellow CTARS members,
I just got an Aqua C Remora skimmer as part of a CL deal. I started running it last night and I am trying to adjust it to have a thicker skimmate (I know this will take a bit of adjustment). My question is that with the large amount of skimmate that is thin coming out of the tank, should I top off with Rodi or salt water?

[thoughtIKnew]

Is that an in sump or hang on back

If it is in sump

Replace with salt however don't adjust anything for at least a week take the top off an let it foam over for 24 hours then put the top on and forget about it for a few days you will be chasing your tail trying to adjust it before it breaks into your system

[JerSaint]

It is a HOB. So I should take off the collection cup for 24hrs than put it back and leave it for a few days and then start adjusting from there? Is this the same for a HOB vs in sump?

[Stepho725]

Would this work with a skimmer in the back chamber of a biocube? Ive never gotten mine working & have tried many things. Even on the lowest setting it will fill up the collection cup with water in a half hour. **Sorry Jer - dont mean to steal your thread.

[JerSaint]

No Problem Stepho!

[tangeray]

Originally Posted by JerSaint

Hi fellow CTARS members,
I just got an Aqua C Remora skimmer as part of a CL deal. I started running it last night and I am trying to adjust it to have a thicker skimmate (I know this will take a bit of adjustment). My question is that with the large amount of skimmate that is thin coming out of the tank, should I top off with Rodi or salt water?

I have always use regular RODI to top off whenever I have low levels due to skimming or evaporation. I only add saltwater when I do water changes. Adding additional saltwater may increase your salinity. Make sure to check it.
I regards to the ACR skimmer, I remove the collection cup and adjust the white screw (clockwise) until I noticed the water rise a bit with smaller bubbles forming in the middle chamber. I then replaced the cup and adjusted the height using the black band. ( you may need to do this adj occasionally as water evaporates from tank.) If you are getting soft watery bubbles the C cup need to be sitting higher. Also watch the water level in your tank. If water is pouring of skimmer into tank, you need to raise water in your tank so that it's not spilling.
Also look for the silencer mod. It works like a charm. This skimmer is noisy you would appreciate it.

[JerSaint]

Thanks tangeray,
Could you clarify about the spilling water. The rest was very clear thank you.

[tangeray]

Sure, you don't want the water dropping or splashing from the skimmer into he tank. The water level in the tank should be kept high enough to avoid this. I hope this helps.

[JerSaint]

The chamber on the right with the spillway is the only place where water is returning to the tank. I keep the water level pretty high so its just a tiny bit of surface agitation.

[phillrodrigo]

I posted a thread on setting a skimmer correctly. Go check it out. It may help you

[tangeray]

Originally Posted by phillrodrigo

I posted a thread on setting a skimmer correctly. Go check it out. It may help you

I'm afraid, this skimmer is very finicky. Your drawing is great for a sump skimmer this this one is a HOB and requires lots of attention than most I have dealt with. Thanks for sharing.

[tangeray]

Originally Posted by JerSaint

The chamber on the right with the spillway is the only place where water is returning to the tank. I keep the water level pretty high so its just a tiny bit of surface agitation.

Great, as a guide, I keep the water line about 1/4" up (on the gray intake tube) from the black barbed adapter fitting that goes through the hose to the pump. Fiddle with the collection cup so that you get the bubbles attempting to enter the bottom tube of the collection cup. Check periodically, if you are getting wet skimmate lift the cup until you get a nice dry foam. Obviously, no skimmate after a while means the cup may be set too high or you have nothing in your tank. Good practice to clean the inner tube, the foam appears to rise quicker. Plus you can see the foam better.
Using this method, I get some foam within 4 hrs or so. The inner tube darkens within 24-48 hrs.
Hope this helps.

[JerSaint]

Thanks for all the advice tangeray! I set the screw as you mentioned and raised the cup a bit and it looks like I will get a thicker skimmate. I really appreciate your detailed responses.

[tangeray]

No prob. Remember to clean out your pump, it helps create foam action. Also try the silencer mod you will not regret it. There's another mod at the square base of the collection cup you should also consider.
Simply cut air line tube to match length of (1) short and (1) long Side of base. Split entire length of each airline tube (with razor or small scissors) and slide them on edges of the base. This mod creates a snug fit of the base in the chamber allowing more of the bubbles to enter and rise into the inner tube without escaping on the sides. Hope this helps.
Happy reefing!

[JerSaint]

I think I will work on the silencer mod ASAP!