Protein Skimmer Water Level?

tygger · 03/15/2009, 06:58 PM

My protein skimmer is sitting in 8" of water. How does the water level that it sits in effect the skimmer compared to the height of the adjustable return pipe?

I want to lower the skimmer so that it sits in 10" of water (this will give me more room to work in the stand), but right now everything is tuned in perfectly. If I increase the water level in the skimmer to 10", will adjusting the return pipe down 2" off-set the difference?

Thanks

zippopunk1 · 03/15/2009, 07:12 PM

ive heard that most skimmers the recomendation is for them to sit is 6 to 8 inches of water but i could be wrong. ive seen some people drill large holes in the dividers of the sump to lower the water level in the compartment were the skimmer sits and not have the skimmer sit in 10 inches of water. but thats just what ive heard lol

noahm · 03/15/2009, 08:25 PM

In 10" it probably won't skim 'as well', but that being said, do you need max skimming ability, or are you getting just moderate amounts of skimmate. Depending on the model, 10" is probably just a bit deep for ideal tuning, but if you can tune it so that it foams up and into the cup, then it is skimming.....

Jflip2002 · 03/15/2009, 09:41 PM

What kind of skimmer is it? They have their own recommendations. Theres a reason for their height recommendations. The deeper you get, the more pressure from the water, meaning the more water goes through the pump. You can always build a stand for your skimmer if its too deep.

03/15/2009, 06:58 PM	#1
tygger Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,631	Protein Skimmer Water Level? My protein skimmer is sitting in 8" of water. How does the water level that it sits in effect the skimmer compared to the height of the adjustable return pipe? I want to lower the skimmer so that it sits in 10" of water (this will give me more room to work in the stand), but right now everything is tuned in perfectly. If I increase the water level in the skimmer to 10", will adjusting the return pipe down 2" off-set the difference? Thanks __________________ 15g Nano 72g reef + 29g sump/fuge

03/15/2009, 09:41 PM	#4
Jflip2002 Eagles & Tigers Fan Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,543	What kind of skimmer is it? They have their own recommendations. Theres a reason for their height recommendations. The deeper you get, the more pressure from the water, meaning the more water goes through the pump. You can always build a stand for your skimmer if its too deep. __________________ I hate cheap powerheads. Current Tank Info: 40g Breeder

03/15/2009, 07:12 PM	#2
zippopunk1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: cali Posts: 746	ive heard that most skimmers the recomendation is for them to sit is 6 to 8 inches of water but i could be wrong. ive seen some people drill large holes in the dividers of the sump to lower the water level in the compartment were the skimmer sits and not have the skimmer sit in 10 inches of water. but thats just what ive heard lol

03/15/2009, 08:25 PM	#3
noahm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,736	In 10" it probably won't skim 'as well', but that being said, do you need max skimming ability, or are you getting just moderate amounts of skimmate. Depending on the model, 10" is probably just a bit deep for ideal tuning, but if you can tune it so that it foams up and into the cup, then it is skimming.....