ATB 840 Skimmer help

mozymo · 03/21/2010, 09:40 PM

I just got my new ATB 840 v1.5 skimmer on Friday.

I set up (I think I set it up right - there were no instructions or anything) and turned it on in 6" of freshwater in an extra tank I have. It has the large pinwheel on it.

The skimmer is very loud. It makes this strong rattling noise. This noise goes away when I block the air intake tube but then this causes the water level to flood the collection cup. Anyone have any advice or experience with this? It has been running for about 12 hrs straight now.

On a side note, any recommendations on how to clean and break in the skimmer (I heard vinegar solutions are a good idea)?

This is my first skimmer so I am eager to hear your opinions.

Thanks

mavjoy · 03/21/2010, 10:28 PM

Congrats with the ATB 840

. I'm running the 840 v1.5 for about 3 months now. I had some noise with the pump in the beginning too. Make sure the PW inside the pump is fine. No need for vinegar bath, the skimmer doesn't need of breaking in IME. Check with ATB( Victor) He should be able to help you. Which store did you purchase your skimmer at? Good luck!

mozymo · 03/21/2010, 10:47 PM

thanks for the quick reply.
I sent Victor an email and am waiting to here back. I bought it from reef specialty - they have been very helpful.

How do I open the pump to look at the pinwheel?
Also does the attachment piece (where the air hose connects to the water intake in the sump) come off easily for you? Mine pops off whenever I shift the airhose around.

mojo~ · 03/21/2010, 10:57 PM

you cant run it in freshwater. it will make a ton of noise as most skimmers will. It can actually mess it up if you do it too long
run it in saltwater and you will be good

mavjoy · 03/21/2010, 11:06 PM

Be careful when you open the volute to access the PW. You might have to loosen both allen screws holding the volute cover, then you can take it out and see the PW. Reef Specialty/ATB should be able to guide you with this steps too.

arod2051 · 03/22/2010, 04:38 AM

Also, don't tighten the allen screws too much. It will mess up the alignment of the pinwheel.

03/21/2010, 09:40 PM	#1
mozymo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 42	ATB 840 Skimmer help I just got my new ATB 840 v1.5 skimmer on Friday. I set up (I think I set it up right - there were no instructions or anything) and turned it on in 6" of freshwater in an extra tank I have. It has the large pinwheel on it. The skimmer is very loud. It makes this strong rattling noise. This noise goes away when I block the air intake tube but then this causes the water level to flood the collection cup. Anyone have any advice or experience with this? It has been running for about 12 hrs straight now. On a side note, any recommendations on how to clean and break in the skimmer (I heard vinegar solutions are a good idea)? This is my first skimmer so I am eager to hear your opinions. Thanks

03/21/2010, 10:28 PM	#2
mavjoy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Northern Cali Posts: 568	Congrats with the ATB 840. I'm running the 840 v1.5 for about 3 months now. I had some noise with the pump in the beginning too. Make sure the PW inside the pump is fine. No need for vinegar bath, the skimmer doesn't need of breaking in IME. Check with ATB( Victor) He should be able to help you. Which store did you purchase your skimmer at? Good luck!

03/21/2010, 10:57 PM	#4
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	you cant run it in freshwater. it will make a ton of noise as most skimmers will. It can actually mess it up if you do it too long run it in saltwater and you will be good __________________ Mojo~

03/21/2010, 10:47 PM	#3
mozymo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 42	thanks for the quick reply. I sent Victor an email and am waiting to here back. I bought it from reef specialty - they have been very helpful. How do I open the pump to look at the pinwheel? Also does the attachment piece (where the air hose connects to the water intake in the sump) come off easily for you? Mine pops off whenever I shift the airhose around.

03/21/2010, 11:06 PM	#5
mavjoy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Northern Cali Posts: 568	Be careful when you open the volute to access the PW. You might have to loosen both allen screws holding the volute cover, then you can take it out and see the PW. Reef Specialty/ATB should be able to guide you with this steps too.

03/22/2010, 04:38 AM	#6
arod2051 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 203	Also, don't tighten the allen screws too much. It will mess up the alignment of the pinwheel.