How to do dry skim..?

[maleks.reef]

Hey everyone. I have a HOB Dophin protein skimmer and I've been noticing lately that the skim is too watery, so much so that the salinity is being affected quite a bit. So, I want to know how can I make it dry skim? The only customizable thing on this HOB skimmer is a little knob on the top that says "open" in one direction and "close" in the opposite direction. Which one should I do for a dry skim?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Hey everyone. I have a HOB Dophin protein skimmer and I've been noticing lately that the skim is too watery, so much so that the salinity is being affected quite a bit. So, I want to know how can I make it dry skim? The only customizable thing on this HOB skimmer is a little knob on the top that says "open" in one direction and "close" in the opposite direction. Which one should I do for a dry skim?

If "open" lowers the water level in the skimmer (typically does), then this is the way you want to go. You want the bubbles and water level to be lower, as this will produce a more dry skimmate. It works, as the proteins stack up on top of themselves and then go into the cup with less water in the skimmate.

 

[maleks.reef]

If "open" lowers the water level in the skimmer (typically does), then this is the way you want to go. You want the bubbles and water level to be lower, as this will produce a more dry skimmate. It works, as the proteins stack up on top of themselves and then go into the cup with less water in the skimmate.

I just did as you said and it seemed like it was a bit random at first but I ended up lowering the water level by turning it to fully open. One more thing, since it is a HOB skimmer I cant see the water line except in the last compartment (next to the wavemaker). So is it ok if I adjust it according to the water level in that last compartment on the left?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I just did as you said and it seemed like it was a bit random at first but I ended up lowering the water level by turning it to fully open. One more thing, since it is a HOB skimmer I cant see the water line except in the last compartment (next to the wavemaker). So is it ok if I adjust it according to the water level in that last compartment on the left?

That can be used, but you still will want to watch the skimmate that comes out, if nothing accumulates, raise the level a little. You should at least be able to see where the bubbles start to pop in the skimmer. This is where one would usually look for water level. I am not too familar with this type of skimmer, but if it has a collection cup, take it off and look to see where the bubbles pop under it. Closing the valve should bring that up. You just have to play with it and adjust it to where the skimmate is what you want it to be.