IM Nano Skimmer - I GIVE UP!!!

[Rikerbear]

I am going to give up on the stupid nano skimmer from Innovative Marine. It has been running on my tank for over a month now and I still don't have any consistent skimmate and my tank is still full of micro bubbles.
The dang thing barely fits in the back sump area as instructed....almost no way to do any adjustments to it.....I can raise and lower it in the sump area, and increase or decrease the air valve on the silencer but that's it.
I may set up a small sump and try running it in there, but if I do that I might as well get a REAL skimmer and toss this $100 piece in the trash.

 

[Tek]

Is your water level stable?

 

[Rikerbear]

Is your water level stable?

Yes. I had it in the spot designed for it, in one of the two stable areas.

 

[Tek]

I had some problems tuning my Hydor nano skimmer, but mine has the ability to move the collection cup up or down. Your best bet is to lower the skimmer to increase the skimmate production and leave the air intake wide open. If that does not work than the pump may need a good cleaning or is not pumping at rated power.

To decrease the in tank micro bubbles you should find a place to put a sponge between the skimmer and the return pump. It should reduce or completely elimnate any micro bubbles.

 

[Rikerbear]

I had some problems tuning my Hydor nano skimmer, but mine has the ability to move the collection cup up or down. Your best bet is to lower the skimmer to increase the skimmate production and leave the air intake wide open. If that does not work than the pump may need a good cleaning or is not pumping at rated power.

To decrease the in tank micro bubbles you should find a place to put a sponge between the skimmer and the return pump. It should reduce or completely eliminate any micro bubbles.

Hmmmm.....I can't raise or lower the cup on this unit...well not really more than a fraction. I tried using poly sheet not sponge and it didn't seem to make a difference on the bubbles. What would a sponge do different?
I have been working some on my sump build this weekend. I think I will just stay skimmerless for now and do slightly larger WC each week.

 

[Tek]

I have a bubble trap before mine goes to the return pump, but I also use a phosphate or nitrate absorbing pad to diffuse any stray bubbles.

Weekly water changes actually seems to do better than what the little skimmers can pull out. The skimmer just allows me to miss a week or 2.

 

[Jlobes]

check out IM on the facebook. i saw somebody else having issues with mircobubbles and proper height. they walked them right thru it.

 

[typicaltony]

took mine about a month to break in and once in awhile it would act up, a good cleaning helped solves it.

 

[Rikerbear]

took mine about a month to break in and once in awhile it would act up, a good cleaning helped solves it.

You use a IM Aqua Gadget skimmer?
I finished my DIY sump build so hope to have it up and running in another couple days. Gonna try the skimmer in there....if it still won't work than it gets tossed.
:smile: