Skimmer Controls

[CMO]

So I've read a lot of existing threads and watched a lot of videos on skimmer tuning but still don't understand how the different methods of adjustment should be used together. My skimmer has 3 methods of control, all of which seem to just change the level of foam in the skimmer (air valve, pump speed, and gear controlled outlet). What do the 3 different controls do individually and how would i go about tuning with all 3 controls together?

I'm using a mode 1800 pgx skimmer (no instructions included - a cad lights company...)
https://www.modeaquariums.com/product/pgx-1800-protein-skimmer/

Thanks

 

[Waters]

Basically all skimmers work the same way....the adjustments either control how fast the water leaves the skimmer body or controls how much air is injected into the water column. Both will cause the water level to raise or lower (if the water cannot leave the skimmer body, the water level raises...if too much air is being pumped into the skimmer body, the water raises). Usually there is a macro adjustment (which opens or closes valve), a micro adjustment, and an air valve. The key is finding the balance between all three, which isn't as hard as it sounds.

 

[Lasse]

Depends of what you want that the skimmer shall do. I use my mostly for gas exchange - hence max air and flow of water. I use the valve in order to not get overflow.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[CMO]

Thank you both, that helps. @Lasse, is there any reason you wouldn't always want max gas exchange by running the pump at the highest setting. I think I understand the air and outlet adjustments now but still iffy on the pump speed. I'd want to just run it on the highest setting, no?

 

[Waters]

I don't want to answer for Lasse, but depending on the skimmer, and amount of DOCs in the water (and even the depth of water in the sump), opening the valve all the way (running at max), will most likely not allow you to collect skimmate in the collection cup due to the water level being too low, and bubbles not reaching the cup. Lasse uses his strictly to aerate the water so he wants to turn over the water as quickly as possible, with the maximum amount of air being injected into the skimmer body.

 

[Lasse]

Maybe I was a little unclear. My skimmer - Coral Box D500 plus can be air, speed and level/valve adjusted. I have the air full open and run the pump on the highest setting. The only thing I adjust is the outlet valve. With that I can adjust the level in the skimmer and hence how much skimmate that will be produced. I run my skimmer very dry – it means that there is not so much water coming up in the collecting cup. If I want – I can close the valve a little (its very easy to fine tune this skimmer) and hence get more skimmate.

The reason for running at max speed and air is just the one mentioned above - I want to use the skimmers gas exchanging features as much as possible. It means max oxygen in during the night- max out during day -> max CO2 out during night hours and max in during lday and as a extra favour - max NH3 out all the time. Night = no illumination; Day illumination hence photosynthesis.

Normally I do not want to take out so much of the organic particles in my water - instead I want them into my DT in order to feed my filter feeders. But if i want - its easy - I just adjust my outlet valve

Sincerely Lasse

 

[CMO]

Thank you @Waters and @Lasse. Very helpful.

 

[MikeA]

@Lasse Do you run the water level sensor in the skimmer cup of your D500 Plus?