Skimmer Help

GoTakeANap · Oct 25, 2012

I have a Vortex skimmer. Not quite sure of the model I have. Will be able to tell you guys after awhile when I take it out to clean it. It takes weeks to build up enough to dump my skimmer cup(not even a 1/2 inch of water). Wondering if my skimmer is set up correctly? Where should my water line be on my skimmer? Can post pics if needed.

GoTakeANap · Oct 25, 2012

Are the bubbles to small or to big?

Another photo of the bubbles

Closer View

This is right after I did a water change. Is my skimmer skimming enough or do I need to adjust something?

Downbeach · Oct 25, 2012

I would level it. Here is the manual:

http://www.aquacave.com/Manuals/Vertex-INSkimmer-Manual.pdf

Troylee · Oct 25, 2012

Need to raise the water level about a inch or so... You want that foam to build right where the neck starts so it pushes up and over the top.. Hth

Pappy · Oct 25, 2012

Is there a gate valve adjustment? If so close it and water level will rise in skimmer.

GoTakeANap · Oct 25, 2012

Downbeach said:
I would level it. Here is the manual:

http://www.aquacave.com/Manuals/Vertex-INSkimmer-Manual.pdf

What do I need to level? Dont quite understand what I need to level. Not smart when it comes to these things?

Troylee said:
Need to raise the water level about a inch or so... You want that foam to build right where the neck starts so it pushes up and over the top.. Hth

So I need to close the water valve more correct?

Troylee · Oct 26, 2012

Brokendeck said:
What do I need to level? Dont quite understand what I need to level. Not smart when it comes to these things?

So I need to close the water valve more correct?

Correct.. Just do
It in small increments and wait a hour or so between adjustments to get a feel for it... If you close it to much your cup will fill with just saltwater.. Once you get it dialed you shouldn't have to mess with it again..

Troylee · Oct 26, 2012

A good starting point from looking at your pix is.. The top of the foam you have now is what you want like 1" down from the very top of the neck.. So basically close the valve a tad till that foam is just a little below going into the cup.. It should build enough pressure to push it over after it settles in from your adjustment..

GoTakeANap · Oct 26, 2012

Skimmer level ok now?

Skimmer with top off. Look good?

Another pic with top off.

Does this water color look right? its mostly debris from when I blow my LR off. If anything looks wrong, or I need to adjust. Let me know. I wanna get this right. Thanks

Pappy · Oct 27, 2012

Looks better...just remember the lower the level the dryer and darker the skimmate and the higher the wetter. I personally like dryer but some people like wetter. It's all preference. Just adjust gate valve to get it where u want it.

GoTakeANap · Oct 28, 2012

Pappy said:
Looks better...just remember the lower the level the dryer and darker the skimmate and the higher the wetter. I personally like dryer but some people like wetter. It's all preference. Just adjust gate valve to get it where u want it.

Yep I figured that out. I turned it down some so it wouldnt be so wet. Must of turned it down to much. Nothing in the cup since then. I turned it up a hair to see if that helps.

Do I need to remove this crushed rock and basket above with a filter pad in it? IDK if this is affecting my skimmer and the removal of the waste and other things the skimmer removes. What do you think?

GoTakeANap · Oct 28, 2012

cant figure out how to edit the post but also, the reason I ask is if you look at the bottom of the photo, under the crush LR you can see sand and trash sitting under LR. That normal?