Berlin Skimmer

Ichthus · 11-24-2003, 09:50 PM

Ok...just got my new Berlin Skimmer into place on the new 100g tank and the bubbles dont even reach the top of the collection cup yet. I have it set to all the way open for the air, but it just doesnt budge. I am running a MAG 7.

Will this change in a few weeks once the water starts to get some more "junk" in it or do you think something is wrong?

Eric P · 11-24-2003, 10:19 PM

David, I have a berlin skimmer but I use a dolphin pump rated @ 1500 gph. I have run it with a quiet one pump(I think 900 gph) It should work with a mag 7 @ 675 gph. Try adding some water conditioner to the tank. This usually helps make enough froth to fill the cup in a couple minutes.
Eric....

tdwyatt · 11-24-2003, 11:12 PM

Wait for the skimmer to begin to concentrate organics at the bubble interface at the top of the bubble column. As the organics go up, so does the surface tension, gradually increasing the height of the foam column. Just in case, check the air inlet for the venturi to make sure that it isn't clogged by some foreign debris. This acts as a valve and has some (very little) ability to control the amount of air entering the base of the water column. Try loosening it 2 turns (PLEASE use a box wrench) and see what the air mix looks like. Helpful hint: put an airline on the tube and run it up to the top of the skimmer just in case the power goes off. You can open the screw valve at the bottom and add an air valve at the top of this hose to make controlling it easier.

btw, I just posted a thread within the last few days of mods to this skimmer that will dramatically improve performance.