Optimising AM Multi SL 1000

Hi Guys,

I have used the AM Turboflotor Multi SL 1000 (use it in sump) since I got my tank about 2.5 years ago and it has always performed well, without requiring any adjustments - really just plug and play.

I recently had a new sump built and decided that at needed a new/another skimmer to cope with the new water volume (± 800l) as I felt the AM woudl struggle a little. In the end I went with another 2nd-hand AM SL 1000 and will be running two skimmers on my system.

My problem though is this:

Since setting up my current skimmer in my new sump I have been unabel to get it to skim dry. It skims very wet, and the cup fills up in about 6 hours, with a pale yellow skimmate. I have turend the adjustment knobs down to their minimum, but still this is a problem.

I think the water depth of the new sump is slightly deeper than my old sump, resulting in a higher water level inside the skimmer and therefore to the wet skimming.

I do not want to have the sump modified at all to drop the water level - too much hassle so what other options are there?

I thought of

a) Raising the skimmer in the sump slightly (to drop water level inside the skimmer) until I find the "right" height for it

or,

b) Restrict the flow of water/air from the pump to the skimmer with a valve or similar.

Is there anything else you can recommend? - If not, which of the two options I suggested would be better and why?

Thanks,
Clinton

 

I would go with A.Raise the skimmer so that the water level drops in the skimmer....Sounds like the best alternative to me...
Lets hear what the Gurus have to say.

 

Clinton, Perhaps you can make a stand for the skimmer with some egg crate. Just cut the lenghts you need and cable tie it together ?
This may be the easiest option.
PS got the stuff you sent me.
Ta.

 

option A sounds like less work but if you put a valve in you would be able to get the level just perfect.

 

Yip Clinton, make an eggrate or plastic shelf of any kind and play around with the height until it's at it's optimum height. Don't restrict the skimmer in any way.
I had to do the same with my IM when I ran it in sump.

 

If you restrict the amount of flow entering the skimmer by means of a ball valve...Wouldnt this effect the skimming power/quality of skimmate?

 

The thing is only a very small adjustment is required. maybe only a cm up or so. This will definitely be the easiest option for me to carry out.

Copperband, the fine tuning is not really a problem as once I have set the height corrrectly I can fine tune with the adjustable knobs on the skimmer itself.

So thanks all, question answered. Now to just find time to get eggcrate or something similar.

 

Clinton if it's that little then just use some PVC pipe if you have lying around. Drill a couple of holes so it stays down, lay the pipe flat on the sump floor and place your skimmer on top of it.

 

Well I stuck two pieces of 25mm UPVC underneath the skimmers using superglue, and problem solved. Have adjusted the skimmers now and foam seems nice and firm.

Will fine-tune them as necessary.

Thanks for the advice.

Clinton