Optimising AM Multi SL 1000

[palmerc]

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

 

[Ridwaan]

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.

 

[Smithers]

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.

 

[Copperband]

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

 

[DragonReef]

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.

 

[Ridwaan]

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?

 

[palmerc]

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.

 

[DragonReef]

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.

 

[palmerc]

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

 

[leslie hempel]

good to know you finally got it and have sorted out the fine tuning.....my one ran wet and i emptied the cup twice and pulled dark dry skimmate from then on.....

exellent little skimmer..... cant wait to see how big brother performs....