New skimmer

[Wilkie]

I have a Rio 400 fish only set up and currently run a Prizm Pro but as it has been very akward to get running consistantly I've now had enough of the chamber overflowing with clear water or doing nothing at all so opted for a second hand Deltec APF600. I'm a little nervous about setting it up as I've only used hang on skimmers in the past. Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[ste2k3]

one of the best skimmers on the market IMO. to get it running is simple, you will need to put the skimmer on a shelf above the tank, or so that the out flow pipe (40mm solvent weld) is above the water and can flow back to the aquarium via gravity. the inlet will neet to be fed with 800-1000lph (I think) a maxijet should do the job. there should be a hose tail on the inlet which will take the flexi pipe of the feed pump (maxijet etc) the return on the APF600 is 40mm solvent weld which will need gluing before use. (the solvend weld is available from B&Q or the LFS. to get it running, start the feed pump so theres water circulating through the skimmer. Then start the air injection pump (aquabee 2000/1) make sure the little air valve is open and your sorted. It shouldn't need any adjustment. depending on the tank, some skimmers may not be effective for a week or two so don't worry if it dosn't pull much out to start with. saying that, it could start straight away.

ste

 

[Wilkie]

Thanks for the advise, very helpful. I managed to set it up and it was working fine, I noticed alot of micro bubbles so turned the skimmer off to check, when I later started it up again the pump ran for about 5 mins and cut off. One side is very hot and the pump will only run again once it has cooled right down. I've checked for air traps and tried switching off and on again but it will only run for about 3-4 mins and cut off. I've cleaned the concealed flap and soaked in vinigar as the instructions suggest. Any other ideas as to why it is over heating and what can be done would e greatfuly recieved.

 

[ste2k3]

I know of a few people who have had problems simiular to what you describe. Try E-mailing Stuart from D&D. Should get back to you quickly. It sounds to me that there is an electrical fault inside the pump. If so, it will probably need a new pump, which arn't cheap I'm afraid

stuart.bertram@btinternet.com


ste

 

[Wilkie]

Spoke with Stuart and he was very helpful. I was originally quoted £110.00 and 2 weeks to get a replacement Aquabee pump but Stuart managed to do it for £41.00 and only 3 days. Thanks very much for your advise it has saved me alot of time and money