Protein Skimmers
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INSTALLATION
Please review our setup guide and video for detailed instructions on setting up your Simplicity protein skimmer.
Attaching the pump to the base plate can be difficult as it is a tight fit to minimize pump vibration. Learn more by viewing our skimmer pump and base plate assembly video.
- 120DC: 6-8 inches
- 240DC: 6-8 inches
- 320DC: 7-9 inches
- 540DC: 8-10 inches
- 800DC: 8-10 inches
Yes, although the airline tubing will become brittle over time and must be replaced.
OPERATION
Simplicity protein skimmers have three independent points of control: (1) pump speed, (2) air intake, and (3) water level adjustment. Factors such as water depth, chemicals and additives, and the age of your tank and skimmer will all impact a skimmers performance and need for adjustments.
All new protein skimmers (and used ones that haven’t been in operation for an extended period of time) require a break-in period of 1-2 weeks before producing good-quality skimmate. Regular adjustments to the water level and bubbles are normal. During this period, the skimmer will produce a very light-colored skimmate, and the collection cup will fill up quickly and may even overflow.
For optimal performance, we recommend running the pump at full speed. The main exception is if the wedge’s water level adjustment is fully open (arrow pointing to notch) and the collection cup quickly fills up with water.
Full Speed
- 120DC: 1.9 (SK Gen) and F9 (SV Gen)
- 240DC: 1.9 (SK Gen) and F9 (SV Gen)
- 320DC: 1.20 (SK Gen) and F20 (SV Gen)
- 540DC: 1.20 (SK Gen) and F20 (SV Gen)
- 800DC: 1.20 (SK Gen) and F20 (SV Gen)
You can control the quality and quantity of air bubbles inside the skimmer by closing and opening the air intake adjustment valve (i.e., the plastic screw) at the top of the air silencer. The smaller the bubbles, the better.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, reducing the airflow produces smaller bubbles and pulls more air into the skimmer. We recommend completely closing the air valve (i.e., the plastic screw) and then opening it about 180 degrees (½ a turn) until you have a dense air-water mix.
Pro Tip: With a permanent marker, add a straight line to the head of the plastic screw. This visual reference will help keep the screw in the proper position.
All new protein skimmers (and used ones that haven’t been in operation for an extended period of time) require a break-in period of 1-2 weeks before producing good-quality skimmate. Regular adjustments to the water level and bubbles are normal. During this period, the skimmer will produce a very light-colored skimmate, and the collection cup will fill up quickly and may even overflow.
- Wattage Consumed: This is displayed by default. Based on the skimmer tuning and normal fluctuations in electrical usage, this number typically moves around 1-2 watts in each direction.
- Relative Speed: Displayed when pushing either the [ – ] or [ + ] button to adjust the pump speed.
– For 120DC and 240DC skimmers, the relative speed ranges from 1-9.
– For 320DC, 540DC and 800DC skimmers, the relative speed ranges from 1-20.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The most common pump issues are with the pump body and impeller. The power supply and controller can also fail, however, these are less common. Learn how to diagnose your skimmer pump issues by reviewing both our troubleshooting guide and video.
The E4 error indicates that the impeller is unable to spin. When this occurs, please check the following.
- Open the pump cover and check to make sure there is nothing physically blocking the impeller from spinning.
- Remove the impeller and inspect the white ceramic bushings in the base of the pump body. If your pump also has a bushing in the front cover, inspect that as well.
- Reinstall, the impeller, close the pump cover, and test the pump again. If you see the E4 error code again, please contact us.
Microbubbles are a common issue in almost all protein skimmers. Learn how to diagnose and solve this issue by reviewing our microbubbles article.
Common reasons for your skimmer overflowing include…
- Foods
- Water conditions and clarifiers
- Medications
- Supplements
Please refer to our How to Stop & Prevent Skimmer Overflow article to learn how best to resolve this common problem.
Skimmer pump trouble? We’ve got you covered! Whether you need a complete replacement or just a specific component, we have the right solution for you. Let us know what’s going on, and we’ll be happy to help! Contact us at customercare@simplicityaquatics.com.
DC Return Pumps
There are 10 total speed settings. Each step down from full power reduces the pump’s flow by the following amounts:
- 1000DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 2.5%
- 1600DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 2.5%
- 2100DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 3.5%
- 3200DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 3.5%
Dosing Pumps
Up to 48 hours
Protein Skimmers
INSTALLATION
Please review our setup guide and video for detailed instructions on setting up your Simplicity protein skimmer.
Attaching the pump to the base plate can be difficult as it is a tight fit to minimize pump vibration. Learn more by viewing our skimmer pump and base plate assembly video.
- 120DC: 6-8 inches
- 240DC: 6-8 inches
- 320DC: 7-9 inches
- 540DC: 8-10 inches
- 800DC: 8-10 inches
Yes, although the airline tubing will become brittle over time and must be replaced.
OPERATION
Simplicity protein skimmers have three independent points of control: (1) pump speed, (2) air intake, and (3) water level adjustment. Factors such as water depth, chemicals and additives, and the age of your tank and skimmer will all impact a skimmers performance and need for adjustments.
All new protein skimmers (and used ones that haven’t been in operation for an extended period of time) require a break-in period of 1-2 weeks before producing good-quality skimmate. Regular adjustments to the water level and bubbles are normal. During this period, the skimmer will produce a very light-colored skimmate, and the collection cup will fill up quickly and may even overflow.
For optimal performance, we recommend running the pump at full speed. The main exception is if the wedge’s water level adjustment is fully open (arrow pointing to notch) and the collection cup quickly fills up with water.
Full Speed
- 120DC: 1.9 (SK Gen) and F9 (SV Gen)
- 240DC: 1.9 (SK Gen) and F9 (SV Gen)
- 320DC: 1.20 (SK Gen) and F20 (SV Gen)
- 540DC: 1.20 (SK Gen) and F20 (SV Gen)
- 800DC: 1.20 (SK Gen) and F20 (SV Gen)
You can control the quality and quantity of air bubbles inside the skimmer by closing and opening the air intake adjustment valve (i.e., the plastic screw) at the top of the air silencer. The smaller the bubbles, the better.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, reducing the airflow produces smaller bubbles and pulls more air into the skimmer. We recommend completely closing the air valve (i.e., the plastic screw) and then opening it about 180 degrees (½ a turn) until you have a dense air-water mix.
Pro Tip: With a permanent marker, add a straight line to the head of the plastic screw. This visual reference will help keep the screw in the proper position.
All new protein skimmers (and used ones that haven’t been in operation for an extended period of time) require a break-in period of 1-2 weeks before producing good-quality skimmate. Regular adjustments to the water level and bubbles are normal. During this period, the skimmer will produce a very light-colored skimmate, and the collection cup will fill up quickly and may even overflow.
- Wattage Consumed: This is displayed by default. Based on the skimmer tuning and normal fluctuations in electrical usage, this number typically moves around 1-2 watts in each direction.
- Relative Speed: Displayed when pushing either the [ – ] or [ + ] button to adjust the pump speed.
– For 120DC and 240DC skimmers, the relative speed ranges from 1-9.
– For 320DC, 540DC and 800DC skimmers, the relative speed ranges from 1-20.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The most common pump issues are with the pump body and impeller. The power supply and controller can also fail, however, these are less common. Learn how to diagnose your skimmer pump issues by reviewing both our troubleshooting guide and video.
The E4 error indicates that the impeller is unable to spin. When this occurs, please check the following.
- Open the pump cover and check to make sure there is nothing physically blocking the impeller from spinning.
- Remove the impeller and inspect the white ceramic bushings in the base of the pump body. If your pump also has a bushing in the front cover, inspect that as well.
- Reinstall, the impeller, close the pump cover, and test the pump again. If you see the E4 error code again, please contact us.
Microbubbles are a common issue in almost all protein skimmers. Learn how to diagnose and solve this issue by reviewing our microbubbles article.
Common reasons for your skimmer overflowing include…
- Foods
- Water conditions and clarifiers
- Medications
- Supplements
Please refer to our How to Stop & Prevent Skimmer Overflow article to learn how best to resolve this common problem.
Skimmer pump trouble? We’ve got you covered! Whether you need a complete replacement or just a specific component, we have the right solution for you. Let us know what’s going on, and we’ll be happy to help! Contact us at customercare@simplicityaquatics.com.
DC Return Pumps
There are 10 total speed settings. Each step down from full power reduces the pump’s flow by the following amounts:
- 1000DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 2.5%
- 1600DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 2.5%
- 2100DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 3.5%
- 3200DC Pump – Each step down reduces pump speed by approximately 3.5%
Dosing Pumps
Up to 48 hours