Skimmer Operation + Maintenance
The pump features an integrated soft-start to help improve performance and life. If the pump detects an issue it will automatically turn off. After several seconds the pump will automatically attempt to re-start. If this occurs please check the pump to resolve any possible issues/causes. If the pump isn’t performing normally, please check the following:
- Impeller is stuck or cannot spin freely. Check that the impeller can spin freely inside the pump housing. If it cannot, soak the entire assembly in a water/vinegar solution (1 part warm water to 1 part white vinegar) for at least 24 hours or until the impeller can spin freely.
- The pump cannot get the air it needs to work. Check the air intake silencer, air tube and / or volute for any blockages, salt / calcium accumulation or other build-up. Please remove all 3 pieces and give them a thorough cleaning with warm water and a soft toothbrush. It may also be necessary to soak the assembly in a water/vinegar solution (1 part warm water to 1 part white vinegar) for at least 24 hours.
- Check the bubble plate lid inside the skimmer body for clogs, blockages or other debris which may block water flow. Any accumulation/build-up should be removed.
- Check to be sure the air tube is properly attached to both the pump and the air intake silencer.
- Check the entire air tube for damage which may allow water to enter the tube. If water is able to enter the air tube it will significantly decrease the amount of bubbles inside the skimmer body.
Should you experience a lack of airflow in your skimmer the first step to resolving the issue is to clean the air system. Start by pulling the venturi (gray pipe with the clear pipe on the side) straight out away from the pump. Next, remove the screw holding the air silencer in place. Once removed you can take the air system to the sink and flush it out with hot water. Salt tends to build up in the venturi blocking the airflow. Reinstall and you should be good to go!
For optimal performance and life, the pump should completely be taken apart and cleaned every 90 days. After cleaning we recommend soaking the entire pump and all of its parts in a water/vinegar solution (1 part warm water to 1 part white vinegar) for at least 24 hours until all noticeable mineral deposits are removed. Gently scrubbing the parts with a soft toothbrush during the soaking process will usually help speed up the removal of any deposits.
Start by disassembling the skimmer and removing the pump from the skimmer base. With the pump removed gently turn the pump cover on the front 15 degrees counter-clockwise. Once turned, the pump cover will come off providing access to the impeller inside.
Please take great care when installing and using this protein skimmer. This is an electrical device and, as with any electrical device used in or around an aquarium, caution needs to be exercised. Failure to do so may result in electrocution, fire, serious bodily injury or even death. Please follow these safety requirements carefully, as failure to do so will void the warranty and could cause serious safety hazards.
- NEVER operate the skimmer/pump if it has been damaged or is malfunctioning.
- NEVER operate the control box in a wet location or with wet hands.
- NEVER re-wire, re-configure or modify the skimmer/pump in any way.
- NEVER use with generators.
- NEVER grab the pump or control box by the electrical cord as this may cause the wires to become exposed.
- ALWAYS unplug the skimmer/pump before doing any work on the skimmer.
- ALWAYS leave a bit of slack in the electrical cord to help absorb any pump vibrations.
- ALWAYS use a GFCI (Ground Fault Interrupter).
- ALWAYS keep away from children.