Q. The self-cleaning motor is not turning
A. This is normal, the motor turns on for just a few seconds each day. The normal state of the
motor is off. If you want to test the system, press the “Feed” button once and the motor should
turn on for a few seconds and dispense about 10 cm (4 in) of paper. The motor will turn on 24
hours after it was plugged in, so if you wish, you can unplug the controller, plug it back in, set a
23:58 timer and return the next day, watch and wait for the motor to turn on.
Q. The bubbles in the skimmer are too large.
A. Protein skimmers only work in saltwater/sea water, they do not work in freshwater. Make
sure the air tubing is connected to the venturi and make sure the other end of the tubing is not
submerged. If a silencer/muffler is being used, make sure it is not obstructed with foreign body
or material. Make sure the venturi connector is securely interfaced with the pump intake.
Q. My skimmer is new and doesn't seem to be skimming.
A. Sometimes it takes 2-3 days for the skimmer to “break-in” and create a good skimmate. Also,
if you have a lighter biological load, you can turn the skimmer pump to lower or lowest setting
and if necessary try tightening slightly the screw on the air silencer. This will decrease the water
flow inside the skimmer and also decrease the air flow, making less bubbles and increasing
contact time. If you have a smaller tank with lighter bio-load then these steps may be required.
Q. My aquarium is full of micro bubbles or air mist.
A. All skimmers release some air bubbles to the sump and therefore it is best practice to have a
bubble trap between the skimmer chamber and the return pump. Your skimmer includes a
custom-built bubble diffuser and waterfall overflow to help minimize the microbubbles. If your
skimmer is new, allow a few days for the skimmer to settle in and the bubbles should decrease.
Put the skimmer overflow away from any return pumps to allow any escaped bubbles to rise
inside the sump.
Q. My skimmer is producing a lot of weak, watery foam.
A. If there are not sufficient dissolved organics for the protein skimmer to remove from the water,
then you may not see good foam results. Try lowering the power to the lowest setting (1) on the
skimmer pump.
Q. There is a reduction in the quantity of air bubbles in my skimmer.
A. Check airline, venturi connector and skimmer pump for continuity. Make sure the airline is
clear of debris and connected to venturi. Visually check the venturi for debris. Inspect needle
wheel impeller for damage or debris. If required, you can open the pump head to check thee
interior of the pump. Rotate pump head GENTLY counterclockwise to disengage the pump
head tabs from the pump body. After you feel the rotation stop, GENTLY pull/wiggle apart the
pump head from the pump body and inspect. The impeller is removable and you can clean with
water. If calcium deposits are present, use citric acid solution and soak for 30 minutes. NEVER
USE VINEGAR as it can permanently damage the pump.