Aqua Medic anthias Operation Manual page 24

Theory
Protein skimming is a method of physical water treatment. It uses a phenomenon known
from our daily experience: the adhesion of surface active substances to air water layers. If
we add a drop of oil to a water surface, a thin film is produced with a thickness of only one
molecule. Surface active compounds like proteins behave in the same way. The Turboflotor
Blue 3000 uses its air bubbles to create a large water surface for the waste substances to
attach themselves to. These air bubbles are forced into the reactor-pipe in a such a way
that they undergo a long contact time within the counter-current. Enriched with organic
substances, they rise to the top and form a firm foam, that is dehydrated and pushed into
the collection cup. This method removes organic wastes from aquarium water before they
become part of the biological waste treatment cycle.
Starting/Performance
The system can be started when the Turboflotor is correctly installed. After switching on the
pump, air is automatically drawn into the skimmer. To minimize the noise level, connect the
air inlet tube with the blue connecting piece of silencer supplied. Fix the silencer with the
holding device on aquarium or filter system.
The needle wheel breaks air into small bubbles. This method eliminates the greater
proportion of noise. After initial start, some hours may pass before first foam is pushed
into the collection cup. This is due to a reaction between the surface of acrylic glass and
aquarium water. Equilibrium of electrical charges takes place. After a maximum of 24
hours, foam should be pushed evenly into the collection cup. The quantity of liquid and
organic substances is dependent on the pollution of the aquarium.
Problems
Adjustments: The skimmer is adjusted using the flow control tap (5) so it works to the
optimum. This adjusts the water level in the reaction chamber. If the foam is too wet,
even when the flow control tap is fully open, the neck extension (9) can be mounted to
adjust the foam production.
Air bubbles: Reduce the length of hose between pump and skimmer. The pump should be
placed close to the surface otherwise more air and less water will be sucked in because of
increasing water pressure. Result: Many air bubbles are leaving the skimmer, wet foam
will fill the foam cup in a very short time.
If the skimmer is added to an existing aquarium, there may be a high concentration of
organic substances already dissolved in the water. This results in very tiny bubbles in the
skimmer. These tiny bubbles remove the organic substances effectively; however, it may be
that some of these bubbles are drawn back into the aquarium. After a few days, the
concentration of organic substances will have decreased to such low levels that this effect
will have gone and the water flow is free of air bubbles.
Some types of frozen food may have the same effects. It is best to thaw and wash food
prior to feeding it to the fish. Air bubbles will stop after a short period by themselves.
Wet foam: With freshly prepared sea water, after using water conditioners or at
extremely high loading, excessive wet foam may be produced. This wet foam is forced into
the cup requiring more frequent emptying than normal. After approx. one day, the
aquarium load will be normal and the skimmer will produce correct foam.
Dry foam: Not enough foam or too dry foam could be an indication that the needle wheel
is dirty or the venturi is obstructed. A thorough cleaning is recommended. Remove the
hose connection from the pressure side of the pump.
Increase water level inside the skimmer by the flow control tap. Remove neck extension.
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