Troubleshooting - Red Sea REEFER User Manual

Troubleshooting

Q. The bubbles in the skimmer are too large.
A. Ensure that you are using the skimmer in saltwater at the correct specific
gravity. Freshwater cannot be efficiently skimmed using a protein skimmer.
Q. My skimmer is new (or just cleaned) and doesn't seem to be skimming.
A. If your skimmer is new, clean it with fresh water and rinse thoroughly
with hot water. Allow the skimmer to run for 48 hours to remove any
harmless residues from the production process. These materials are safe for
your aquarium, but impede the skimmer's ability to foam efficiently for a
couple of days.
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 to have a bubble trap between the skimmer chamber and the return
pump. If your skimmer is new allow a few days for the skimmer to settle
in.
Tip: You might be getting micro bubbles if you are using tap water with
water conditioners or natural seawater. Many conditioners/impurities found
in natural seawater increase the surface tension of the water and cause a
small proportion of the bubbles to escape the skimmer chamber.
Q. My skimmer is producing a lot of weak, watery foam.
A. Rotating the regulator in the "Minus" direction lowers the foaming point
in the neck to produce a drier foam.
Tip: Production of an excessive amount of weak, watery foam is also
referred to as over-skimming. This often indicates the presence of chemical
substances that need to be removed by the skimmer. Many water
conditioners/impurities found in natural seawater increase the surface
tension of the water and cause serious over-skimming.
Tip: If you are using natural seawater, you should be aware that most
seawater today contains traces of pollutants, e.g. phenols, carbohydrates,
oils, etc.
Therefore, natural seawater is not recommended for use in reef aquaria.
We strongly recommend NOT using tap water. If you intend to use it,
however, DO NOT add conditioners/de-chlorinators. Instead, allow the
water to settle for 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate naturally before
introducing it to the aquarium.
Tip: Some brands of synthetic salt contain binding substances, such as
EDTA, that increases surface tension and causes over-skimming.
Q. There is a reduction in the quantity of air bubbles in my skimmer.
A. Check for blockages in the silencer, air tube or venturi. If the problem
persists, clean the skimmer pump.
Q. I cannot regulate my skimmer.
A. Check that the water level in skimmer chamber of your sump is as
recommended. Try raising or lowering the water level by approximately
12mm (1/2"). Check that the water outlet on the bottom of the skimmer
has not become blocked. Clean the skimmer pump.
Q. The aspiration pump is making a rattling noise.
A. Clean the skimmer pump and check for damage to the impellor.
Q. The skimmer is making a gurgling noise.
A. There may be water trapped in the silencer. Remove the drain plug and
let out any accumulated water. Remember to return the plug.
ENG
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