Skimmer Setup

[Random Aquarist]

I am a newbie reefer and would like to know how to setup my H&S A110 skimmer. I didn't get any instructions so I need help. I don't know any part names or even how the skimmer works. Can someone please give me step-by-step instructions, preferably with pictures or extremely detailed writing.

[UCanDoIt]

Instructions, this is a common problem among all German made skimmers, no real instructions. I have never owned the A110, but I'll see what I could do. I will post some instructions when I get home from work today.

[ReefSalt]

Hi,
I numbered the parts to make it easier.I may have forgot something Im sure ucandoit can fill in if I forgot anything.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/21617A-110-F2000-med.jpg



#1 Feed Line this is where you connect a pump to feed your skimmer on the A110 you can use a pump that can supply 100 gph maximum. The pump should be placed inside of your sump where it will get the water to feed your skimmer.

#2 Air intake This is where your simmer gets its air. The air should be left full open for best operation.

#3 Output The output is where the water returns to your sump. Simply attaching some PVC plumbing at a slight downward angle so it falls into the sump, you can use some elbows to get as close to the water surface as possible ** But do not submerge the pipe since it will cause a back pressure and cause your skimmer to perform poorly.

#4 Wedge Pipe The wedge pipe(valve) is what controls the water level in the skimmer. When first making your adjustment line up the white dots on the wedge pipe and the output T. When the dots are lined up it means that the output will be at full. By simply turning it clockwise you will raise the water level inside the skimmer.

#5 Riser neck/collection cup This is where you verify the level of water in the skimmer, I usually adjust mine using the Wedge Pipe #4, by slowly turning it clockwise until the water level is at least ½ way inside the collection cup riser neck area.
These setting can be fined tuned especially when setting up a new skimmer since it has to break in.

I hope this was clear enough.

[ReefSalt]

Here is the instructions and care from H&S its the 110 internal but the general info is there.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/21617hs_internal_instructions-med.jpg

[UCanDoIt]

That's a nice detailed photo and instructions. Just want to add a couple of things in case it's not too clear on how to setup the skimmer the first time.
<IMG SRC="http://usera.imagecave.com/winner/A110-F2000.jpg">
#B - If the pump cover and elbow is not connected to the pump, you'll have to install the cover & elbow onto the Aquabee pump at #C

#A & #B - Then attached the pump to the skimmer body and make sure the elbow is on the bottom like the photo and before attaching the pump, check to see if both O-Rings are there as they go between the pump fittings and the union connections

#C - The air hose should be connected already, if not connect one end here

#D - Slide the other end of the air hose through the holder and attach the air hose clamp

#1 - Most hobbyist glue the barb fitting onto the union with PVC glue, so that it is permanent

#3 - If installing in sump, just slip the T-fitting onto the exhaust pipe. If installing the skimmer outside of sump, then wrap some teflon tape around the exhaust pipe and then slip on the T-fitting, should be snug and won't leak

I still may have missed something, just post anymore questions and I'm sure you'll get a response from someone that can help.

[Random Aquarist]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the help.:)

[Random Aquarist]

One quick question: Do I need to buy another pump to attach to the feed line?

[UCanDoIt]

If you can feed your skimmer directly from your overflow box on your tank, that would eliminate the 2nd pump. If not, then yes, you need a small powerhead like MJ600. Before I redid my plumbing, I used a correctly rated powerhead and it worked fine. For optimal performance, I would re do your plumbing if that is possible.

[Random Aquarist]

It'll be sitting in a sump, so I guess I'll have to get a pump. What's the MJ600?

[UCanDoIt]

That would work great. Whatever powerhead you go with, make sure that after the headpressure, you have about 100gph. I don't think Maxijets can handle headpressure too well, so the 160gph should just be about right after going from sump up to the input of the skimmer. You also need a vinyl hose to connect the powerhead to the input.

[Random Aquarist]

Should I buy a 140gph or 190gph pump?

[UCanDoIt]

which pump are you thinking of and how does it handle headpressure?

[Random Aquarist]

Mag-Drive 1.5 and 1.9 (http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_powerheads_pumps_danner_mag_drive_supreme.asp?CartId=)

[UCanDoIt]

Mag1.5

[Random Aquarist]

Thanks.

[Keith_Man]

Hi, I am using the same skimmer. H&S recommend a maximum of 400lph for this skimmer. less is ok but not more!

btw, are you having issues with noise?

[UCanDoIt]

Air noise, pump noise (rattling, humming, buzzing, whinning)?

[Keith_Man]

pump noise..sounds like vibration...I've tried reseating the impellor but it doesn't make a difference. For now, I'm assuming that the pump just needs time to run in unless others (random aquarist) don't have the same problem!

[UCanDoIt]

if there's air bubbles in the pump, you'll get noise, but overtime the air bubbles works its way out. almost like the pump needs some time to break in too and create that slime on the inside parts.

[Random Aquarist]

I'm only curing my LR, so I haven't started setting my tank up.

[UCanDoIt]

I would put that new skimmer on the live rocks as during the curing process there's a lot of die off.

[cmart28]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9109937#post9109937 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCanDoIt
If you can feed your skimmer directly from your overflow box on your tank, that would eliminate the 2nd pump. If not, then yes, you need a small powerhead like MJ600. Before I redid my plumbing, I used a correctly rated powerhead and it worked fine. For optimal performance, I would re do your plumbing if that is possible.

I am thinking about getting this exact skimmer for my 75 gallon. Right now I have a 20 gallon sump drilled for my return pump. The tank is reef ready, so how would I do the plumbing like you suggest.

[UCanDoIt]

<IMG SRC="http://usera.imagecave.com/winner/GravityFeedPlumbing.jpg">
<IMG SRC="http://usera.imagecave.com/winner/GravityFeedValve.jpg">

[cmart28]

I apologize if this is a stupid question, but this is all new to me. You are saying you can run a gravity feed from a overflow box. I do not have a overflow box, I have a 1" drain at the bottom of my tank that is going into my sump, can I plumb the gravity feed from the drain?

[UCanDoIt]

Yes, not as good as an overflow that picks up the film that usually floats at the top of your tank's surface, but not bad.

[cmart28]

So would you recommend a pump or the way you just explained?

[UCanDoIt]

cm28, for your setup, either way would work for you.

[cmart28]

Thank you for all your help!

[cmart28]

Sorry, I have one more question. My sump has three chambers, the first chamber is where the water is being drained, the second is the refugium and the last is the sump where my external pump is connected.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/139166Sump_Refugium.JPG

So if I hook up the skimmer using a separate pump rather then the gravity feed, where should the internal pump be placed, I know not in the refugium. Also the output from the skimmer should go to the third chamber? You also wrote in a previous post that the plumbing from the skimmer output should be angled, I was wondering if you could use tubing instead? Thanks again for all your help!

[UCanDoIt]

Can you fit a powerhead in the first chamber or is it too tight? If the powerhead is in the first chamber, then the exhaust of the skimmer can bypass everything and empty into the 3rd chamber where the return pump is... as long as the straight run is less than 2ft, 18" max is better, otherwise for longer runs, it has to always be angeling downward. Tubing will be really big as you cannot reduce the exhaust, so it must be at least 1.25".
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6965911#post6965911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FinsReef
..... This will work, but make sure the length to the sump is not over 2 foot.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/A150probs.jpg
Also make sure that you down not neck down the skimmer output size. If it comes with a 1 1/4" ouput, use 1 1/4" or larger pvc to run the return.

It is better to use 45 degree elbows than 90 elbows.

HTH
Based on your setup it looks like you can T-off your overflow similar to this photo where the downward part of the T is directed towards the skimmer with a ball valve control and the right side of the T is directed to the 1st chamber. Then you could have the exhaust of the skimmer be directed to the first chamber as well.
<IMG SRC="http://usera.imagecave.com/winner/GravityFeedValve.jpg">

[cmart28]

My sump length measures 30 inches, so maybe it is better if I go with the gravity feed. The length between the drain and the sump is 18 inches, do you think that is enough to do the plumbing for this? Also the flexible tubing then would connect to skimmer feed line? 1/2" looks big, maybe its just the picture.

[UCanDoIt]

The one in my photo is 1" vinyl and drops down to a 1" x 1/2" fitting.

[cmart28]

Got it, thanks again for all your help.

[saltyfun]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9113703#post9113703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCanDoIt
Air noise, pump noise (rattling, humming, buzzing, whinning)?

I thought I got rid of my pump vibration noise by turning it 90 degree's but it's back.

This is way noiser both pump hum/vibration and air suction, than my external 110.

It works great but the noise is getting to me. I broke the impeller shaft today (by accident) and its off till I get a replacement but it sure is quiet, lol.

Has anyone been doing any mods for the noise?