How to properly adjust water level in H&S skimmer?

[foob]

I've been trying to adjust the water level in my new skimmer but I'm not sure how.

I turn the aquabee pump off, and turn the outlet pipe. The water level doesn't change until more than a quarter turn. Then it slowly overflows the skimmer.

Is that the wrong way to adjust water level? I've tried turning off the air input but keep the aquabee running and it is the same result.

What's the maximum I can turn the pipe? Just a quarter turn?

[FinsReef]

How do you have the skimmer output plumbed, and if internal how deep of water level is the skimmer in.

On most skimmers to get a wet skimmate, the output is generally turned about 90 degrees. So a quarter turn is about normal. If you run a lowe water level, then more degree's of seperation is required at times.

Just adjust for skimmate quality, don't worry about water level without air.

[foob]

Ok thanks Brian.

It's an external A150-F2001.

The outlet drain pipe makes a U shape before releasing the water above the tank. The U shape I assume is full of water, not sure if that causes back pressure.

I'll focus on skimmate instead of water level then.

[UCanDoIt]

Here's some photos on another thread on how the output should terminate back into the sump. My assumption is that water should always be always flowing in a downward declining direction and never turn back upwards at anytime time, not even a slight incline or that could affect the peformance of the skimmer.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6965911#post6965911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FinsReef
OK, Sorry for the delay, but here is a few pictures, LMK if you need some more examples
1. This way is wrong, and will cause surging and backpressure
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00099.jpg


2. These ways are good.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00093.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00179.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00097.jpg

3. 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

[UCanDoIt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6963031#post6963031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by UCanDoIt
I have spent many many hours talking to the my Aquarium tech (who maintains all my tanks) about plumbing and he's tried it all, made his share of mistakes, and the way he has my tank set up works great.

There are 3 controls on the skimmer:
1. Input controlled by gravity feed from overflow with ball valve or a feed pump with the correct rate
2. Output controlled by ball or gate valve at skimmer's drain
3. Air flow controlled by air valve

To set your skimmer correctly (as I am told):

1. first you must be sure the water flow through rate is matched to your skimmer. most of the time, for gravity feed, one would need to tailor the rate back by ball valve in control #1 as the water turnover rate is usually much stronger than your skimmer can accept. or you can feed skimmer with a correctly rated pump or powerhead

2. next, with the water flow through rate adjusted correctly, the water level within the skimmer must be at the right level for the skimmer to perform optimally. water level should just at the bottom edge of the bayonet connection between the collection cup and skimmer body. the highest water level you should have is no higher than the top edge of the bayonet top edge and the lowest is no lower than 3/4" below the bayonet connection. my Aquarium tech likes the skimmer water level on the high side, so even when the water flow through rate is correct, the water level is too low for him. so in order to tailor back the outflow from the skimmer drain and to raise the water level within the skimmer, use the wedge pipe on the output, which is control #2, and be sure the drain does not terminate underwater in the sump. the controlled output is the wedge pipe and yes, the exhaust does not function well if it is submerged in water. My setup is I have a 90 elbow and directs the water down into the sump, but the end of the pipe is about 1/2" above the sump water level. I also have a 45 degree elbow installed at the end of the pipe so the water returning to the sump is much quieter.

3. adjust the air valve for maximum foaming with control #3. on both my Deltec and H&S skimmers, it is tailored back approximately 1/4 - 1/3 which gives me the finest bubbles and good foaming head.

HTH, this is just one example of how it can work. Many others have different ways that they setup their skimmers.

[Jim_S]

Brian, so where should the water level be with the pump off and the wedge pipe all the way open?

Edit: nevermind. I read just read your previous post.


Jim