Help setting up new skimmer (1 Viewer)

[g3x5]

I need some help setting up my new skimmer, im a total idiot when it comes to plumbing specially when i dunno what goes where. i just bought a PM SE100 at citiy pets. so if someone could help me out with some diagrams or even better, come help me that'd be greatly appreciated. thanks!


Gerson

 

[g3x5]

anybody? i set it up, but i still have a huntch its all wrong, i even got sprayed with salt water for a few seconds while i was trying to not get blinded by salt water and reaching for the power cord to turn the pump off, some fun!.

 

[Guest]

pics? Not too familiar with that model. Is it a Becket or Venturi?

 

[g3x5]

Its a venturi

 

[Guest]

I have an older model PM Venturi.

On mine, the default setting is for the water-foam to "break" about 1/2 inch below the neck of the skimmer.

When your outlet valve is fully open, where is the water level?

I would set that valve full open fire it up and let the levels settle. bring the level to 1/2" below the neck, and watch it close for a day or two.

In their literature, PM warns that it can take days for a new skimmer to break in.

 

[g3x5]

i dont think i get it. i drew this out.

 

[KarenB]

With the valve completely open, it will let most of the water out so that the water level will be low. Then adjust very slowly, closing the valve a quarter turn each timeuntil the top of the foam is about 1/2" from the bottom black rim. Let it bubble like that for a day or two before closing the valve any more. Ultimately you want the top of the bubble layer to actually touch the rim, but the "break" to be about 1/2" from the rim. The break is the obvious line between the water level and foam levels. The foam will automatically rise up the tube and empty into the top cup. Don't worry about the top rim. Just don't let the water level (excluding foam) go up past the bottom rim.
This shows the break and distance of the water level from the rim.

The big picture.

 

[g3x5]

Thanks karen, thats what i needed. also i saw that i have a small leak where the pvc screws on to the skimmer, at the bottom part. would it be ok if i just dab on some pvc glue on there? or should i take it off and use more tefflon tape?

 

[KarenB]

Start with more tape. If you glue it, you won't be able to remove it later if you need to.

 

[THXgreg]

the only thing I see is that your return might be a little high. In the manual it says "Water return line (from skimmer to sump) must not rise more than half the height of the skimmer.
The higher the return, the slower the drain flow. NEVER reduce the size of this drain line.
The skimmer can be placed as far from sump as necessary providing this rule is followed."

Also it would be easier to regulate the water level if you had a gate valve instead of a ball valve.

Also it will usually take a couple of days to break in.

I have the same skimmer

 

[RickD]

Here are pics from my skimmer....looks like we have the same model. I use a Mag 12 and my input line is much larger. I also use a gate valve to control the flow. One other thing is the return line should be lower or your skimmer should sit higher. My water line is halfway up the neck. The instructions from PM is not very clear. Hope this helps.

 

[g3x5]

Where can i get a gate valve, when i bought my skimmer city pets didnt have any in stock, i checked aquarium world, and aquatic world refused to sell me one. any where else?

 

[RickD]

Last time I checked Global had several gate valves.