Hobbyist Skimmer Installation Instructions

Please read and follow these instructions.

TF 110, TF 100, TF 200, TF 300, TF 500

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SKIMMER KIT: skimmer body, collection cup & lid, drain assembly, Venturi & feed assembly.

ASSEMBLY:

1) For larger skimmers assemble the feed assembly according to the diagram.

2) Thread the drain assembly onto the skimmer. CAUTION: OVER TIGHTENING MAY CAUSE DAMAGE.

3) Fit the air line onto the venturi and air valve onto the air line.

4) Position the collection cup on top of the skimmer. Press down firmly and twist to tighten the gasket.

5) If you desire to drain the collection cup, put the drain in the collection cup as shown in installation #4.

INSTALLATION:

1) Position the drain of the skimmer over the sump or aquarium. Add extra pipe or tube (not provided) to the drain to direct the water flow if needed. Make sure the drain has enough room to slide up and down to adjust the water level. (diagram) CAUTION- INSTALLING THE SKIMMER DIFFERENT THAN THE DIAGRAM MAY RESULT IN FLOODING.

2) Connect the pump to the skimmer according to the pump directions. A pump with enough pressure and water flow must be installed to insure proper operation of the skimmer. (Most powerheads cannot produce more than 2 psi, however many filter pumps and some very large powerheads or submersible pumps do.)

3) To prevent the air line from leaking when the water pump is shut off do one of the following:

a. Place the air valve on the air line over the sump.

b. Use a longer air line to position the air valve above the collection cup.

4) The drain on the collection cup can be used to drain waste from the collection cup in the case of over skimming. To prevent flooding from over skimming place the collection container over the sump. (diagram)

OPERATION :

1) After skimmer is in place, turn on the water pump and check for leaks.

2) Turn off the air flow and raise the water level to the area shown by adjusting the water level control coupling. (diagram)

3) Turn on the air flow 25-50% and readjust the water level if necessary. Adjust the bottom Venturi first with the larger skimmers. For smaller pumps it may be necessary to turn on the air flow 100%. The Venturi(s) should be producing plenty of bubbles. If this is not the case, more pressure or a larger pump may be required.
 

4) Adjust for proper foam collection. Bubbles or wet
foam should rise above the water level into the
collection cup neck. CAUTION- SETTING
THE WATER TOO HIGH CAN CAUSE OVER SKIMMING AND FLOODING. A dry foam should start to form in the top 1/2 of the collection cup soon (sometimes several hours or a few days). Too little or too much air may not allow the bubbles to rise properly. Finer bubbles can be produced by using a higher pressure pump on the Venturi and restricting the air flow more. Since each system is different, some experimentation is needed to determine the proper water and air level. Watch the skimmer closely for the first week to prevent over collection. If too much water is being collected, lower the water level or reduce the air flow. If nothing or very little is collected, raise the water level or increase the air flow. It will take one to three weeks to completely break in the skimmer. Most systems will not collect consistently. They may stop skimming during feeding then resume later or may start foaming uncontrollably for no apparent reason. This is because of water chemistry changes and the presence of uncooperative substances such as fats and oils. Foaming solutions can be used to help the collection process.
 

CLEANING:

1) Clean the venturi valve as needed by allowing it to suck up a cup of hot water or by carefully poking the buildup out of the air inlet. The Venturi will require less cleaning if the airline is kept over the sump or aquarium allowing it to take in humid air.

2) Clean and maintain the skimmer as needed. Clean the collection cup thoroughly once or twice each week to keep the skimmer at peak efficiency, even if the auxiliary cup drain is being used.
 

USING WITH OZONE:

1) Provide special airline tubing that is resistant to ozone oxidation.

2) Use adequate charcoal or chemical absorption pads to protect the air and water against residual ozone. (Charcoal containers to protect the air are available from Top Fathom, Ltd.)

3) No air pump is required. The Venturi will pull the air through the ozone generator.

 

SKIMMER HANGER

The Top Fathom Skimmer hanger is designed for the TF110A and the TF110AAC Venturi skimmers. It can hang on a 1 1/2" or less Aquarium or sump side.

Commercial Skimmer Installation Instructions

TF8, TF10, TF12

SKIMMER KIT:
Skimmer body, collection cup with drain tube & lid, feed assembly with venturis & air valves, drain assembly. (diagram)

ASSEMBLY:

1)Bolt the clear skimmer top to the body. Find the large lead screw and the lead holes in the flange, gasket and clear top. Thread the large bolt in first. Next, thread in the remaining smaller bolts.
CAUTION-DON'T OVER TIGHTEN BOLTS. (diagram)
 

2) Thread on the drain assembly according to the large diagram. Place the drain in its lowest position.

3) Thread on the feed assembly according to the diagram. It is recommended to use a valve after the pump to control water flowing to the skimmer.

4) Attach the collection cup to the skimmer.

Make sure the gasket is in place at the bottom of the the neck
of the collection cup and push the cup down evenly on
the top of the skimmer to seal the gasket. (diagram)

5) A 1" id tube can be attached to the drain on the collection cup if desired. (diagram)

6) Connect the air lines with the air valves to the
venturis.

The Skimmer is ready for installation.

INSTALLATION:

1) Make sure you have a proper sized pump.

2) Position the drain of the skimmer over the sump or aquarium. Add extra drain pipe if necessary. Avoid draining to the side. This could cause flooding.

3) Hook up the pump according to the pump directions, It is recommended to have a valve on the intake of the skimmer for better control.

4) To avoid flooding situations, make sure the drain is vertical, place the air valves over the sump or aquarium and place the collection container for the drain on the collection cup over the sump.

OPERATION:

1) After the skimer is in place, turn on the pump and check for leaks.

2) Turn off the air flow and raise the water level to the area shown by adjusting the water level control coupling. Use the bolt on the water level control coupling to lock the drain in position at the desired water level. (diagram)

3) Starting with the bottom venturi turn on the air flow in both venturis 25-50% and readjust the water level if necessary. For smaller pumps it may be necessary to turn on the air flow 100%. Both venturis should be producing plenty of bubbles. If this is not the case, more pressure or a larger pump may be required.

4) Adjust for proper foam collection.
Bubbles or wet foam should rise above the water level into the collection cup neck. A dry foam should start to form in the top 1/2 of the collection cup soon (sometimes several hours). Too little or too much air may not allow bubbles to rise properly. Finer bubbles can be produced by using a higher pressure on the venturi and restricting the air flow more. Since each system is different, some experimentation is needed to determine the proper water and air level.
 

Watch the skimmer closely for the first week to prevent over collection. If too much water is being collected, lower the water level or reduce the air flow. If nothing or very little is collected, raise the water level or increase the air flow.
Most systems will not collect consistently. They may stop skimming during feeding then resume later or may start foaming uncontrollably for no apparent reason. This is because of water chemistry changes and the presence of uncooperative substances such as fats and oils.
 

CLEANING:

1) Lower the water level to rinse the collection cup once or twice each week.

2) Clean the salt residue out of the venturi lines by allowing the venturi to intake a cup of warm water or by carefully poking the residue through the venturi air intake. Residue buildup can be lessened or avoided by placing the air valve over the sump or aquarium.

3) Every few months or sooner, take off the clear top and clean off all the buildup residue at the top of the skimmer.

USING WITH OZONE:

1) Provide special airline tubing that is resistant to ozone oxidation.

2) Use adequate charcoal or chemical absorption pads to protect the air and water against residual ozone. (Charcoal containers to protect the air, are available from Top Fathom, Ltd).

3) No air pump is required. The Venturi will pull air through the ozone generator.

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