Aqua Medic Turboflotor Skimmers

Venturi Skimmers effectively remove dissolved organic waste before they break down - reduces nitrate concentration and raises oxygen level. Utilizes a Needle Wheel pump to draw water directly from the aquarium or sump, mix it with air, and crash the mixture into the skimmer. Creates extremely high turbulence in the lower part of the skimmer to ensure a very high mixture of air is injected. Upper portion of skimmer stays calm to allow a longer reaction time for bubbles to react with organic wastes and form stable, dry foam.

The Turboflotor 1000 Multi (measures 7-1/2" x 15" x 21-1/4" high) includes a pump and fittings. This versatile unit can be used as a hang-on style or placed inside or outside of the sump. Only the water supply pump needs to be placed in the aquarium or sump. Two outflow boxes direct water back to the aquarium or sump. For aquariums up to 250 gallons.

Please click on "More Information" for installation instructions.

Set up as an external skimmer on the aquarium (Hang on)

• Assemble the necessary parts of the skimmer. It can now be attached to the aquarium. Look for a protected place within easy reach - at the side or at the back.
• Connect the venturi pump to the pressure tube. The length of the flexible tubing should be as short as possible. The pump must be placed directly below the surface, because the air intake will decrease if it is mounted deeper.
• Connect the 6 mm air tube to the air injection nozzle and place above the water level so the pump can draw in air. Use the full length of the air hose, which is attached to the silencer. We recommend securing the hose provided with the Turboflotor Skimmer.
• Align the skimmer with the aquarium. Adjust the two screws at the bottom of the skimmer so that the skimmer is hanging safely on the aquarium. It is advantageous if the skimmer is not 100% upright, but leaning slightly (5 degrees) to the aquarium. The skimmer will hang more safely, but will also prevent a backflow of water from the outflow box. Both adjusting screws at the bottom are supplied with silicone suction cups for increased safety.
• The skimmer is now ready for use and can be started.

Set up beside or inside sump

Refer to the above hang-on procedures for installing the skimmer on the outside of the sump.

1. Attach Skimmer to the frame of the sump. If the sump is not high enough, place the skimmer beside the sump. Outflow boxes may be used for the return flow. If the water level in the sump is very low, or there is a shortage of space in the sump, two 90° elbow fittings may be connected to the outlets and the water will be directed down to the water surface in the sump. This avoids splashing and reduces noise.
2. Place the venturi pump inside the sump so that it will not run dry. Keep the length of the pressure tube as short as possible. Make sure the pump does not run dry. Replace evaporated water to keep the water level in the sump constant.

Start Up
The system can be started when the Turboflotor Skimmer is correctly installed. After switching the pump on, air is automatically drawn into the skimmer.

To minimize the noise level, connect the air inlet tube with the supplied silencer. Secure the silencer onto the holding device.

After the initial start, some hours may pass before the first foam is pushed into the collection cup. This is due to a reaction between the surface of the acrylic glass and the aquarium water. After 24 hours, the foam should push evenly into the collection cup. The quantity of liquid and organic substances is dependent on the pollution of the aquarium.

Troubleshooting

Adjustments:
Air and water mixing is automatic, but you can increase the amount of air and water by removing the gray reduction piece from the suction side of the pump. Normally, no adjustment is required but it may be necessary to alter the flow control taps to ensure overpumping does not occur particularly in the start up phase. If an overflow still occurs, use the 5 cm spacer between foam cup and skimmer body.

Excess Air Bubbles:
Aquarium may have a high concentration of dissolved organic substances already in the water. This results in very tiny bubbles in the skimmer. These tiny bubbles remove the organic substances effectively, but some of these bubbles are drawn back into the aquarium. After a few days, the concentration of organic substances will decrease and the water flow will be free of excess air bubbles.

Some types of frozen food may cause the same effects. It is best to thaw and wash the food prior to feeding it to the fish. The air bubbles will stop after a short period of time by themselves.

Wet foam
Excessive wet foam may be produced after a water change with freshly prepared seawater or after using water conditioners. Aquariums with extremely high concentration of dissolved organic materials. This wet foam that is produced is forced into the cup, requiring more frequent emptying than normal. After approximately one day, the concentration of dissolved organic materials will be normalized and the skimmer will produce foam of proper consistency.

Dry foam
Not enough foam or too dry foam could be an indication that the needle wheel is dirty, or the venturi is obstructed. A thorough cleaning is recommended.

Remove the hose connection from the pressure side of the pump. Move the flap inside the pump from one side to the other until it can be moved easily (Turn the pump around and shake it. You should be able to hear the flap. If not, clean it again).
OR
Increase the water level inside the skimmer with the two flow control taps by removing the spacer between foam cup and skimmer and/or the gray reduction piece from the suction side of the pump.

Maintenance:
The collection cup should be cleaned regularly (daily or weekly, depending on the organic load). The reaction pipe of the skimmer needs to be cleaned only once or twice a year. The venturi pump should also be cleaned from time to time. Remove pump and flush the entire pump housing and the Needle wheel with clean water. The same procedure should be undertaken with the air injection nozzle. Don't forget the flap on the pressure side.