Red Sea PSK DC-1200 Pump and Skim Sensor User Manual

June 10, 2024
Red Sea

Red Sea PSK DC-1200 Pump and Skim Sensor

Red Sea PSK DC-1200 Pump and Skim Sensor-FIG1

Product Information
The Red Sea REEFER DC Skimmer is a smart and efficient skimmer for your aquarium. It comes with a variable-intensity Sicce PSK DC-1200 pump and a dual-action skim-sensor that helps prevent over-skimming and collection cup overflow. The PSK DC-1200 skimmer pump and self-leveling sensor can only be used when connected to a
ReefRun Dual controller that provides control of up to 2 ReefRun compatible DC return pumps, DC skimmer or a combination of both.
The device is intended for indoor use only and comes with basic safety precautions that should be followed for proper usage.

Product Usage

The installation and operation of the PSK DC-1200 pump and self-leveling sensor for the Reef Skimmers 300-600-900 are covered in this manual, in addition to the REEFER Skimmer manual. To use this product:

  1. Read the manual provided with the ReefRun Dual controller for full installation and operation instructions for the controller

  2. Ensure that the device is only used with the power supply unit provided with the appliance

  3. Make sure that the appliance is securely installed before operating it

  4. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug,
    if it is malfunctioning, or if it is dropped or damaged in any manner

  5. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Never pull the cord itself to remove the plug from the outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect

  6. Do not use an appliance for anything other than its intended use. The use of attachments not recommended or sold by the appliance manufacturer may cause unsafe conditions. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures below freezing point
    With these basic instructions, you can use the Red Sea REEFER DC Skimmer to help keep your aquarium clean and healthy.

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Red Sea’s REEFER DC Skimmer / Upgrade pack.

  • The smart ReefRun DC-Skimmer incorporates the variable intensity Sicce PSK DC-1200 skimmer pump together with Red Sea’s bespoke dual-action skim-sensor, that provides a unique self-leveling functionality to prevent over-skimming and collection cup overflow.
  • This manual covers the installation and operation of the PSK DC-1200 pump and a self-leveling sensor for the Reef Skimmers 300-600-900, and is in addition to the REEFER Skimmer manual.
  • The PSK DC-1200 skimmer pump and self-levelling sensor can only be used when connected to a ReefRun Dual controller that provides control of up to 2 ReefRun compatible DC return pumps, DC skimmer or a combination of both. Read the manual provided with the ReefRun Dual controller for full installation and operation instructions for the controller.
  • The ReefRun Dual Controller is part of Red Sea’s suite of smart devices that are operated via Wi-Fi by Red Sea’s ReefBeat® App, which needs to be installed on a smart mobile device with internet connectivity.
  • Welcome to Red Sea’s smart reef-keeping.
    The Red Sea Team

Safety

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED FOR INDOOR USE ONLY.

DANGER: To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be taken when handling a wet aquarium. For each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself; return the appliance to an authorized service facility for service or discard the appliance.

WARNING: To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following:

  • Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is malfunctioning, or if it is dropped or damaged in any manner.
  • This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
  • The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided with the appliance. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
  • To avoid injury, do not contact moving parts.
  • Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Never pull the cord itself to remove the plug from the outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
  • Do not use an appliance for anything other than its intended use. The use of attachments not recommended or sold by the appliance manufacturer may cause unsafe conditions.
  • Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures below freezing point.
  • Make sure an appliance is securely installed before operating it.
  • Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.

Note: A cord rated for less amperes or watts than the appliance rating may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the cord so that it cannot be tripped over or pulled accidentally.
Do not use if cord is damaged. In case of need, do not attempt to replace or repair yourself; return the appliance to an authorized service facility for service or discard the appliance.
In case of need, do not attempt to replace yourself; return the appliance to an authorized service facility for service or discard the appliance.

Introduction to the self-leveling functionality of the REEFER DC Skimmers

  • Protein skimmers perform 2 important functions. The primary function is to mechanically remove dissolved organic matter (proteins / bacteria) from the aquarium water. The secondary, but not less important function is to oxygenate the water through vigorous mixing of the water with a continual supply of fresh air. Both functions are responsible for maintaining water quality which can be monitored by measuring the REDOX or ORP of the water.
  • Skimmers remove proteins from the water as they stick to the surface of air bubbles that ascend the neck of the skimmer as a foam, and thereafter settle in the collection cup as a liquid. The reaction chamber of the REEFER Skimmers was designed together with the range of PSK pumps to provide the necessary flow rates of air and water in an optimal ratio and contact time to optimize the protein removal for different aquarium volumes. The wetness of the foam in the skimmer neck is determined by adjusting the mechanical regulator of the skimmer that restricts the water outlet of the reaction chamber.
  • Any change in water chemistry, in particular changes that can affect the surface tension of the water will affect the delicate balance that enables a stable foam production. Some chemicals can prevent foam from forming while others can cause the air/water mixture to expand causing an extremely wet foam to suddenly rise inside the skimmer neck and flood the collection cup with clean seawater. This phenomenon, known as over-skimming, typically occurs in a reef aquarium after feeding, adding new livestock, reef-scaping, equipment maintenance, water changes or changes in the waterborne bacteria population.
  • The self-leveling functionality of the Reefer DC-Skimmers combines the variable intensity of the PSK DC-1200 skimmer pump with a dual input sensor that monitors both the wetness of the foam in the skimmer neck and the liquid level in the collection chamber of the cup, to optimize the performance of the skimmers.
  • When the self-leveling function is enabled and wetter than normal foam is detected in the skimmer neck, the intensity of the PSK-DC skimmer pump is immediately reduced to prevent over-skimming and then incrementally increased back to the set intensity maintaining the maximum possible aeration without allowing over-skimming.
  • If a full cup situation is detected, the intensity of the PSK-DC skimmer pump is reduced to maintain efficient oxygenation of the water inside the skimmer reaction chamber, without pushing new waste to the cup, until it is emptied and regular operation can be restored.

DC-Skimmer Components

PSK DC-1200 Pump and Skim Sensor-FIG3

No. Name Part #
1 PSK DC-1200 complete R35570
2 PSK DC-1200 Impellor R50541-H50
3 Skim Sensor R35578

4

| LID RSK 300| R35579
LID RSK 600| R35580
LID RSK 900| R35581
5| PSU| R35575
6| Controller Cable| R35563
7| RSK LID Grommmmets/Plugs| R35585

Installing the PSK DC-1200 Skimmer pump and Skim-sensor

  • Full instructions for installing the REEFER Skimmer are provided in the REEFER Skimmer instruction manual.
  • The PSK DC-1200 skimmer pump is an exact drop-in replacement for the PSK AC pumps. Follow the instructions in the REEFER Skimmer manual to install the pump.
    Skimmer pumps need to be cleaned on a regular basis to remove calcium carbonate and other deposits and therefore it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the pump by disassembling/reassembling it before installing it for the first time in the skimmer. If you are replacing an existing AC pump, remember to
    return the cable restraint back into position.

PSK DC-1200 Pump and Skim Sensor-FIG4

  • Select a suitable location for the connector between the pump and control cable to allow easy access when removing the pump for maintenance.

  • Connect the control cable to the pump and power supply and thread the controller part of the cable to the ReefRun Dual controller (RRDC).
    The pump will not work until the RRDC has been onboarded to the ReefBeat App and the pump has been setup.

  • Prepare the DC skimmer lid for use with the Skim-sensor by removing the plastic plugs and inserting the black rubber grommets in the sensor mounting holes. (Note; the wider flange of the grommets should be on the upper surface of the lid.) The grommets are essential for holding the sensor securely in position so ensure that they are in place.
    If you have the upgrade kit you will need to replace the original lid with a DC-Skimmer lid and transfer the neck wiper to the new lid.

  • When the skimmer is assembled, insert the Skim-sensor into the mounting holes located in the DC skimmer lid. The long probe is the neck sensor and should be inserted in the hole in the inner recessed part of the lid. The short probe is the cup sensor and should be inserted in the hole in the upper surface of the lid.

  • Thread the sensor cable as required to reach the RRDC but leave about 50cm / 20” of loose cable near the skimmer for ease of maintenance.
    To avoid false full-cup alerts, orient the lid so that the cup sensor is not directly above the foam view window of the collection chamber.

PSK DC-1200 Pump and Skim Sensor-FIG8

Connecting to the ReefRun Dual Controller (RRDC)
Full instructions for connecting the ReefRun Dual controller to the ReefBeat App are provided in the RRDC manual.
Setting up the PSK-DC 1200 on the ReefBeat App
The RRDC will identify that you have connected the PSK DC-1200
pump, however, you will need to select your REEFER Skimmer model
(RSK300/600/900) to implement the correct default pump intensity settings, as they all use the same pump. The default pump intensity for each model has been set to provide the optimal airflow and air/water contact time. This setting considers the size of the reaction chamber and performance of the venturi. You can manually adjust the flow intensity at any time however we recommend that you use the default intensities.
The default setting is for a continuous operation of the skimmer (Always ON) at the pump intensity shown in the settings page of the App. The skimmer can be set to be OFF with the intensity setting saved to be reinstated when turned back ON. Alternatively, the skimmer can be set to “Self-leveling” which will automatically regulate the intensity if either over-skimming or full-cup conditions are reached. The RRDC will identify if you have connected the skim sensor, which needs to be connected before the ReefBeat App will enable the setting option for the self-leveling features. Remember to press the save button at the top of the screen after making any changes to the settings.

Skimmer model RSK 300 RSK 600 RSK 900
Default Pump Intensity 70% 80% 100%
Air flow rate l/hr 480 720 900
Power (W) 20 25 30
Full-cup pump Intensity 25% 30% 35%
Full-cup Air flow rate l/hr 300 360 400

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>

Related Manuals