Red Sea 212158 RSK 300 Reefer Internal Protein Skimmer User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Red Sea
Table of Contents
- Welcome
- Introduction to protein skimming
- Features of the REEFER ™ Skimmers
- Unique Features
- Important Safety Instructions
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
- REEFER ™Skimmer Parts Diagram
- Assembly
- Manual Neck Cleaner
- Installation:
- Operation of the REEFER™ Skimmer
- Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Warranty
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
User Manual
Welcome
Congratulations on the purchase of your
Red Sea REEFER™ Skimmer.
The REEFER™ Skimmer combines high performance with innovative design features,
super-quiet operation, and ease of use. To get the maximum benefit from your
new skimmer follow the instructions and recommendations contained in this
manual. If you have any difficulties installing or operating this product
please contact our after sales service team through our website. Wishing you
successful reefing,
Red Sea Team.
Introduction to protein skimming
Protein skimming (also called foam fractionation) can be considered as a form
of fine mechanical filtration since it is a physical process of removing
substances from the water. Whilst a mechanical filter removes large particles
such as uneaten fish food, a protein skimmer removes suspended or dissolved
organic waste and invisible particles from the aquarium water. The advantage
of protein skimming lies in the fact that waste material is continuously
removed, separating it from the water flow. The waste, suspended in foam, is
then collected into a cup where it is no longer in contact with the aquarium
water. In contrast, the dirt collected in an ordinary mechanical filter stays
in contact with the water flow. A mechanical filter should therefore be
cleaned very regularly; otherwise, bacteria will decompose the collected dirt
into harmful dissolved organic material.
A successful reef aquarium should have both a regularly cleaned mechanical
filter and an efficient protein skimmer as the first and second stages of the
water treatment process.
Why is protein skimming important?
Protein skimming plays a very important role in reducing the amount of
dissolved organic material in your aquarium water. This material consists of
protein, carbohydrate and fat fragments together with other waste produced by
the living organisms in the aquarium. Since these could break down to
potentially harmful materials to the aquarium inhabitants, rapid removal is
essential. Efficient removal of dissolved waste also helps to:
- Limit the build-up of harmful organic compounds including dissolved organic carbon, nitrogenous components (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate), and phosphates.
- Reduce the quantity of harmful floating bacteria, since bacteria need to be dissolved organic material in order to grow and reproduce.
- Increase ORP (Oxidation, Reduction potential also known as REDOX) and dissolved oxygen levels.
- Prevent the development of slime algae (Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae). The main food source of these primitive algae (dissolved organic material, nitrate, and phosphate) is kept at a very low concentration.
REEFER™ Skimmer Ratings
The REEFER™ Skimmers are rated according to Red Sea’s REEF-SPEC® criteria
that include a water throughput, water to air ratio, and contact time
necessary to efficiently strip pollutants from the water. Powered by the Sicce
PSK pumps, the stated air, and water flow rates are actual measurements of
these pumps when running on the REEFER™ Skimmers.
Model | RSK-300 | RSK-600 | RSK-900 |
---|---|---|---|
SPS rating (L/Gal) | 300 / 80 | 6 0 0 / 160 | 9 0 0 / 240 |
Mixed Reef rating (L/Gal) | 6 0 0 / 160 | 1200 / 320 | 1800 / 500 |
Fish Only rating (L/Gal) | 9 0 0 / 240 | 1800 / 500 | 2700 / 740 |
Pump (Sicce) | PSK-600 | PSK-1000 | PSK-1200 |
Air flow (lph/gph) | 5 0 0 / 130 | 7 5 0 / 195 | 9 0 0 / 235 |
Water flow (lph/gph) | 1000 / 265 | 1500 / 400 | 2000 / 530 |
Total Height (cm/inch) | 53cm / 21” | 56cm / 22” | 59cm / 23” |
Recommended Water Height | 16-20cm | ||
6-8” | 18-20cm | ||
7-8” | 20-24cm |
8-9”
Features of the REEFER ™ Skimmers
Unique Features
The neck of the protein skimmer is the section where the dense bubbling
air/water mixture gradually transforms into a stable foam.
The FoamView™ window built into the front of the collection cup provides a
clear view of the foam formation inside the skimmer neck, enabling easy
adjustment to reach the desired consistency of the foam. Over time, if not
cleaned regularly, a thick layer of organic sludge will form on the inside of
the neck, reducing foam production by 30-40%.
The integrated manual neck cleaning system of the REEFER™ Skimmer provides a
simple and effective solution by scraping the organic deposits from the neck.
Any of the organics that fall back into the top of the reaction chamber are
immediately flushed back up into the collection cup.
Important Safety Instructions
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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:
a. 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.
b. To avoid the possibility of the appliance, plug, or receptacle getting wet,
position the Skimmer to one side of a wall-mounted receptacle to prevent water
from dripping onto the receptacle or plug. A “drip loop”, as shown in the
diagram should be arranged for each cord connecting an aquarium appliance to a
receptacle. The drip loop is that part of the cord below the level of the
receptacle or the connector. Use an extension cord if necessary to prevent
water from traveling along the cord and coming into contact with the
receptacle.
c. If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DO NOT unplug the cord. Disconnect
the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance. Then, unplug
the device and examine for the presence of water in the receptacle.
d. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near
children.
e. To avoid injury, do not contact moving parts.
f. 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 firmly and pull to disconnect.
g. 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
an unsafe condition.
h. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to the
weather or to temperatures below freezing point.
i. Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely installed before
operating it.
j. Read and observe all IMPORTANT notices on the appliance.
k. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating should be
used.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
REEFER ™Skimmer Parts Diagram
Part Identification| Part Description| REEFER™
Skimmer 300
R50503| REEFER™
Skimmer 600
R50506| REEFER™
Skimmer 900
R50509| Qty.
---|---|---|---|---|---
A| Collection Cup
& Lid| R50523| R50533| R50543| 1
B| Wiper & Blades| R50527| R50537| R50547| 1
C| Waste Tube &
Valve| R50564| R50564| R50564| 1
D| Body| R50524| R50534| R50544| 1
E| Silencer| R50560| R50560| R50560| 1
F| Screw Pack| R50567| R50567| R50567| 9
G| Venturi Tube| R50563| R50563| R50563| 1
H| Venturi| R50528| R50538| R50548| 1
J| Diffuser| R50526| R50536| R50546| 1
K| Pump| R50520| R50530| R50540| 1
L| Base| R50525| R50535| R50545| 1
M| Rubber Pack| R50566| R50566| R50566| 1
N| Pump Holder| R50561| R50561| R50561| 1
Assembly
Remove the components from the protective packaging and familiarize yourself
with them.
Note: The skimmer body has been assembled in a unique position for
transportation purposes only.
Placement & Orientation:
The REEFER™ Skimmers are designed to allow 3 distinct orientations of the
venturi pump inlet relative to the Skim regulator (left/center/right) enabling
the skimmer to be customized for the specific layout of your sump. There must
be at least 2.5cm (1”) of the unobstructed water column in front of the
venturi inlet. There must be at least 2.5cm (1”) of free space above the
collection cup to allow it to be removed for cleaning.
The collection cup can be freely rotated so that the FoamView™ window can be
set to whatever angle is best for you when regulating the skimmer.
Unscrew the skimmer body from the base and if necessary reposition the pump holder to suit the desired orientation of the pump inlet. Turn the skimmer base upside-down and push the rubber feet firmly into position.
Skimmer Regulator – Rotating the regulator in the “Minus” direction will increase the opening in the base, lowering the foaming point or producing a drier foam. Rotating in the “Plus” direction decreases the opening in the base, raising the foaming point or producing a wetter foam. Skimmer pumps need to be cleaned on a regular basis to remove calcium and other deposits and therefore it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the pump by disassembling/reassembling it before assembling it for the first time in the skimmer. Before pushing the pump into the pump holder make sure that the rubber damper pad is in position.
Remove the cable restraint from the base.
Run the pump cable around the pump and insert it through the cable channel and
under the base. Push the cable restraint back into position.
Note: Not using the cable restraint may affect the regulation of the
skimmer
Disassemble the bubble diffusion chamber and temporarily position it above the
pump. If necessary reposition the return-flow plug so that it is above the
regulated outlet in the base (it is easier to do this before the diffusor is
attached to the pump). Secure the diffusor to the pump with the nut provided
and attach the diffusor plate with the center screw. Make sure that the
diffusor is
concentric with the base. Push the rubber connector onto the pump inlet.
With all of the internal components assembled, lower the skimmer body onto the base so that the hole on the side is aligned with the pump inlet. Secure the body in position tightly with the 4 screws provided.
Manual Neck Cleaner
Familiarize yourself with the operation and assembly/ disassembly of the manual neck cleaner. To operate the cleaner, use the handle recess in the lid to rotate it either in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. This may be slightly stiff when dry however it will rotate easily when in regular use. The lid/wiper can be removed as a single unit by pulling it up and out of the foaming section of the neck. Due to the conical shape of the foaming section, a small force may be required to reinsert the wiper/lid into the cup.
The wiper is held in the lid by snap connectors on both sides of the handle and can be removed for cleaning. Should it become necessary the wiper blades can also be removed for more thorough cleaning and/or replacement?
The REEFER ™ Skimmers are provided with an extra-long drainage tube with an
elbow connector and a watertight valve. Push the rubber tube onto the drainage
outlet at the bottom of the collection cup and set the angle of the elbow to
give a convenient path for the drainage tube to the front of your sump for
easy periodic collection of the accumulated waste.
Ensure that the O-ring is in position and assemble the collection cup by
pushing it down into the neck of the skimmer’s body. This will be easier if
the O-ring is wet.
Assemble the venturi by simultaneously pushing and rotating it through the
rubber grommet in the wall of the skimmer body and into the rubber connector
that you previously put onto the pump inlet. When fully inserted ensure that
the venturi air inlet is facing up. (This will be easier if you wet the
external surface of the venturi with water – do not use any type of grease.)
Attach the air tube to the inlet of the silencer making sure that the loop of
the silencer drainage port plug is in place. Also, check that the drainage
port plug is properly inserted in the drainage port. Click the silencer into
its holder on the skimmer neck and attach the free end of the air tube to the
venturi air inlet.
Installation:
Congratulations, your REEFER™ Skimmer is now fully assembled and ready to be placed in the sump.
- Read the following section about skimming and regulation before switching on the pump.
- Before placing the skimmer in the sump, rotate the skim regulator fully in the minus direction. This will open the water outlet in the base allowing sump water to more freely enter the skimmer body and prevent it from floating due to air trapped inside. This will also prevent over-skimming in start-ups.
- The rubber feet hold the bottom of the skimmer 13mm (1/2”) above the bottom of the sump therefore the power cable can safely be run under the skimmer if it helps with your cable management.
- Make sure that you prevent the power plug of the pump from getting wet during initial placement or future maintenance of the skimmer in the sump.
- Check that there is at least 2.5cm (1/2”) of the unobstructed water column in front of the venturi inlet.
- Check that the water height in the skimmer compartment of your sump is correct for your model of the skimmer.
- For best results, the water level in your skimmer chamber should be maintained at a constant height. This is normally achieved when your sump has an Automatic-Top-Off unit installed.
- Check that there is at least 2.5cm (1”) of free space above the collection cup to allow it to be removed for cleaning.
- Find a convenient place at the front of the sump to place the valve ofthe drainage tube.
- Rotate the collection cup so that you have a clear line of sight to the Foamview®.
Operation of the REEFER™ Skimmer
Skimmers produce foam as the protein from the water sticks to the surface of
the air bubbles giving them the structural rigidity they need to ascend the
neck of the skimmer and settle in the collection cup. Since foam production is
proportional to the density of organic material in the aquarium water which
varies over time, the foaming point in the neck will need to be adjusted to
ensure efficient removal of the proteins without an excessive amount of
seawater. The REEFER™ Skimmers have a precision geared skim regulator for
very fine control of the foaming point ensuring high skimming efficiency.
Rotating the regulator in the “Minus” direction lowers the foaming point in
the neck to produce a drier foam. Rotating in the “Plus” direction raises the
foaming point to produce a wetter foam.
Adjust the skim regulator so that the water level in the skimmer body is
approximately at the base of the neck. If the foam is too dry or it starts to
accumulate lower in the neck, gradually rotate the Skim Regulator in the
“Plus” direction until the desired foam consistency is achieved.
Alternatively, if the foam is too wet, gradually rotate the Skim Regulator in
the “Minus” direction.
New set-ups typically have a negligible amount of organic matter in the
water and therefore is may take some time for a skimmate to be produced.
New skimmers sometimes need a short break-in period of a few days before
they begin to function efficiently. Over-skimming (an uncontrollable flow of
aerated water into the collection cup) is common while harmless chemical
residues that affect the surface tension of the water are neutralized. In case
of over-skimming rotate the regulator fully in the Minus direction and allow
the over-skimming to naturally reduce in intensity.
Feeding and Supplementing
Skimmers are very susceptible to the effect of surface-active compounds such
as foods and supplements that are added regularly to the aquarium. Such
materials can significantly affect foam production and in some cases cause
over-skimming. Immediately before adding such materials switch the skimmer off
and leave it off for 30 minutes or however long it takes until the skimmer
will return to its normal foaming action without repositioning the Skim
Regulator.
Maintenance
Collection Cup
Monitor the amount of skimmate that accumulates in the collection cup and
drain the cup on a regular basis. Skimmer performance will benefit from using
the neck cleaner on a daily basis and will enable you to only remove and wash
the cup and wiper every 7 – 10 days. If you wash the cup with detergent make
sure to rinse it thoroughly before returning it to the skimmer.
Skimmer Pump & Impeller
Over time mineral and organic deposits will form inside the pump affecting its
performance and longevity. For best results it is recommended to remove the
pump from the skimmer once a month for cleaning. Open the pump impeller
chamber, pull out the impeller and rinse all parts under the tap. If you see
any buildup of scale on the inside of the pump housing or on the impeller
magnet, use hot water or vinegar/scale remover to dissolve it. Make sure that
you rinse off all residues of any cleaning materials before reassembling the
pump.
Troubleshooting
Q. The bubbles in the skimmer are too large.
A. Ensure that you are using the skimmer in saltwater at the correct
specific gravity. Freshwater cannot be efficiently skimmed using a protein
skimmer.
Q. My skimmer is new (or just cleaned) and doesn’t seem to be skimming.
A. If your skimmer is new, clean it with fresh water and rinse thoroughly
with hot water. Allow the skimmer to run for 48 hours to remove any harmless
residues from the production process. These materials are safe for your
aquarium, but impede the skimmer’s ability to foam efficiently for a couple of
days.
Q. My aquarium is full of microbubbles or air mist.
A. All skimmers release some air bubbles to the sump and therefore it is
best to have a bubble trap between the skimmer chamber and the return pump. If
your skimmer is new allow a few days for the skimmer to settle in.
Tip: You might be getting microbubbles if you are using tap water with
water conditioners or natural seawater. Many conditioners/impurities found in
natural seawater increase the surface tension of the water and cause a small
proportion of the bubbles to escape the skimmer chamber.
Q. My skimmer is producing a lot of weak, watery foam.
A. Rotating the regulator in the “Minus” direction lowers the foaming
point in the neck to produce a drier foam.
Tip: The production of an excessive amount of weak, watery foam is also
referred to as over-skimming. This often indicates the presence of chemical
substances that need to be removed by the skimmer. Many water
conditioners/impurities found in natural seawater increase the surface tension
of the water and cause serious over-skimming.
Tip: If you are using natural seawater, you should be aware that most
seawater today contains traces of pollutants, e.g. phenols, carbohydrates,
oils, etc.
Therefore, natural seawater is not recommended for use in reef aquaria. We
strongly recommend NOT using tap water. If you intend to use it, however, DO
NOT add conditioners/de-chlorinators. Instead, allow the water to settle for
24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate naturally before introducing it to the
aquarium.
Tip: Some brands of synthetic salt contain binding substances, such as EDTA,
that increases surface tension and cause over-skimming.
Q. There is a reduction in the number of air bubbles in my skimmer.
A. Check for blockages in the silencer, air tube, or venturi. If the
problem persists, clean the skimmer pump.
Q. I cannot regulate my skimmer.
A. Check that the water level in the skimmer chamber of your sump is as
recommended. Try raising or lowering the water level by approximately 12mm
(1/2”). Check that the water outlet on the bottom of the skimmer has not
become blocked. Clean the skimmer pump.
Q. The aspiration pump is making a rattling noise.
A. Clean the skimmer pump and check for damage to the impeller.
Q. The skimmer is making a gurgling noise.
A. There may be water trapped in the silencer. Remove the drain plug and
let out any accumulated water. Remember to return the plug.
Warranty
Red Sea Fish Pharm Aquarium Products Limited Warranty The limited warranty
sets forth all Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd (Red Sea)
responsibilities regarding this product. There are no other express or implied
warranties from the Red Sea. The Red Sea warrants your product against defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months, valid from the date of
original purchase, and will repair this product free of charge (not including
shipping costs) with new/rebuilt parts. The precondition for the warranty is
that the stipulated set-up routine is observed. In the event that a problem
develops with this product during or after the warranty period, contact your
local dealer or Red Sea (at the company address indicated) for details of your
nearest authorized service center. The warranty is extended only to the
original purchaser. Proof of date of purchase will be required before warranty
performance is rendered.
This warranty only covers failures due to defects in materials or workmanship
that occur during normal use. It does not cover damage that occurs in shipment
or failures which result from misuse, abuse, neglect, improper
installation, operation, mishandling, misapplication, alteration, modification
or service by anyone other than an authorized Red Sea service center. The Red
Sea shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from
the use of this product or arising out of any breach of this warranty. All
express and implied warranties, including the warranties of salability and
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the applicable warranty
period set forth above. These statements do not affect the statutory rights of
the consumer. The USA Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above exclusion or limitations may not apply.
Red Sea U.S.A
4687 World Houston
Parkway #150 Houston,TX 77032, U.S.A
support.usa@redseafish.com
China
Red Sea Aquatics (GZ) Ltd
Block A3, No.33 Hongmian Road, Xinhua Industrial Park, Huadu
District, Guangzhou City, China,
Postal code 510800.
Tel: +86-020-6625 3828
info.china@redseafish.com
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