Turboflotor 1000

[spawn_e_git]

I'm using an Aqua-Medic Turboflotor 100 multi as a hang-on unit. The unit no longer produces much foam (aqua-bee pump).
I have read on another site that adding an air pump to the inlet baffle would improve the output of the skimmer. I added a pump and there was certainly a lot more air bubbles in the reaction chamber and the skimmer produced a little foam. The problem is that if the air pump is left on for a while air bubbles escape out of the water intake and the skimmer stops working altogether.
I have tried to search this site for the original posts on this matter but I can't find anything. Does anybody have any further information about this?
Please don't advise to contact aqua-medic (UK) as it would be easier getting a straight answer from a polictician that from them!

 

[Kitta]

My skimmer started to have the same problem about 3 months ago. I took the pump out and cleaned the inside and the venteri air intake. Once a week I use a cup of RO water and heat it up to boiling point in the microwave, and I use the hot water to clean the air intake by placing the air intake tubing in the hot water (someone else from this board came up with this idea). I find this to be easier than putting my hand in the water and stick a pin in the air intake to clean it.

 

[Mogo]

I have had a similar problem with my Turboflotor. In my case the situation is caused by a clog in the venturi (calcium/salt buildup?). Try putting the air intake line into a cup of hot water. The hot water will be drawn into the pump. Flow could be minimal at first but will increase as it unclogs. Sometimes I have to manually blow the water through at first. Remove the airline from the hot water source and you should see a dramatic increase in bubble output. I have reduced this problem greatly by setting the adjustment knobs to the "ideal" position which requires alot of tinkering and watching (days). The objective, of course, to produce a decent amount of dry foam.

 

[esmithiii]

My solution to fix the problem was to replace my T1000 with a real skimmer- one from Andy at MyReef Concepts

Ernie

 

[spawn_e_git]

Thanks, I will try to clean it with the hot water. I have cleaned the unit only the other day but I was still no happy with the performance. The other problem with it was returning bubbles into the tank.

I connected a small air pump to the venturi and the amount of foam produced greatly increased and less bubbles returned into the tank. I don't think it's an ideal situation to have air forced into the pump.

Are you guys running the Aqua-Bee pump or another? I know some of you guys are based in the US and some of the equipmnent you speak about is not available here in the UK but I will be in the US (NC) over the Xmas and so could look out for something.

Thanks for your help.

 

[esmithiii]

I connected a small air pump to the venturi and the amount of foam produced greatly increased and less bubbles returned into the tank. I don't think it's an ideal situation to have air forced into the pump.

I ran this skimmer for over a year and from day one it would not run unless it had an air pump forcing air into the venturi. It is a poor design. I would have to use a syringe and inject very hot water into the venturi every other day or it wouldn't work. Part of the problem is that the intake tube for the venturi inside the large main pipe has numerous small holes where the air is dispersed before the needle-wheel impellor. These holes get clogged with calcium deposits and algae very quickly. If you dose kalkwasser forget about keeping this thing running without daily cleaning.

Ernie

 

[JeremyR]

Ernie: you are talking about the insump skimmer. The poster is talking about the multi with the aquabee pump. 2 completely different animals.

The best way I've found to get the multi back to sucking air is to stick a paper clip into the airline nipple on the aquabee and poke the crud out (with pump off of course). This is much more effective than hot water and only has to be done every so often.

 

[Garry thomas]

I had the same problem, it is caused by xcess build up of salts in the venturi. Strip the pump remove impeller at the back of the case in the pump housing, you will see a hole. i fixed mine by putting a pipe cleaner down it...you got them over there. Try a bit of white vinegar that helps clean the whole pump. putting an air pump on will lower performance as the bubbles will be to big? and as for the bubbles entering the tank, try putting some foam or floss in the first overflowbox it breaks the bubbles
hope i'v helped GT s wales

 

[fisheye1]

I agree with Gary. Simple once a month all out cleaning keeps my sucking the air and removing the crud. I too dose with kalk and calcium.

 

[Mogo]

Update.
I have not touched my Turboflotor 1000 on my 140 for over 8 months except to clean the cup. Running beautiful. My original pain-in-the-arse is now a no brainer.

 

[Garry thomas]

Cool 8)

 

[esmithiii]

Garry- where have you been all this time, mate? We missed you!

Ernie

 

[Garry thomas]

Hello smiffy m8, how are you? gotta dash,pick my little one up from nursery. i'll pm you later. GT