New biotope with Comline skimmer

New biotope with Comline skimmer


Enquiry from Mr. Piller / Germany

Two weeks ago I installed a new reef aquarium.
Contents: 425 litres, filled with osmosis water, density 1023/25 C°, 25 kg living rock, which has been in use for some time in a basin with the dealer. Water ratings: ammonia 0.2 mg, nitrite 10 mg, phosphate 0.25 mg, pH 8.0.
The basin is fitted with a permanently installed filter chamber and has several circulation pumps as well as an internal skimmer TUNZE 3115.
Now my questions:
I have taken the skimmer in operation in compliance with the instructions for use. But as yet the skimmer has produced no dry foam. If I open the air regulating screw so far that the foam stands approx. 2 cm at the upper edge of the discharge pipe, then only wet and clear foam enters the bowl. Within a very short time he bowl is filled with clear water. All in all the foam is clear and not yellowish brown. I have tried it with some few freeze-dried midge larvae but without any effect. What could be the reason for the missing dry foam ? What do you understand by foaming agent ?

Answer

The low production of foam in quite normal in this case because you are quite simply still situated in the running-in phase. The living stones are probably quite clean and no significant biological cycle has taken place. The quantity of dissolved proteins and cellulose is far too small to produce dry foaming. You should now urgently provide a population of livestock with detritus eaters and fast growing small animals to ensure that the biological cycle really gets under way. The skimmer will then automatically adjust its foam production to the basin and care for a low level of dissolved proteins. Using the air screw set the set the air regulation in such manner that sufficient moist foam is produced. This foam will then step-by step change its consistency and colour.
By foaming agents we mean food rich in proteins and cellulose but without fat and liquids, etcetera. The addition of limewater also promotes the skimming and reduces phosphate, which is definitely not a luxury during the running-in period.