ASM Mini G skimmer

[gotasplinter]

ASM Mini G skimmer http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/203774/i/1/product.web

i just bought this skimmer, and the directions that came with it were mostly for instalation and setup, but not for operation. Would anyone kno where the water level should be on the skimmer? should it be below the cup, in middle, or towards the top of the collection cup? This is the first time iv used a skimmer in 4 years of SF. any help would be great. Lee

 

[spongebob lover]

i'd do it below the cup, that's how i have mine dood .

and welcome to RF dood

 

[gotasplinter]

thanks alot i tried that and its got some light yellow liquid in the cup have to keep an eye on it so it doesn't over flow, not sure how long the break in period is for this, will it create more liquid in the break in period or after. iv had the tank up for 3 or so years and have never had a skimmer. just recently have had a algae bloom of hair, and bubble. so figured i better do something before it totally takes over. but i just hooked it up last night. thanks again

 

[SueT]

I have the ASM G3 and I have the riser tube equal to the bottom of the collection cup. I love this skimmer and am sure you will too. It doesn't take long for them to get running good for you.

 

[spongebob lover]

just give it sometime dood, mine took about a week and a half before it started skimming .
the yellow stuff will get darker other than that, i don't think there's to much to adjust to the skimmer since it's not like the other types that you can adjust te flow .

also if you're feeding heavy ... make sure you slow down on that, are you running any thing else? have you tested for phosphates?
bubble algae is hard to get rid of, emerald crabs will eat the little bubbles, and the big ones you can pick them but don't pop them or you'll end up with more.

 

[SueT]

I wish emeralds worked for me. I have 1 small patch that I physically cannot reach and my powder blue keeps my figi foxface in only half the tank and of course the bubble algae is in the part of the tank where the foxface can't go. I tried 3 emeralds and not one even went close to it.

 

[TWallace]

I have the ASM Mini G on my tank. I added the gate valve mod to more easily control the water level in the skimmer. My skimmer has never output dark skimmate, only the slightly yellow water. But then my tank also always has 0 nitrates, so maybe there's just no waste to skim. I'm 99% positive that if I removed my skimmer, it would have no effect at all on the system.

Prior to this skimmer I used an Aqua C Remora which also never produced good skimmate. That skimmer isn't very adjustable, which is why I switched to the ASM.

 

[quibrzif]

I have both - ASM Mini and G3, the big - with a skimmer water well and gate valve mod, mini - unmodified and just standing in the sump.

It helps, when the dirty water from the tank is not diluted by skimmed water, in my case, the skimmer is in the rubbermaid container within the sump, and gate valve mod (or could be just 90-degree elbows and piping) re-routes the clean water outside this container.

Level of water in the tank can vary - I tried from just above the skimmer's pump output tube to above the middle of the skimmer, not much difference, but prefer the deeper way. Bubble level - close to the top of the neck, just to get skimmate.

Not too happy, but they do some work.
Disclaimer - it's a side sumps, with the same water level, as in the main tanks.

 

[spongebob lover]

I wish emeralds worked for me. I have 1 small patch that I physically cannot reach and my powder blue keeps my figi foxface in only half the tank and of course the bubble algae is in the part of the tank where the foxface can't go. I tried 3 emeralds and not one even went close to it.

that sucks doodette .... i know there's another way ...like you pop them and siphon...i don't remember where i read it but it suppose to work .

I added the gate valve mod

what ?? mods ...is there a link to that mod? .....so far i have only done the mesh mod for the pump thingy for my skimmer....but i think a gate valve mod would kick butt too since this skimmers suck at that .

the first week or so i had the skimmate very yellowish but then it got darker.

 

[TWallace]

what ?? mods ...is there a link to that mod? .....so far i have only done the mesh mod for the pump thingy for my skimmer....but i think a gate valve mod would kick butt too since this skimmers suck at that .

http://www.asmskimmer.com/mod1.htm

That same site sells the parts to do a gate mod for $30+ shipping, but it's pretty easy to do yourself. Though it is hard to find a gate valve locally (don't use ball valves, they're terrible). I had to order one online through USPlastic.

 

[spongebob lover]

wwouu kewl !!!
i'm gonna have to try that too ... thanks dood.

 

[Passinetti2007]

I read that the asm mini uses a needle wheel is that true and I thought those weren't good to use because it produces more nitrates? I am confused.

 

[TWallace]

Yes it uses a needle wheel, though I've never heard anything bad about them. Actually, don't quite a few good skimmers these days use needle wheels? My tank always shows 0 nitrates, I hardly ever even check it anymore.

 

[Passinetti2007]

maybe I'm thinking of something else then. If thats the case I should buy myself a mini for my new 30 gal tank. Once I get the sump hooked up of course.

 

[spongebob lover]

my mini is great dood .
just don't forget to do the mesh mod .... it's totally awesome with it .

 

[TWallace]

What's the mesh mod?

 

[spongebob lover]

this one .

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22462&page=3

 

[Passinetti2007]

this one .

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22462&page=3

that looks difficult where do you get the mesh? and what size zip ties?

 

[Reefdaddy1]

Use a glue gun and Fishing line, I prefer that compared to Zip ties. Its not difficult at all, Just follow the thread Gabby provided and your home free.It also provides a link where to buy.

 

[spongebob lover]

that looks difficult where do you get the mesh? and what size zip ties?

no dood it's not difficult at all .... just follow the instructions on the link i posted and the mesh stuff... just look in page 2 ... seriously it's very easy and you'll see an improvement on the skimmer .