Aqua Medic Turboflotor 5000 Shorty Compact User manual

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Operation Manual
Turboflotor 5000
SHORTY COMPACT
Protein skimmer for aquariums up to 1500 litres ( 400 Gallons)
Powerful skimmers for in cabinet installation.
With the purchase of this protein skimmer you have selected a top quality product. It
has been specifically designed for aquarium use and tested by professionals.
This unit will effectively remove organic substances from your aquarium water.

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1. Basics
During the protein skimming process organic pollutants in the aquarium water, i.e. protein
compounds formed by the excretions of animals, are attached to fine air bubbles as a mono-
molecular film. These air bubbles are pushed against the inflowing water in the reaction pipe
so that there is a long contact time. Enriched with organic substances, they rise to the top and
form a strong foam which is dehydrated in the reaction pipe and then passes into the
collection cup.
Using this method, removal of organic pollutants from the aquarium water takes place,
whereas during bacterial processes they are merely transformed and not removed.
2. Product description
The Turboflotor 5000 consists of:
- reaction pipe, 200 mm (8 inch) diameter
and bayonet socket
- conical collection cup
- venturi pump OCEAN RUNNER 3500 with
needle wheel
- two large outlet ports (40 mm)
- inlet with hose tail connection (20 mm)
- drain ball valve at the base of the skimmer
with hose tail connection (25 mm)
- air tube for the venturi pump.
1. Top lid
2. Foam cup
3. O-ring
4. Reaction pipe
5. Water inlet
6. Outlet fittings
7. Adrustion valves
8. Needle wheel pump
9. Needle wheel
impeller
10. air injection nozzle
with connection for
air tube
3
2
1
6
4
5
7
10
8
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Type Outlet
height Total height Venturi pump Power consumption Capacity
Turboflotor 5000
SHORTY
COMPACT
30.5 cm
(12“) 62 cm (25“) OCEAN RUNNER
3500 with needle
wheel
65 Watts up to 1,500 l
400 Gallons
3. Principle of Operation
The aquarium water is pumped to the skimmer using a separate pump (not supplied) which
should have a capacity of approx. 2,000-4,000 litres/hour. The relative positions of the inlet
and outlet ports ensures the maximum contact time of the air bubbles in the counter current. If
the SHORTY COMPACT is mounted in the cabinet, it can be supplied with water directly
from the overflow of the aquarium. In this case a bypass should be installed, so the volume of
water can be adjusted
The venturi pump draws the water from the skimmer and mixes it with air. Within the pump
housing the bubbles are cut into very fine pieces by the needle wheel. The
air/water mixture is pumped back into the skimmer.
The treated water flows out of the bottom of the skimmer and is pumped through the two
transparent pipes positioned outside the skimmer back into the aquarium or filter sump.
4. Installation
•Check that the sealing rings for the unions are in place.
•Slot the holding plate for the venturi pump to one side of the skimmer. Push the pump on
to the holding plate and connect the pump to its union.
The PVC air tube should be fed so, that the end is higher, than the water level in the skimmer
.This air tube must not hang down. It should only jut out 5 cm at the top.
Connect the bottom end of the tube to the air intake of the pump.
•The water inlet is located at the same side as the outlet pipes. Attach the union and the
hose tail (20mm).
•We recommend a pump with a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 litres/hour for the water supply
or direct connection to the aquarium overflow.
•Fit the rubber sealing ring for the bayonet socket of the reaction pipe.
Push the foam cup into its seating and turn it to lock.
The drain from the skimmer has to run freely into the aquarium. A PVC pipe (40 mm dia) can
be glued into the drain ports. It is possible to let both drains flow into one pipe, but the
diameter of the pipe must not be reduced. If the drains are left separate, a reduction in pipe
size to 32mm is possible.
The skimmer can now be filled by pumping directly from the aquarium. Ensure that the water
level of the aquarium is not lowered too much. As soon as the water level in the skimmer
reaches the height of the venturi pumps, these pumps should be started.
Top up with sea water as necessary.

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After first use or after cleaning of the skimmer it takes some time for the initial foam to build
up in the reaction pipe of the collection cup. This is because the cleaned acrylic initially reacts
with the water until a build up of fatty acids naturally takes place.
After approx. 24 hours, the foam should be pushed slowly and evenly into the collection cup.
The quantity of liquid and organic substances depends on the pollution of the aquarium.
5. Maintenance
•Collection cup: Depending on the organic load the cup should be cleaned daily to weekly.
Reaction pipe: This needs to only occasional cleaning, we recommend intervals from 6 to 12
months.
•Venturi pump: The maintenance of the pump should be done at the same time as that of
the reaction pipe:
Drain the water out and dismantle the pump. Flush the pump housing and the needle
wheel with clean water.
The same should be done with the air injection nozzle.
6. Failures
Failures may arise if:
- the ratio between supplied air and the water volume is not correct.
Cause:
The air injection nozzle is clogged or the pump chamber containing the needle wheel is
dirty.
Action:
Dismantle the venturi pump, clean it thoroughly, carefully clean the air injection nozzle with
a
thin brush or blunt instrument and re-assemble the pump again.
- the venturi pump does not re-start after an interruption of the power supply.
Cause:
The water pressure is too high.
Action:
Let the water out up to the height of the pump to lower the water pressure. Re-
start the pump.
7. Warranty
This product is warranted for 24 months after date of purchase on material and production
defects by . Proof of purchase is required.
This warranty does not apply to units that are improperly installed, used for any other purpose
than that intended or modified in any way.
is not liable for any consequential losses resulting from the use of this
product.
We retain the right to alter the specification of this product at any time without prior notice.