Coralife Super Skimmers User manual

Super Skimmers
Instructions
Coralife®
A product of Central Aquatics
(Division of Central Garden & Pet)
Franklin, WI 53132
888.255.4527 coralifeproducts.com
Coralife®is a registered trademark of Central Garden & Pet
© 2010 Central Garden & Pet
Please read these instructions in
their entirety before attempting
to use this product.
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The pumps used with the Coralife 65G, 125G and 220G
Super Skimmers are listed by Underwriters Laboratories
to ensure that they meet the stringent U.S. and Canadian
safety requirements.

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed when
operating the unit.
WARNING
1. Never connect the Coralife Super Skimmer to any power source while
hands are wet.
2. Always unplug the unit from outlet or power source before installing,
replacing parts or doing product maintenance.
3. Never allow pump to run dry. Always keep pump submerged during
operation. Failure to keep pump submerged while in use may damage the
unit and/or cause unit failure.
4. Always leave a drip-loop in the pump cord to prevent water from running
down the length of the cord and reaching the power source or outlet.
5. For added safety, the pump should be plugged into a grounded three-
prong receptacle controlled by a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) circuit
breaker.
6. Make sure that the Super Skimmer is securely installed before operating.
PRE-INSTALLATION SETUP
NOTE: Prepare at least 5 gallons of “make-up water” to replace water
used by the Super Skimmer. (P2)
HANG-ON TANK MOUNT PLACEMENT
1. Allow a minimum 8" clearance between the aquarium and the wall.
NOTE: Hang-on tank mounting bracket for up to 1.125" tank mouldings.
2. Ensure that there is adequate unobstructed space for the pump inside the
aquarium (9"L x 4"W x 5"H).
SUMP HOOK-UP PLACEMENT
1. Verify that there is adequate
space for the super skimmer
in/or outside of the sump
(12"L x 10"W).
2. Allow a minimum 1" clearance
between the underside of
the stand and the top of the
skimmer. Make sure there is
enough space to remove/slide
the collection cup out of the
sump.
POWER
SUPPLY
CORD
DRIP
LOOP
AQUARIUM
TANK
PARTS DIAGRAM 1.0
Collection Cup Lid
Collection Cup
O-Ring
Main Chamber
1 x - 0.75" Screw
3 x - 1.125" Screw
Output Tubing
Air-inlet Silencer
with Tubing
(0.25" I.D. clear)
Venturi Chamber
Debris Strainer
Mounting Bracket J
(Model 65 only)
Mounting Bracket F
(Model 65 only)
Sponge (Black)
(Model 65 only)
Filter Pad (White)
(Model 65 only)
Bubble-production
Diffuser (Model 65 only)
Round Diffuser
Sponge
(Model 125 & 220 only)
Collection Cup
Drain Plug
(Model 125 & 220 only)
Collection Cup
Drain Tubing
(0.25" I.D. clear)
(Model 125 & 220 only)
Flow Control Valve
(Model 65 only)
Long Flexible Tubing
(0.625" I.D.)
Short Flexible Tubing
(0.625" I.D.)
Water Pump
(650 - 750 gph)

INSTALLATION SETUP
BUBBLE-PRODUCTION DIFFUSER SETUP
(Model 65 only)
1. Load filter pad (white) into bubble-production diffuser. (2.0)
2. Place sponge (black) on top of filter pad (white).
3. Insert mounting bracket into the slot located at the back of the bubble-
production diffuser.
NOTE: Identify the type of molding on aquarium or sump and select
the correct mounting bracket. (2.1)
COLLECTION CUP SETUP
(Model 65 only)
1. Place o-ring into o-ring groove in top opening of main chamber.
2. Align collection cup threaded ring with the top opening on main chamber.
3. Twist collection cup threaded ring clockwise and tighten. Make sure that
the connection is secure between both the collection cup and
main chamber.
COLLECTION CUP SETUP
(Model 125 & 220 only)
1. Attach the collection cup lid to collection cup. (2.2)
2. Attach collection cup drain plug onto collection cup drain or attach
collection cup tubing for an optional drain line.
NOTE: Collection cup drain line prevents overflow when attached
to a large capacity receptacle.
3. Place o-ring into o-ring groove in top opening of main chamber.
4. Align collection cup threaded ring with the top opening on main chamber.
5. Twist collection cup threaded ring clockwise and tighten. Make sure that
the connection is secure between both the collection cup and
main chamber.
Collection Cup
Drain Plug Attachment
Collection Cup
Drain Tubing Attachment
Collection Cup
Drain Plug
Collection Cup
Drain Tubing
1.125"
Screw
Sponge
(Black)
Filter Pad
(White)
Bubble-production
Diffuser
Mounting
Bracket F
Mounting
Bracket F
OR
Mounting
Bracket J
Mounting
Bracket J
MouldingMoulding
GlassGlass
.75"
Screw
Collection Cup
Lid
Collection Cup
Collection Cup
Threaded Ring
O-Ring
O-Ring Groove
Main Chamber
SIDE VIEW (Model 65 only) 2.0
SIDE VIEW 2.1
SIDE DETAIL 2.2

INSTALLATION SETUP
HANG-ON MOUNT INSTALLATION SETUP
NOTE: Saltwater may need to be added to the aquarium
to replace water used by the super skimmer.
1. Locate desired area to place skimmer.
2. Attach short flexible tubing onto chamber intake. (3.0)
3. Attach water pump (with Flow Control Valve on Model 65)
to flexible tubing.
NOTE: Make sure all tubing connections are secured.
4. Hang main chamber skimmer bracket at desired location on aquarium.
WARNING: Do not submerse in water or obstruct airway
passage through air-inlet silencer.
5. Attach output tubing onto water output with vent hole facing up. (3.1)
6. Attach bubble-production diffuser onto aquarium. (3.2)
NOTE: Adjust bubble-production diffuser mounting bracket. Top of
bubble-production diffuser must be .25" min. above water line.
7. Insert the output tubing into bubble-production diffuser sponge
(black). (3.2)
NOTE: Trim output tubing or adjust bubble-production diffuser height to
allow a 1" min. space inside the sponge (black) to prevent micro-bubbles.
8. Tighten screws on main chamber skimmer bracket and bubble-production
diffuser bracket.
Water
Output
Main
Chamber
Water-level
Adjustment Dial
Short
Flexible Tubing
(0.625" I.D.)
Flow Control Valve
(Model 65 only)
Water Pump
(650-750 gph)
Output Tubing
Output Tubing
Bubble-production
Diffuser
Vent Hole
Water Output
Water Line
Water Line .25"
1"
.25"
Water LineWater Line
Black Sponge
Filter Pad (White)
Collection Cup
Assembly
Chamber
Intake
FRONT VIEW 3.0
SIDE DETAIL (Model 125) 3.1
SIDE DETAIL (Model 65) 3.2

INSTALLATION SETUP
IN-SUMP INSTALLATION SETUP
NOTE: Saltwater may need to be added to the aquarium
to replace water used by the Super Skimmer.
1. Locate desired area to place skimmer.
2. Attach long flexible tubing onto chamber intake. (4.0)
3. Attach water pump (650 - 750 gph) to flexible tubing.
NOTE: Make sure all tubing connections are secured.
4. Place Super Skimmer inside/outside sump at desired location.
NOTE: Add saltwater to skimmer to prevent from floating
in the sump.
WARNING: Do not submerse in water or obstruct airway
passage through air-inlet silencer.
5. Attach output tubing onto water output with vent hole
facing up. (4.1)
6. Place round diffuser sponge into sump. (4.2)
Collection Cup
Assembly
Water
Output
Chamber
Intake
Main
Chamber
Water-level
Adjustment Dial
Long
Flexible Tubing
(0.625" I.D.)
Water Pump
(650-750 gph)
Output Tubing
Output Tubing
Round Diffuser
Sponge
Water Output
Water Line
1"
Black Sponge
.25"
MIN.
Water Line
FRONT VIEW 4.0
SIDE DETAIL 4.1
FRONT DETAIL 4.2

OPERATION
PRE-OPERATION
1. Make sure that all tubing connections are tightly secured.
2. Verify that collection cup and lid are tightly fastened and sealed to the
main chamber.
3. Make sure that the air-inlet silencer is above the water.
NOTE: Do not obstruct air flow into air-inlet silencer.
4. Check water-level adjustment dial and make sure it is in the open
position. (5.0)
INITIAL OPERATION
1. Plug water pump (650 - 750 gph) into an outlet or power source.
NOTE: Inspect connections for leaks and make sure that the water
is flowing through the unit.
2. Adjust water-level adjustment dial so that the micro-bubbles are below
the collection cup cone. Let the pump run for 24 - 72 hours to “break-in”
the unit. (5.1) Use flow control valve for coarse water level adjustment
with Model 65. Use water level adjustment dial for fine adjustment.
NOTE: Initial operation of protein skimmer may produce excess bubbles
and waste. Allow collection cup to fill-up and discard waste-water until
production decreases.
OPERATION
1. Turn water-level adjustment dial to raise water level within the main
chamber and cone to desired skimming operation.
DRY SKIMMING OPERATION (5.2)
1. Adjust micro-bubbles to .25" - .75" high inside collection cup cone.
NOTE: Dry skimming will produce a dense foam layer which rises
to the top of the cone where it collects until the dry foam overflows
into the collection cup.
RESULTS:
1. Dry foam (froth)
2. Dark, concentrated waste material (Less Volume)
WET SKIMMING OPERATION (5.3)
1. Adjust micro-bubbles to .75" - 3" high inside collection cup cone.
NOTE: Wet skimming will produce a thin bubble layer which rises
to the collection cup lid where it bursts and slides down the collection
cup as wet wastewater.
RESULTS:
1. Wet foam
2. Light, diluted waste material (More Volume)
Closed Position
Turn dial to adjust
water level
Opened Position
Collection Cup
Dry Foam
(Froth)
Collection Cup Cone
Micro Bubbles
Micro Bubbles
Waste Materials
TOP VIEW 5.0
SIDE VIEW 5.1
DRY SKIMMING 5.2
WET SKIMMING 5.3

MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
SAFETY: Always disconnect needle-wheel pump from power
supply before removing collection cup or cleaning unit.
WARNING: Only clean with warm fresh water. Do not use any
type of chemical cleaning agent to clean the skimmer. These
include, but not limited to, soap, detergents, alcohol, glass
cleaners, polishers, ammonia, etc.
1. To operate efficiently, the Super Skimmer must be in use 24
hours a day.
DAILY MAINTENANCE
1. Make sure all connections are secure.
2. Observe to see if skimmer is functioning properly and producing
waste material.
NOTE: Skimmer may need to be adjusted accordingly due
to variables in water quality and fluctuations.
3. Check to see if the collection cup is full and empty waste
material.
4. Check water outlet vent hole to make sure it is clear of dirt
and debris.
5. Check air-inlet silencer and make sure it is clean and free of dirt
and debris.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
1. Clean the collection cup and neck of organic build up.
2. Clean or replace the sponge and filter from the bubble
production diffuser.
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE
1. Clean water pump.
NOTE: Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions for
component’s proper installation, operation and maintenance.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: Variables that affect skimming to produce dry
or wet foam are:
a. New Fish or Invertebrates
b. Frequent Feeding
c. Change in Water Chemistry
d. Supplements and Medication
e. Water Quality
f. Water Fluctuations/Evaporation
g. Addition of “Make-up” Water
h. Water Changes
i. Maintenance
j. Inserting hands in the tank
1. No microbubbles produced inside the skimmer.
a. The air-inlet silencer is clogged.
b. Pump is not plugged in.
2. No foam produced inside collection cup.
a. Adjust water level inside the skimmer.
b. New skimmer may take up to 72 hrs. to adjust properly
to aquarium system.
3. Water pump is not working.
a. Check to make sure power is supplied.
NOTE: Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions for
component’s proper installation, operation and maintenance.
4. Skimmer water level fluctuates (pulses).
a. The output tubing air vent hole is clogged causing the
skimmer to create a siphon.
b. Output tubing is too deep inside of bubble trap. Cut output
tubing and allow a 1" space inside the sponge (black).
5. Water is rapidly overflowing into collection cup.
a. Reduce water level in the skimmer. Water level may be too
high.
b. Make sure water is flowing through output tubing. Bubble
production diffuser may be clogged, blocking water flow.
c. Changes in water chemistry. Readjust water-level adjustment
dial to lower water level in skimmer.
d. Output tubing is pushed against white filter pad in bubble-
production diffuser. Allow 1" of space between bottom of
output tubing and filter pad (white).

12 Month Limited Warranty
WHAT THE WARRANTY COVERS:
Central Aquatics (Company) warrants this Coralife product (see Exclusions below) to the original purchaser against defective
material and workmanship that occurs during normal in-home use for 12 months from date of purchase. Company will, at
Company’s option, either repair or replace same without charge (but no cash refunds will be made). This warranty is limited
to replacement or repair of product only and does not cover loss of aquarium life, personal injury, property loss, or damage
arising from the use of the product. You must retain original proof of purchase to validate this warranty.
EXCLUSIONS:
1. Damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, subjecting the product to any but the specified
electrical service, other than the normal and ordinary use of the product, subjecting the product to abnormal working
conditions or any other failure not resulting from defects in materials or workmanship.
2. Damage resulting from modification, tampering with or attempted repair by anyone other than the Company.
3. Transfer of product to someone other than the original consumer or purchaser.
WHAT YOU MUST DO TO ENFORCE WARRANTY:
Contact the Company by telephone:
888-255-4527
Or contact the Company by writing:
Central Aquatics
5401 West Oakwood Park Drive, Franklin, WI 53132
Attn.: Warranty
You must pay any postage, shipping charges, insurance costs and other expenses to return the product along with the
original cash register receipt to Central Aquatics. However, if the necessary repairs are covered by the warranty, Company
will pay the return shipping charges to any destination within the United States or Canada.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES: THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY
FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. THIS WRITING CONSTITUTES THE
ENTIRE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF; NO WAIVER OR AMENDMENT
SHALL BE VALID UNLESS IN WRITING SIGNED BY THE COMPANY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation
or exclusion may not apply to you.
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