CPR SR3 User manual

CPR Aquatic, INC•P.O. Box 1111•3749 West End Road, Arcata, CA 95521
CPR Technical Support [phone] • FAX [phone]
www.cprusa.com • [email protected]
SR3
WITH ACCELA PUMP
As the marine aquarium industry expands, so does the need for a simple yet efficient protein skimmer. The SR3
Venturi driven protein skimmer is designed for those who have limited sump space but want to add a protein skimmer
on a new system or supplement an existing filtration system.
To place your SR3 into operation:
1. Open the packaging carefully and inspect the unit for damaged or missing parts. You should have:
(1) SR3 body
(1) RVT Rejuvenation powerhead
(1) Collection cup assembly with lid and “O” ring
(1) Bio-Bale media
If any items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately.
2. Assemble the powerhead and insert it into the inlet hole as shown in the diagram (pg. 3 and 4). The end of the
airline must be kept out of the water at all times during operation. Insert the airline into the black clip located
near the top of the unit to help ensure that it does not get submerged.
3. Place the “O” ring around the collection cup and insert the collection cup assembly into the skimmer chamber.
4. Stand the whole unit in the sump portion of your system. The SR3 requires at least a space measuring 8.5” x 3”
with the pump in place. Fill the body with water until it is no longer buoyant and position the skimmer into place.
5. A small amount of Bio-Bale media should be placed down the last chamber of the SR3. This will reduce the
turbulence of the water returning to the sump. Be sure not to pack the media too tightly inside the chamber.
6. Plug in the RVT powerhead and allow the SR3 to run. At this point, it may be necessary to add water in the sump
to compensate for the water that is now in the skimmer.
7. We recommend that the base of the collection cup assembly be set about 1/8” below the water line in the skimmer
chamber. The base of the collection cup is the part of the collection cup that would touch a table when set down.
The quality of foam in the collection cup can be adjusted by sliding the “O” ring up or down. If the foam is too wet,
raise the collection cup by sliding the “O” ring down until the desired foam quality is achieved. If the foam is too
dry or no waste is collecting in the collection cup, lower the cup by sliding the “O” ring up.
Your SR3 is now operational

Problem: Cause and Solution:
Small air bubbles returning to the tank The surface tension of the water has been increased by the addition of additives,
medications, or conditioners. Disable the protein skimmer by submerging the airline
into the water (remove muffler first) for 24 hours while these additives are active in the
tank. Many products contain chemicals which will still be present in the aquarium after
24 hours. Running the protein skimmer as well as the use of activated carbon will help
to remove compounds which may be affecting surface tension.
The salinity may be too high.
The aquarium has just been cleaned or water has been changed. Synthetic salt mixes
often contain conditioners which increase the surface tension of the water. Bubbles
should disappear within 24 hours. Also check the silicate levels of your water.
The venturi air line is clogged with detritus or salt creep. This may increase the water
flow rate and possibly sweep the bubbles from the skimmer chamber back into the tank
before they can dissipate. The airlines should be cleaned regularly.
Bubbles escaping from the powerhead
into the sump. The rejuvenation plate is not set properly or is missing the small “O” ring that fits around the plate. Remove the plate and make sure no detritus or calcium buildup is
preventing proper installation of the plate and that the “O” ring is intact. Be sure not to
break or bend the two clips which hold the plate in place.
No waste collecting in collection cup. The collection cup is not low enough. See instructions for the correct height of the
collection cup.
The biological load may not be sufficient enough to generate significant waste. A new
tank or a tank with supplemental filtration may produce limited waste and skimmate.
Skimmer chamber is not filled with micro bubbles. See next issue.
The Accela pump is producing little or
no bubbles. An airline or muffler may be blocked. Detritus, calcium and salt will build up in these parts over time. Clean these parts regularly. Check the airline and pump for normal op-
eration. Also ensure airline is not submerged. If necessary, remove the pump from unit
for further testing.
The powerhead may need to be cleaned. If the powerhead becomes clogged with
organic or calcified material, the flow rate and the air intake rates may decrease. Follow
the instructions included with your powerhead for regular cleaning. Soaking the pump
in a diluted vinegar bath may also help break down calcified material.
Tank has high ammonia or nitrite
readings. Your tank may not have completed the nitrogen cycle.
Trouble Shooting
Before calling CPR’s Technical Support, please take some time to look over this trouble-
shooting guide. Most of the problems associated with the performance of the
SR3 are due to improper maintenance of the venturi powerhead.
Cleaning the powerhead at least once a month will ensure
optimal performance of the SR3.

REMOVAL AND CLEANING OF YOUR POWERHEADS
1) Slide the powerhead out of the inlet of the SR3 protein skimmer.
2) Remove the air line by pulling away from the powerhead.
3) Remove the base plate by lining up the flat portion to the locking guide. Pull the base plate straight away
from the powerhead as the impeller may be attached to it.
4) Wash all parts under warm tap water. Do not use any detergents. Make sure that the air nipple and the
air line is clear of any foreign matter, calcium buildup or salt creep before reassembling.
5) Reassemble the powerheads and place them back on your SR3 protein skimmer.
SR3

Powerhead
Collection Cup
O-Ring
(around cup)
Bio-Bale
(not shown)