Can the Typhoon fit onto tanks that have a large lip around the top of the tanks as do many acrylic and European style tanks?
Answer: Yes , the over the tank arms are made so that the unit can reach across up to 5.5" inches of tank lip.
What tools do I need to install the skimmer?
Answer: You may need a sharp knife or hacksaw to cut the tank arms to the proper length
What should I expect to see when the skimmer is running?
Answer: The body of the skimmer should be opaque with air bubbles. Keep in mind that about the bottom 1/4 to 1/3 of the skimmer should not be solid air bubbles. This area is where the air / water mixture begins to seperate preventing ALL of the bubbles from going back into your tank. Midway up the body and in the concentrator top however the body should be filled with air bubbles. The concentrator top should have a layer of stabile foam laying on the surface of the water, and then layers of foam being lifted, dried, and ejected. Keep in mind that in some tanks a skimmer may take two or even three days to season itself and kick in, again this is normal. ( click here to see a video clip of the foam action in the concentrator top of the skimmer)
Are these units able to be installed hanging on a sump?
Answer: We do not recommend this.
Is everything in the box that I need?
Answer: All but the waste hose, there are so many different installations requiring different lengths of tubing that we are unable to guess how to provide this. You will need a length of 1/2" x 5/8 vynil hose in the length to reach your skimmer down to where ever you plan to put your waste jug (a 1 gallon milk jug works nicely).
How do I clean the skimmer?
Answer: The only part of the skimmer that should require regular cleaning is the concentrator top. This can be removed and simply rinsed with warm water. You may occasionally wish to disassemble the main body for cleaning and this can be done by removing the entire core of the skimmer (see instruction manual). You should also periodically clean the venturi to keep it operating at top efficiency. (follow venturi cleaning instructions carefully or you may damage your venturi).
I have noticed that I do not get as many bubbles in the skimmer as I once did, what could be wrong?
Answer: The most common cause is a dirty or damaged venturi. To clean the venturi remove it and soak it in regular house hold vinegar for about an hour. You can use a Q Tip or something soft in the ends to remove dirt. DO NOT USE A BRUSH OR ANYTHING THAT COULD SCRATCH THE INSIDE AS THIS CAN DESTROY THE VENTURI.
After soaking rinse well and install on the skimmer.
Is the skimmer available in voltages for other countries?
Answer: Yes, at present we manufacture units with 120 volt U.S. style plugs, 230 volt with European plugs, and 230 volt U.K. plugs
Will the skimmer pass any bubbles back into the tank?
Answer: Yes a few, any hang-on skimmer will pass a few we will not tell fibs about this as do some manufacturers. However this unit passes very little. Also the return nozzle creates a fan effect and sends the water back to the surface of the tank. This serves to both make surface agitation and flow but also keeps bubbles from mixing into the tank. The following link is to a PDF file link which will help trouble shoot the problem. "Trouble shooting air bubbles"
I have just set up my skimmer and I seem to be getting a lot of bubbles in the tank and no foam or waste is this normal?
Answer: Actually, yes, it may take two to three days depending upon the tank for the skimmer to season itself and settle down. Give it a few days and then if the problem persists contact customer service.
I am getting a leak at one of the threaded connections?
This is rare, but can happen. If it is one of the joints that you assembled, or a preassembled joint, the fix is easy. Simply unthread the joint and reteflon the thread with the thread sealing teflon tape we provide with each unit. We STRONGLY suggest you view the video clip "how to apply teflon tape" many people may feel that they are familiar with the process but may get it wrong. Please view the video clip.