Coralife skimmer warning

[GregW]

If the air intake hose is hanging below the waterline and you cut the power to the skimmer it will start draining your tank onto your floor. I just found out the hard way. . And don't tell me it says so in the directions.

 

[dave-ko]

Can you provide more specifics to the problem.
My brother-in-law just bought the ES33000 Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel 65gal and recently set it up. I haven't been by to see what it looks like but he has it installed in the sump.
Is there a fix for this problem?
Thanks, Dave

 

[Phyl]

Ouch, Greg. So sorry to hear about. Everyone survive the disaster, I hope?!

 

[GregW]

Dave,
There is a small canister called an air-inlet silencer at the at the end of the hose connected to the venturi chamber. If you leave it hanging below the water level and turn off the power to the skimmer, the water drains from the skimmer and forces water into the air hose and starts a siphon. By the way, the instructions tell you to make sure the silencer is above the water level. :-[

Phyl
Fortunately, since I was the one who unplugged it, I was right there to stop it. But if the breaker tripped when I wasn't there it would have been a disaster. About 15% of the water would have drain. Other than that I do like the skimmer.

 

[Subliminal]

I take it you went with the venturi model, rather than the needlewheel vs.

I just ordered the skimmer and it should be delivered tomorrow. I got the needlewheel one, though...

 

[GregW]

The needlewheel has a venturi.