AquaticLife KP-30 - User Manual

Macro Aqua DC Cone Skimmers Models: 510715, 510716, 510717
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide
For technical assistance or warranty issues, contact Aquatic Life at
customersupport@aquaticlife.com
OVERVIEW
Protein skimmers create thousands of tiny bubbles to eiciently remove organic waste materials from
the saltwater aquarium water. The air bubbles attract and condense these organics into foam and li it
to the collection cup for convenient removal.
These DC powered skimmers have adjustable motor speeds to help regulate the bubble production
and are designed to work with aquariums between 210 gallons and 660 gallons depending on the model.
The DC cone skimmers are designed to sit inside a sump and cannot be placed on a dry surface.
MODELS
SKU # Model # Dimensions
Light
Load
Medium
Load
Heavy
Load
TANK SIZE
510715 KP-30 8.00 x 6.75 x 20.5 in.
240 Gallons 180 Gallons 120 Gallons
510716 KP-60 9.25 x 7.75 x 22.75 in.
400 Gallons 240 Gallons 160 Gallons
510717 KP-90 11.25 x 10.00 x 24.75 in.
660 Gallons 405 Gallons 270 Gallons
#510716#510715
#510717
LIGHT Load MEDIUM Load HEAVY Load

Summary

Product Overview

Parts Diagram

Safety Instructions

Installation Guide

Skimmer Placement and Water Levels

Place skimmer in sump, maintaining 5-11.5 inches water level for consistent performance.

Electrical Connections and Setup

Connect controller, adapter, and power source, then install collection cup.

Initial Calibration and Adjustments

Calibrate bubble column height by adjusting water outlet dial and pump speed.

Fine-Tuning and Break-in

Adjust bubble height, pump speed, and manage break-in period for optimal skimming.

Operation Modes

Dry Skimming

Dry skimming produces dense foam, collecting dark, concentrated waste material.

Wet Skimming

Wet skimming produces thin foam, collecting light, diluted waste material.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily Maintenance

Check connections, leakage, function, and empty collection cup daily.

Periodic Maintenance

Clean skimmer with warm water; consider vinegar for pump if speed decreases.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Factors Affecting Skimming

Factors influencing foam type include water chemistry, feeding, and new additions.

No Microbubbles

Troubleshoot clogged air inlet/tubing or stuck pump impeller.

No Foam in Cup

Check for clogged inlets, low water level, or very clean water quality.

Excess Microbubbles

Adjust pump speed and bubble column height; allow break-in period.

Water Level Fluctuations & Overflow

Reduce water level, pump speed, check tubes, or adjust for water chemistry changes.

Limited Warranty Information

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Macro Aqua DC Cone Skimmers are designed to efficiently remove organic waste materials from saltwater aquariums. These protein skimmers operate by creating thousands of tiny air bubbles that attract and condense organic matter into foam, which is then lifted into a collection cup for convenient removal. The skimmers are specifically designed for use inside a sump and cannot be placed on a dry surface.

Function Description

The core function of the Macro Aqua DC Cone Skimmers is protein skimming, a filtration method essential for maintaining water quality in saltwater aquariums. The skimmer's DC-powered pump generates a stream of fine air bubbles that mix with the aquarium water in the main chamber. As these bubbles rise, they adhere to dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) and other waste materials. The cone shape of the skimmer body helps to concentrate these protein-laden bubbles, forming a dense foam at the top. This foam then overflows into a removable collection cup, effectively removing the organic waste from the aquarium system before it can break down and pollute the water.

The skimmers feature adjustable motor speeds, allowing users to regulate bubble production to suit the specific needs of their aquarium. This adjustability is crucial for optimizing skimming performance, as different aquarium conditions and bioloads require varying levels of bubble intensity. The water level adjustment dial further refines the skimming process by controlling the height of the bubble column within the main chamber, influencing whether the skimmer produces "dry" or "wet" foam.

Usage Features

The Macro Aqua DC Cone Skimmers are designed for ease of use and integration into a sump system.

• Sump Placement: The skimmers are intended to sit submerged within an aquarium sump. This design ensures proper water flow and prevents the unit from running dry.
• Water Level Requirements: For optimal operation, the skimmer requires a minimum water level of 5 inches and a maximum water level of 11.50 inches in the sump. Maintaining a consistent water level in the sump is vital for stable bubble height within the skimmer's collection cup cone. Fluctuating sump water levels can lead to inconsistent skimming performance.
• Controller and Speed Adjustment: The skimmer comes with a controller that allows users to power the unit on/off and adjust the pump speed. The speed level display on the controller indicates 8 total speeds, with each light representing two levels. This granular control over pump speed enables fine-tuning of bubble production and water intake.
• Water Level Adjustment Dial: A dedicated water level adjustment dial on the skimmer body allows users to control the water flow out of the skimmer. By turning this dial, the height of the bubble column inside the main chamber can be precisely set. This is critical for achieving the desired skimming consistency (dry or wet foam).
• Collection Cup: The removable collection cup is where the skimmed waste accumulates. It features a lid and a drain plug for easy emptying. The collection cup is designed to be pressed down and twisted to ensure a tight seal with the top O-ring, preventing leaks.
• Break-in Period: New protein skimmers require a break-in period, typically lasting up to two weeks. During this time, the skimmer needs manual adjustment, and microbubbles may initially enter the aquarium. It is recommended to run the pump at its highest speed initially and adjust the water outlet dial to keep the bubble column below the collection cup until it stabilizes. After the break-in, the bubble column height can be adjusted as needed.
• Operational Considerations: It is important to stop using the protein skimmer when adding chemicals, medication, or new rocks to the aquarium, as these can alter water chemistry and cause the skimmer to overflow.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the efficient and long-term operation of the Macro Aqua DC Cone Skimmers.

• Daily Maintenance:
  • Connection Check: Ensure all connections are secure and there is no leakage.
  • Performance Observation: Observe the skimmer's operation to confirm it is functioning properly and producing waste material.
  • Collection Cup Emptying and Cleaning: Check if the collection cup is full and empty the waste material as needed. Clean the collection cup to remove accumulated dirt and debris.
  • Air Inlet Check: Inspect the air inlet and air intake tube to ensure they are clean and free of dirt and debris, which can impede air flow and reduce skimming efficiency.
• Monthly or As-Required Maintenance:
  • Full Skimmer Cleaning: Clean the entire skimmer using warm fresh water. It is important not to use any chemical cleaning agents such as soap, detergents, alcohol, glass cleaners, polishers, or ammonia, as these can leave residues that are harmful to aquarium inhabitants and can negatively impact skimmer performance.
  • Pump and Impeller Cleaning: If the DC pump shows a noticeable decrease in speed, the pump and impeller can be bathed in vinegar. This helps to remove calcium deposits and other buildup that can hinder the impeller's rotation and reduce pump efficiency.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Always disconnect the unit from the power source before performing any maintenance or handling the skimmer with wet hands.
  • Never allow the pump to run dry, as this can cause damage and unit failure.
  • Always keep the pump submerged during operation.
  • Ensure a drip-loop is created in the power cord to prevent water from running down the cord to the power source.
  • For added safety, the device should be plugged into a grounded receptacle controlled by a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit breaker.
  • Ensure the unit is securely installed before operation.

The Macro Aqua DC Cone Skimmers are designed with user safety and ease of maintenance in mind, providing a reliable solution for maintaining pristine water quality in saltwater aquariums.

AquaticLife KP-30 Specifications

General

Membrane	75 GPD
Flow Rate	75 GPD
Hose Diameter	1/4 inch
Pre-filters	Sediment, Carbon Block
Post-filter	Carbon