 "Prizm Skimmers")
Whether you're an experienced aquarist looking to upgrade, or simply shopping for your first serious skimmer, the Prizm Deluxe's (9-1/8" x 13-7/8" high x 2-3/8" deep) compact size, powerful pump, and easy "hang-and-go" setup make it a great choice for the small-to-medium home aquarium. Features an 18-blade Turbo-Jet Air Impeller that quietly generates a constant stream of microbubbles in a homogeneous air/water mixture. Patented, 2-stage reaction chamber extends contact time while providing both co- and counter-current action, creating protein-rich, stable foam. Requires 2" of headroom for removable 17 oz. collection cup. Includes adjustable height surface skimmer, filtration media basket, and carbon. Please click on "More Information" for assembly instructions, maintenance, and troubleshooting solutions. |
| Introduction to Protein Skimming Protein skimming removes suspended or dissolved organic materials from the aquarium water by a mechanical process called foam fractionation. Organic materials consist of protein fragments and other waste produced by the living organisms in the marine aquarium. Since these compounds are potentially harmful to the aquarium inhabitants, rapid removal is essential. Waste products are surface-active substances (surfactants), which collect in a one-molecule-thick layer at the air/water surface. Inside a good Protein Skimmer, a very large air-water contact area is created by blowing numerous fine air bubbles into the seawater. Protein molecules and other organic matter collect on the surface of these bubbles. As the protein covered bubbles rise to the water surface of the skimmer, protein-rich foam is formed, which is pushed into the collection cup by the constant airflow. The great advantage of protein skimming lies in the fact that as waste material is removed, it is separated from the water flow. In contrast, the particulate matter collected in a mechanical filter stays in contact with the water flow, and if not removed, breaks down, thereby increasing the organic loading of the aquarium. The Prizm Principle of Operation The Prizm Pro Deluxe Skimmer consists of 4 basic components:
It is designed to either hang on the aquarium or to be installed next to or inside a sump. The Prizm Pro Deluxe combines an efficient 18-blade Turbo air/water injector together with Red Sea's patented convergent-divergent flow technology reaction chamber. Water and air are drawn into the skimmer through the inlet pipe by the 18-blade air/water mixer, which has been designed to generate the optimum ratio between the water/air flow rates, producing a constant stream of superfine air bubbles in a homogenous air/water mixture. The unique reaction chamber is divided into two compartments consisting of a convergent upward flow first stage, followed by a divergent downward flow second stage. The decreasing cross-sectional area of the convergent first stage causes great turbulence and extended contact time between the air bubbles and water. The increasing cross-sectional area of the divergent second stage causes the air bubbles to flow both co-and counter–current before arriving to the water's Surface. The combined action of the two compartments creates protein-loaded, stable foam at the throat of the skimmer, positively pushing dry foam up into the collection cup. The bubble-trap under the reaction chamber redirects any escaping air bubbles, ensuring that bubble free water is returned to the aquarium via the cascade. In addition, the bubble-trap acts as a mechanical filter by trapping small particulate matter, thus removing it from the water flow. The flow regulator located on the inlet pipe allows the skimmer's performance to be optimized for all aquarium conditions. Assembly Instructions To prevent breakage during shipping, the Prizm Pro Deluxe comes unassembled. Before using, familiarize yourself with the components by assembling and disassembling the unit as described below. To ensure watertight seals, the parts are connected with O-rings. Before assembling for the first time, wet the O-rings with water or use a small amount of lubricant such as cooking oil. Inlet Pipe & Pump Assembly The pump is supplied ready for installation; however, before use, familiarize yourself with the pump assembly by disassembling and reassembling as described below. The Pump Cover is connected to the Pump Body with a bayonet connector holding the Inlet Port in position. To remove the Pump Cover, rotate counter-clockwise and pull the cover away from the Pump Body. The Inlet Port is positioned by three locators on the Pump Body and sealed with an O-ring. To remove the Inlet Port, simply pull away from the Pump Body. The Rotor/Impeller assembly can be lifted out of the Pump Body. To reassemble, replace the Rotor/Impeller assembly, place the Inlet Port above the Pump Body, ensuring that the three locators are positioned correctly, and press down evenly. Place the Pump Cover above the Inlet Port, press the Pump Cover to the Pump Body while rotating the Pump Cover clockwise. If you experience difficulty in rotating the Pump Cover, check that the Inlet Port is positioned correctly. In addition to being the water inlet, the Inlet Pipe houses the Air Inlet Tube and Flow Regulator. To attach the Inlet Pipe to the Pump: Place the Inlet Pipe above the Pump, aligning the arrows on the Inlet Pipe with those on the Pump Cover. With small movements clockwise and counter-clockwise of a few degrees, push the Inlet Pipe downwards and lock the Inlet Pipe in position by rotating it clockwise 90 degrees. To attach the Inlet Pipe & Pump Assembly to the Main Body: Remove the Clamp from the Pump Support by pressing on the snap-lock release lever. Lay the Main Body flat on a horizontal surface with the Air/Water inlet towards you. Hold the Inlet Pipe & Pump Assembly in a vertical position. With small movements clockwise and counter-clockwise of a few degrees, push the Pump Outlet completely into the Air/Water Inlet of the main body. For Hang-on Installations: A strainer is provided on the aquarium side of the Inlet Pipe to prevent large particulate matter or livestock from inadvertently being sucked into the skimmer. Attach the strainer to the Inlet Pipe by aligning the pins on the inside of the Strainer with the slots on the outside of the Inlet Pipe. Push the Strainer onto the Inlet Pipe and rotate to lock into position. For Sump Installations: An Extension Pipe is provided on the aquarium side of the Inlet Pipe to allow for the lower water levels typical of a sump. Attach the Extension Pipe to the Inlet Pipe by aligning the pins on the inside of the Extension Pipe with the slots on the outside of the Inlet Pipe. Push the Extension Pipe onto the Inlet Pipe and rotate to lock into position. The O-ring located on the Inlet Pipe seals the joint. Collection Cup: An O-ring located on the Reaction Chamber Throat holds the Collection Cup in position above the Main Body. To remove/replace the Collection Cup, simply pull/push the Collection Cup with small back-and-forth rotations. The Collection Cup Cover is removed by pulling it upwards and away from the Collection Cup. The Collection Cup has a Drainage Port for the constant removal of waste. To connect a waste pipe, remove the Drain Plug from the Drainage Port. When not using a waste pipe, make sure that the Drainage Port is plugged. Prizm Pro Accessories Surface Skimmer: The adjustable height Surface Skimmer is an attachment to the Inlet Pipe (instead of the strainer) that directs the more protein-loaded water from the water surface of the aquarium into the skimmer. To connect the Surface Skimmer to the Inlet Pipe hold the Surface Skimmer below the Inlet Pipe. Align the notched rail on the Inlet Pipe with the slot on the Surface Skimmer. Press the ratchet lever outwards, towards the edge of the Surface Skimmer, and slide it up the Inlet Pipe. The correct position for the Surface Skimmer should be set once the Prizm Pro Deluxe is installed on the aquarium. Media Basket: The Media Basket allows for either chemical or biological filtration to be added to the Outlet Chamber of the Prizm Pro Deluxe Skimmer. To insert/remove the Media Basket, either remove the Collection Cup or rotate it by 90 degrees. The Media Basket sits on four pins near the top of the Water Outlet and is held in position by the Collection Cup. To open the Media Basket, press on the snap-lock located on the side of the basket and raise lid. Outlet Pipe Connector: The Outlet Pipe Connector provides the means to connect a flexible pipe to the water outflow so that it can be directed to the desired location. Attach the Outlet Pipe Connector to the Main Body by placing it under the water outlet and aligning the hole in the Outlet Pipe Connector with the lower threaded hole on the Main Body. Place the small screw through the hole in the Outlet Pipe Connector (from the backside) and lock the Outlet Pipe Connector in position by tightening the screw into the lower hole in the Main Body. Flexible tubing can be attached to the Outlet Pipe Connector outlet with a cable tie. Installation The Prizm Pro Deluxe is designed to be hung on the outside of the aquarium, or stood next to a sump with only the Inlet Pipe submersed in the aquarium water. The Pump is submersible and, therefore, the Prizm Pro Deluxe can be safely installed inside the sump. Select a position that allows for easy access to the Flow Regulator and a good view of either the front or back of the Reaction Chamber Throat. The Collection Cup should also be readily accessible, as it must be removed regularly for draining the collected waste or for periodic cleaning if a waste pipe is connected to the Drainage Port. When using the Extension Pipe, ensure that the water level is at least 2" (5 cm) above the bottom of the Extension Pipe with the Prizm Pro Deluxe in its desired position, using the Fixing Screw, provided in either of the threaded holes, to firmly attach it to the aquarium or sump wall. Operation & Priming Make sure the Inlet Pipe and Pump assembly have been installed correctly on the Main Body so that both connections are watertight. When assembling the Prizm Pro Deluxe for the first time, it is advisable to test the integrity of the seals by filling the Prizm Pro Deluxe with freshwater through the Reaction Chamber Throat while holding it above a sink.
Once the Inlet Pipe has filled with water (after priming) it will remain full of water even if the pump is switched off, therefore, the Prizm Pro Deluxe will function properly as soon as power is restored. In the event that the siphon on the Inlet Pipe is broken, the Prizm Pro Deluxe will have to be primed as described above. Adjust the height of the Surface Skimmer so that normal evaporation will not cause the water level in the aquarium to drop below the level of the strainer. Err on the side of caution (i.e. set the Surface Skimmer lower than you expect). Setting the Surface Skimmer too high may result in the water supply to the Prizm Pro Deluxe being cut off. Flow Adjustment Initially, adjust the flow with the Flow Regulator so that the water level in the Reaction Chamber Throat is approximately 1" (2.5 cm) below the O-ring, and there are no air bubbles in the water returning to the aquarium. Due to various aquarium conditions, the above setting may produce a wet instead of dry foam causing "over skimming," and wasting a lot of seawater. The performance of skimmers are affected by changes in the aquarium water chemistry, which occurs regularly due to feeding, addition of supplements, changes in salinity due to evaporation, changes in the bio-load, and general tank maintenance. Monitor the performance of the Prizm Pro Deluxe, making small adjustments to the flow as necessary. During approximately the first three days after installation, the Prizm Pro Deluxe may remove a lot of relatively light-colored waste. As the Prizm Pro Deluxe cleans up your tank, less, but more concentrated material will be skimmed off. The daily amount removed will generally stabilize, and the ideal flow setting for your aquarium will be established. Maintenance To ensure a high skimming efficiency, the following maintenance should be carried out on a regular basis:
Cleaning Inlet Pipe: Disassemble the Inlet Pipe by removing the Air Tube and Flow Regulator as described below and clean thoroughly with a bottlebrush. To Disassemble:
To Assemble:
All other parts of the Prizm Pro Deluxe should be cleaned periodically to remove settled organic matter that will decompose and pollute the aquarium. This will also prevent clogging and a loss of water pressure. Troubleshooting Problem: The Inlet Pipe does not fill with water.
Problem: Water is flowing through the Skimmer but there is no airflow. Problem: Water is flowing very slowly through the Skimmer. Problem: The Flow Regulator is fully open but the water level in the Reaction Chamber does not rise into the Reaction Chamber Throat. Problem: The Skimmer is producing a lot of diluted foam. Problem: The aquarium is full of micro bubbles or air mist. Problem: The Skimmer was working, but now there is no water in the Inlet Pipe. Problem: The bubbles in the Skimmer are too large. Problem: Particulate matter is collecting inside the Skimmer. Problem: The Skimmer is new (or just cleaned) and doesn't seem to be skimming properly. |
| Testimonial By: | Testimonial: | |
John Glendening III |
This skimmer really works well. I had one of these skimmers, and it was the best performing skimmer I have had. This skimmer really does well for all types of marine aquariums. Talk about getting lots of dissolved proteins out of the water. I had to empty the collection cup out alot at first because of all the waste left behind from my old skimmer. |
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Dusty C. |
After looking at other reviews and many sites on the internet, I decided to purchase the Prizm because of price and quality. Overall, I am very happy with the product. Once I had the water flow adjusted correctly the product really started to work. |
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Brian Wathen |
This is a great skimmer for the price. I have a brand new 75g tank and used to have a Berlin Turbo Skimmer that stopped producing bubbles. I cleaned it well. I don't know if the pump lost power or what. I like having one that's all one unit instead of one that requires a seperate pump. |
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Mike Startek |
I recently purchased this skimmer from Doctors Foster and Smith and I did not realize how much of a difference this makes on my nano-reef. It makes my water cleaner while removing large quantities of organic wastes. Thanks Doctors! |
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David Plants |
I just bought my second Pro. My first one is still the best that I have had for the money. It is on a 150 g tank and has been working constantly for the past year or so, my tank is as clear as glass. So when I bought a 125 g tank, it was no argument it is the second best skimmer I have ever bought. I am looking into setting up a 240g tank, and you guessed right, it will be a Prizm Pro again. |
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S.F. |
After much reading concerning skimmers on the web and forums I purchased this skimmer taking a chance as some web poster put it. It paid off. This skimmer performs just as well as some of the more expensive skimmers I've used in the past. In fact it performs well enough that I just purchased another for a new tank. Don't let the price fool you. Skimmers don't have to cost an arm and a leg to work. And this one works well folks! |
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Adam Williams |
This was the first skimmer that I bought, It works great! I thought that for the price that I paid, "there must be something better out there!" I bought a skimmer that cost at least twice as much and have not been impressed. The simple design and limited number of parts make this a winner in my book. For 75 gal. and less this is the skimmer for you! |
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Michael |
I replaced another skimmer on my 55 with the Prizm Deluxe and it did twice the job of the old skimmer. It takes a little fine tuning but the results are amazing. |
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Julia Timmons |
We have only had this skimmer on our reef tank for 24 hours and the transformation is amazing! We LOVE the versatility of the skimmer and the ease of use. We have experience using two 10 year old Berlin skimmers and were concerned by some of the reviews on these skimmers which said they were "hard to adjust." Our experience has been the opposite - this one is a DREAM to adjust. We have a 500 gallon touch tank with the older skimmers (school) and will be replacing those with these type skimmers as well. |
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Joe Orse |
I have a 30 gal. Installed the standard Prizm skimmer with the overflow cup. It works great. Needs some fine tuning. Just let it run for a few days and it will give you nice clear surface water. For the money it's the best one out there for a small tank. Give it some time and you will be happy, I am. |
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Matt Snitch |
This skimmer is awesome for smaller tanks. I had one running on my 37 gallon mixed reef tank for about two years. My only complaint was that it was a loud piece of equipment. I upgraded to a quieter model, and honestly, I kinda miss the Prizm. Great skimmer! |
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