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IceCap K3 200/250 HOB Skimmer Instructions

IceCap K3 200/250 HOB Skimmer Instructions

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Thank You for Your IceCap Purchase

We appreciate your confidence in our IceCap product. If for any reason you are missing, have an issue with the product, or just have a simple question please contact our support staff at support.coralvue.com. The IceCap K3 HOBs are the latest in Hang On the Back Skimmers sporting the new controllable DCair pump. These instructions are dedicated for the IceCap K3 200 and K3 250 HOB skimmers.

Pre-Installation Inspection

All IceCap HOB models are packaged complete, with all necessary components that are required to operate the unit. When unpacking your new IceCap skimmer take a complete component inventory to ensure that all parts are included and nothing is damaged. Locate, inspect and familiarize yourself with all components supplied with your IceCap skimmer. It is essential that the unit be carefully handled and inspected before installing and operating.

1. Lid

2. Collection Cup

3. Mounting Bracket

4. Intake Screen

5. Output Valve

6. Air Silencer

7. Airline

8. Skimmer Body

9. Output Elbow

10. Air Intake Venturi Elbow

11. Pump Connection Unions

12. Skimmer Pump

13. Pump Controller

14. Power Supply

Skimmer assembly

For the most part, the skimmer comes nearly preassembled. Here is a quick overview on how to properly assemble and operate your new K3-200/250 HOB Hang on Back Skimmer:

Mount the Pump to the Skimmer Body

Start by ensuring the two pre-installed O-rings are in place prior to installing the pump to the skimmer body. The two orings are located within the male unions on the intake and output plumbing of the pump. Align the connection unions to the grey female nuts located at the bottom of the skimmer body and hand tighten to seal. The blue oring goes to the bottom of the skimmer body while the union with the black oring attaches to the intake plumbing.

Install the Silencer and Attach the Airline Tubing

Insert the bottom tube of the air silencer into its holder at the top of the skimmer body and attach one end of the silicone airline tubing to the venturi and the other to the silencer.

Install the Intake Screen and Output Valve

Align the hole of the blue intake screen to the bare intake pipe and carefully push the pipe in. Then insert the cut side of the output valve into the output tee of the skimmer body. The marked portion of the valve indicates the open side of the valve. We suggest that you permanently make a mark at this point using nail polish or a permanent marker for future reference.

Hang the Skimmer to Side of Aquarium

Once assembled, place the skimmer body onto the rim of the aquarium and use the two adjustable nylon screws to level the skimmer body to the side of the tank. Be sure not to over-tighten the thumbscrews.

Fill The Skimmer and Check for Leaks

Manually fill the skimmer with water from the aquarium until water flows backs into the tank and check for leaks. Be sure the output valve is in the open position and proceed to place the collection cup onto the skimmer.

Mount and Connect the Pump Controller to the Skimmer Pump

The Power Supply is not waterproof and should never be mounted over water. Do not submerge the power supply in water or bury where heat and moisture can be retained. With the convenient mounting clip on the top of the power supply and a screw or cup hook (not included), mount the power supply out of the way but within range of the skimmer itself. Be sure proper drip loops are in place to prevent water from traveling to the controller or power supply. Attach the pump and power supply to the appropriate connections on the controller.

Power, Prime, and Operate

With the airline kinked or capped, plug in the power cord from the power supply to an electrical socket. Be sure a drip loop is in place and run the pump at power level 10. Continue to hold the airline closed until all trapped air has been purged and a full siphon has formed. Release the airline once you see no bubbles running in the skimmer chamber. If this doesn't appear to work, briefly suck out the air trapped within the intake plumbing.

Breaking in the Skimmer

Now that the skimmer is properly installed and running, You should allow the skimmer to break in for a minimum of 2 weeks. During this initial break-in period, water will slowly wash off all inert oils that come directly from factory handling as well as coat the inner walls of the skimmer with live bacteria. Be sure to leave the skimmer valve mostly open (Two red dots above each other) during this period and do not attempt to tune the skimmer, doing so too early may result in inconsistent performance and possible overflow.

Once the break-in period has passed, you can tune the skimmer to your aquarium by simply turning the output valve clockwise until you obtain pea-size bubbles at the point where the collection cup meets the skimmer body. Allow the skimmer to acclimate to the new setting for 24 hours before making further adjustments. The more you close the output valve, the wetter the collection will become. Excess air exiting the output of the skimmer is normal and will dissipate as the skimmer breaks in.

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