Jan 29, 2016
jose j jimenez
wrote
I set up my new skimmer in the sump. I upgrade using everything from old reef tank. I am new to skimmers. I fallow instructions and put it in sum, once i put it to work, the cup fill up right away and its been overflowing for almkst a week. It said should be in 7-9 inches of water and now its at 5.5 i had it at 9 before and it did the same. There is only foam cumming out and the return vaul is all the way open. Any way i can fix this?
Reply
8 Answers
Jan 29, 2016
Carlos
agent
wrote
There are several common reasons a protein skimmer will overflow but the most common is a chemical within the water itself.
Chemical Reaction - Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to over produce foamate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are, red slime remover, medications, reef/frag putties (epoxy Putty) frag glues, water conditioners, dechlorinators, stress coat, NEW filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria (seeding) additives as well as other dosing medias. In order to remove these chemicals from the water column we suggest that you do several 20% water changes over the period of a month and add a good amount of fresh activated carbon to the system and change out every week till the skimmer has returned to normal operation.
Water level in sump - It is important that you place your skimmer in the proper water level. It is also important that the output of the skimmer is not submerged under water unless it is properly vented.
Inner water level - If your inner water level is set too high the slightest change in your water chemistry can cause your skimmer to over flow. We suggest that your inner water level to be set at no higher than the collar where the cup meets the body.
Blockage - The air intake otherwise known as the venturi, is like small vacuum pulling air from the surrounding environment. Often collecting dust and debris from the air which can block the proper amount of air to enter the pump increasing the water being pulled by the pump. It is also common for saltcreap to build up in the venturi and will need to be removed manually by scraping it away or dissolving in a solution of vinegar and water. Make sure you inspect the air venture, silencer and air hose for any debris or salt creep deposits. Also be sure the air hose is not bent or too long preventing proper air flow into the pump.
Chemical Reaction - Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to over produce foamate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are, red slime remover, medications, reef/frag putties (epoxy Putty) frag glues, water conditioners, dechlorinators, stress coat, NEW filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria (seeding) additives as well as other dosing medias. In order to remove these chemicals from the water column we suggest that you do several 20% water changes over the period of a month and add a good amount of fresh activated carbon to the system and change out every week till the skimmer has returned to normal operation.
Water level in sump - It is important that you place your skimmer in the proper water level. It is also important that the output of the skimmer is not submerged under water unless it is properly vented.
Inner water level - If your inner water level is set too high the slightest change in your water chemistry can cause your skimmer to over flow. We suggest that your inner water level to be set at no higher than the collar where the cup meets the body.
Blockage - The air intake otherwise known as the venturi, is like small vacuum pulling air from the surrounding environment. Often collecting dust and debris from the air which can block the proper amount of air to enter the pump increasing the water being pulled by the pump. It is also common for saltcreap to build up in the venturi and will need to be removed manually by scraping it away or dissolving in a solution of vinegar and water. Make sure you inspect the air venture, silencer and air hose for any debris or salt creep deposits. Also be sure the air hose is not bent or too long preventing proper air flow into the pump.
Jan 29, 2016
jose j jimenez
wrote
Everything i check and havent use any chemicals. I try calling and seems they never pick up the calls or call back.
Jan 29, 2016
Carlos
agent
wrote
The calls are returned in the order in which they arrive so if we have not called you back yet, that means that we have not gotten to your turn yet. But what you describe is happening is a chemical issue. There is something in the water that was added (not on purpose) that is causing the water to foam up more than usual. You need to remove the chemical from the water by doing water changes and running carbon. As the chemical is removed, the skimmer will go back to normal.
Jan 29, 2016
jose j jimenez
wrote
If i use seachem prime conditioner. Will that affect the skimmer?
Jan 30, 2016
jose j jimenez
wrote
I heard this skimmer is one of the best. But seems its doing the same. I replace all water with fresh rodi salt water and still does the same. I have no idea what i need to do and so depressing that i have call the number they have here and they never pick up the phone or call back been waiting since last week and nothing. Before i have only use prime, but all local fish store told me they dont use rodi and that they use prime conditioner and they never have a problem with skimmer. Been running for 2 weeks now and still the same water level i chance to many different position clean it and still does the same. And no one really helps. Everyone i have talk to say they usually work within 1 to 2 hrs of installing.
Feb 01, 2016
Carlos
agent
wrote
The prime conditioner will cause the issue you are having. It is a type of dechlorinator that will cause the skimmer to foam up. You will need to stop using it and then do water changes with RODI filtered water (no need to treat that water, just add salt) until the chemical is removed from the water column. Once the chemical is gone, the skimmer will return to normal operations.
Mar 01, 2016
jose j jimenez
wrote
Skimmer works for about 15min and skims green stuff. But then overflows, but not as it was at first, does it means that the water conditioner is almost gone? Hopefully
Mar 01, 2016
Carlos
agent
wrote
That would be a question for the company that makes the water conditioner. The only way to remove it so to make water changes and run carbon. After a while, the skimmer will go back to normal when the agent is removed from the system.