Nov 02, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
hi i just purchased this classic 1000 reef octopus hang on back skimmer and the first time a plugged it in it worked perfect i even did my research and made sure it was assembled properly. when i went to move it from the front to the back of my tank after it seemed to be stable or broken in, it overflowed every time. it would overflow just about every time on start up, except for a few times. this is a huge problem for me because i live in an apartment i definitely can't be having this skimmer pumping my tank water out on to the floor when i'm not home, in such case that the power goes out. it has already cost me two very large power bars due to the water damage. i need to know how to fix this or i'm going to have to return it for sure. i went with this particular model because its a good name brand and it met all my tanks needs. the skimmer itself is a great skimmer worked great while operating, but every time you turn it off to do a water change or anything it overflows. its almost like the return tube is almost isn't big enough to handle the water that the pump put in on start up. i do really like this skimmer i would just like to know how to fix this?
Reply
26 Answers
Nov 03, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
If the skimmer is overflowing when it starts up, then it has to do with priming the skimmer? Did you prime the skimmer?
To prime the skimmer do the following:
1. Turn off skimmer
2. Remove air silencer
3. With your thumb, plug the air hose so no air gets pulled into the skimmer
4. Turn on the skimmer
5. Let the skimmer fill up and run for a few minutes while keeping an eye on the inside and outflow of the skimmer. There should not be any air bubbles coming in/out of the skimmer. If you do, there may be an air leak and you need to tighten up the joints (manually, never use tools)
6. Once there is only water going in and out of the skimmer and it does not overflow (as it should not), then you can release the air hose and let air back into the skimmer.
7. Install the air silencer back and make sure you mount it up above water level.
Let me know if you have any other questions and I will be more than happy to assist you.
To prime the skimmer do the following:
1. Turn off skimmer
2. Remove air silencer
3. With your thumb, plug the air hose so no air gets pulled into the skimmer
4. Turn on the skimmer
5. Let the skimmer fill up and run for a few minutes while keeping an eye on the inside and outflow of the skimmer. There should not be any air bubbles coming in/out of the skimmer. If you do, there may be an air leak and you need to tighten up the joints (manually, never use tools)
6. Once there is only water going in and out of the skimmer and it does not overflow (as it should not), then you can release the air hose and let air back into the skimmer.
7. Install the air silencer back and make sure you mount it up above water level.
Let me know if you have any other questions and I will be more than happy to assist you.
Nov 03, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
I did prime the skimmer and now it over flows regardless of whether its completely blocked off from air or when the silencer is on. Nothing is blocking the output.
Nov 03, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Do you have pictures of the skimmer in action or maybe a short video that we can take a look at? Feel free to attach it to this thread.
Nov 03, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
And now it doesn't even give me a chance to even try primeing it, it just overflows first thing.
Nov 03, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Do you have a small container where you can plug in the skimmer (not the tank) with some regular newly made salt water (not water from the tank)?
Nov 03, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
Its not the water itself. It has something to do with the unit.
Nov 03, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
It is the water. Skimmers do not over foam just for the sake of it. The pump is an AC pump so it only has one speed. Please run the skimmer on a container with brand new salt water and you will see that the skimmer will work fine there.
Nov 03, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
Its doesn't over foam. It literally overflows out of the output chamber onto the floor. The input chamber is fine.
Nov 03, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
The Classic 1000 is one of our best selling skimmers and it is pretty much hands free. It has also been out on the market for quite some time. If there was something wrong with the output plumbing on the unit that it would make it overflow, we would have heard of it by now.
Are you using the filter sponges? If so, please remove them. Also, please check that all plumbing is clear of any obstructions. If algae or something got pulled into the skimmer and stuck in one of the pipes, it can definitely reduce the output of the skimmer at which point the skimmer will overflow.
Are you using the filter sponges? If so, please remove them. Also, please check that all plumbing is clear of any obstructions. If algae or something got pulled into the skimmer and stuck in one of the pipes, it can definitely reduce the output of the skimmer at which point the skimmer will overflow.
Nov 03, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
Do you have to prime the skimmer every time it losses power?
Nov 03, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
When the skimmer is new, you probably will need to. Once the skimmer has properly broken in then usually you don't have to. This is always assuming that your joints are properly sealed and no air is being pulled into the plumbing.
Nov 03, 2014
Aaron Guy
wrote
I just don't want to have this problem if I'm out somewhere and the power goes out and returns.
Mar 16, 2015
David Pike
wrote
I have a brand new Classic 1000-HB and am having a similar issue. I set the skimmer up while watching the website video. My first issue is that the surface water degreasing cup does not rise high enough and I have to run the aquarium water limit about one inch low (which is not visibly desirable) for the surface water degreaser cup to sit properly per the video. My second issue is it appears the discharge defoaming device ( part X) is is restricting the water flow discharge. With the discharge cup properly configured per the video, water will rise above the internal discharge elbow (part Y) and will continue to rise until the water overflows out of the open top portion of the skimmer onto the floor. I have tried removing the sponges with the same result. My current configuration to get the skimmer to work is to remove the discharge cup along with the pvc tube (part N) that connects the discharge cup to the water outlet elbow (part M) thus generating allot of water noise because the outlet elbow is sitting roughly 2 inches above the water level. I have tried using the discharge pvc tube (part N) to discharge the water into the aquarium without using discharge defoaming device (part X) with the pvc tube (part N) ending roughly 1 inch below the water line and this also causes the water to rise above the internal discharge elbow (part Y) and thus causing the water level to rise until the water overflows out of the open top portion of the skimmer onto the floor. I have primed the skimmer per the video and have even disassembled the entire skimmer and performed the initial setup procedure per the video for the second time with the same results.
Mar 17, 2015
Carlos
agent
wrote
On the video, the surface water degreasing cup does not raise all the way up above the water. Even if it is a little under water, it will surface skim.
The raising of the water is most likely due to the skimmer not being primed correctly. If there are air bubbles trapped on the return plumbing, those bubbles will obstruct the water flow.
Your skimmer is brand new so you must allow the skimmer to break in properly. During this time, the skimmer will act erratically and it's inner water level will raise and fall constantly. It is part of the break in process.
Please make sure that the collection cup is as high as possible and let the skimmer be. Empty the collection cup when needed but do not lower it. Wait the recommended 3 weeks and let the skimmer break in and then you can start to lower the collection cup.
During this process, we also recommend running fresh activated carbon as it does help the break in process.
The raising of the water is most likely due to the skimmer not being primed correctly. If there are air bubbles trapped on the return plumbing, those bubbles will obstruct the water flow.
Your skimmer is brand new so you must allow the skimmer to break in properly. During this time, the skimmer will act erratically and it's inner water level will raise and fall constantly. It is part of the break in process.
Please make sure that the collection cup is as high as possible and let the skimmer be. Empty the collection cup when needed but do not lower it. Wait the recommended 3 weeks and let the skimmer break in and then you can start to lower the collection cup.
During this process, we also recommend running fresh activated carbon as it does help the break in process.
Mar 17, 2015
David Pike
wrote
I have attempted to prime the skimmer per your instructions above in this thread along with the video but the skimmer will overflow while my finger is over the air hose prior to all the visible air bubbles have dissipated the skimmer. I have to unplug the skimmers power prior to it overflowing and dumping water on the floor. The only way I can get the skimmer to prime properly is by removing the discharge defoaming device ( part X) along with the pvc tube (part N). Even if I am able to get the skimmer to work properly, I do not know if I have enough confidence in the skimmer to leave it running while I am away. If I lose power during this 3 week break in period and once power is restored and the skimmer is restarted while I am away, I currently do not trust the equipment enough to ensure that I will not come home to a wet floor.
Mar 17, 2015
Carlos
agent
wrote
When you say overflow during priming, do you mean overflow to the floor or just overflow from one chamber to the other using the small hole at the top between the two chambers?
If it is overflowing between chambers, that is normal and will go away as you hold off the air intake for a few minutes. As the air in the plumbing purges, then the water level during priming will go down. Once you see no air bubbles flowing into the skimmer chamber, you can let the air in and install the silencer.
If something is blocking the outflow of water, then I would recommend taking the skimmer apart and putting it back together just to make sure that nothing got stuck inside the plumbing.
The pump is perfectly matched for the skimmer body and the pump cannot pump enough water to overflow the skimmer UNLESS something is obstructing the flow of water.
If it is overflowing between chambers, that is normal and will go away as you hold off the air intake for a few minutes. As the air in the plumbing purges, then the water level during priming will go down. Once you see no air bubbles flowing into the skimmer chamber, you can let the air in and install the silencer.
If something is blocking the outflow of water, then I would recommend taking the skimmer apart and putting it back together just to make sure that nothing got stuck inside the plumbing.
The pump is perfectly matched for the skimmer body and the pump cannot pump enough water to overflow the skimmer UNLESS something is obstructing the flow of water.
Mar 17, 2015
Aaron Guy
wrote
In order for it to stop doing that I had to turn the outlet tube until the tube was half way out of the tank water. This will also turn the elbow inside lowering the water in the return/ or outlet chamber. This achieves more air over water. You'll never have that problem again.
Mar 17, 2015
Carlos
agent
wrote
Aaron, thank you for the heads up on that!!!
Mar 17, 2015
David Pike
wrote
Aaron, glad you were able to get the skimmer working for you.
Carlos, it appears Aaron had to reengineer this product to in order for it to work successfully for him. I would be interested if your engineers are able to duplicate our issues in your lab. I notice in the instructional video and in Aaron's photo that they both are using a rimless aquarium and their water level is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the top of the aquarium. I am not using a rimless aquarium and my preferred water level is about 1/2 from the top of the aquarium. I would be curious if your engineers experience similar issue that I am having while using a non rimless aquarium with the water level up to the base of the plastic trim. To answer your previous question "When you say overflow during priming, do you mean overflow to the floor or just overflow from one chamber to the other using the small hole at the top between the two chambers?" I mean overflow to the floor via the discharge chamber that is open aired and does not have a sealed top.
Carlos, it appears Aaron had to reengineer this product to in order for it to work successfully for him. I would be interested if your engineers are able to duplicate our issues in your lab. I notice in the instructional video and in Aaron's photo that they both are using a rimless aquarium and their water level is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the top of the aquarium. I am not using a rimless aquarium and my preferred water level is about 1/2 from the top of the aquarium. I would be curious if your engineers experience similar issue that I am having while using a non rimless aquarium with the water level up to the base of the plastic trim. To answer your previous question "When you say overflow during priming, do you mean overflow to the floor or just overflow from one chamber to the other using the small hole at the top between the two chambers?" I mean overflow to the floor via the discharge chamber that is open aired and does not have a sealed top.
Mar 17, 2015
Carlos
agent
wrote
The CLSC-1000HOB skimmer is one of our best selling skimmers. We sell them by the thousands a year and very few issues have been reported. If the issue was a product issue, we would have many users reporting it but at this time, all overflow issues are due to water chemistry, the skimmer not being properly primed, obstruction of the water flow or the skimmer was not assembled correctly.
If you would like to further investigate, I suggest you start a ticket using the "Submit a Ticket" link on the right. Please be sure to include proof of purchase as well as a video of the skimmer running as that would be of great help to us troubleshooting the issue.
If you would like to further investigate, I suggest you start a ticket using the "Submit a Ticket" link on the right. Please be sure to include proof of purchase as well as a video of the skimmer running as that would be of great help to us troubleshooting the issue.
Mar 19, 2015
Kelly Sheridan
wrote
Carlos Chacon - It doesn't matter a fig whether or not the skimmer is one of the best selling or not if the customers are on here telling you that they are having trouble with them. I bought mine yesterday. I set it up as per all of the instructions, checked and double checked. I made sure that the air valve was completely shut off, turned the pump on and it immediately overflowed. After trying this several times I took the defoaming device off so the water just pours out of the tube like a sink into my tank. That made it so the water level didn't overflow but is hovering at the level of the screw for the collection cup. And I still can't turn on the air to let it bubble because it will overflow.
This is a brand new tank with water only put in 2 days ago that is just beginning it's first cycle. The only living things in it are sand and rock which have already settled out so the water isn't even cloudy. So don't try that crap about it's the water's fault.
I have submitted a trouble ticket. But I just wanted to point out that you Mr.Carlos Chacon have been horrendously unhelpful which is the last thing the company needs in a customer service situation.
This is a brand new tank with water only put in 2 days ago that is just beginning it's first cycle. The only living things in it are sand and rock which have already settled out so the water isn't even cloudy. So don't try that crap about it's the water's fault.
I have submitted a trouble ticket. But I just wanted to point out that you Mr.Carlos Chacon have been horrendously unhelpful which is the last thing the company needs in a customer service situation.
Mar 20, 2015
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.
May 06, 2015
Christopher Facey
wrote
Ok Gentlemen I agree that no matter how many you sell that does not mean the product is any good.
I am having almost the same issue as stated at the beginning of this thread. In conjunction I cannot lower my collection cup any more than 1/2 inch or so into the system or the whole entire system overflows everywhere or fills the collection cup up instantly. My overflow whole is exposed at all times dumping mass amounts of bubbles into the return as if I lower the cup everything goes down the pooper.
My tank is 75 gallons and has been running for only a week. I have primed like instructed (even though instructions are extremely lacking for the whole process), my water is from a very good RO/DI unit and I have performed all chemical testing as required. All parameters are excellent as expected. No chemicals have been added and I have all fake coral from LivingColor. The tank had only a minor cycle as all I have is live sand directly from the Pacific Ocean. I have added no fish as this unit is causing so many micro bubbles I fear it will kill even my starter fish.
I have a FLUVAL 406 pumping like a champ with two drums of activated carbon filtering the water.
What can be done to correct this problem?
I am having almost the same issue as stated at the beginning of this thread. In conjunction I cannot lower my collection cup any more than 1/2 inch or so into the system or the whole entire system overflows everywhere or fills the collection cup up instantly. My overflow whole is exposed at all times dumping mass amounts of bubbles into the return as if I lower the cup everything goes down the pooper.
My tank is 75 gallons and has been running for only a week. I have primed like instructed (even though instructions are extremely lacking for the whole process), my water is from a very good RO/DI unit and I have performed all chemical testing as required. All parameters are excellent as expected. No chemicals have been added and I have all fake coral from LivingColor. The tank had only a minor cycle as all I have is live sand directly from the Pacific Ocean. I have added no fish as this unit is causing so many micro bubbles I fear it will kill even my starter fish.
I have a FLUVAL 406 pumping like a champ with two drums of activated carbon filtering the water.
What can be done to correct this problem?
May 06, 2015
Christopher Facey
wrote
Here is a video of my HOB working.
May 07, 2015
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
Christopher,
Unfortunately time is the only thing that is going to get the skimmer to run as the most likely culprit to the skimmers performance is bacteria. During the cycling process your system fluctuates as the bacteria population (surface and water borne) increases, dies and is filtered out by the skimmer. Something is present in your water that is highly reacted to the air in water.
You adding activated charcoal and doing several small water changes will help with its reaction. At this stage of setting up a system the skimmer to be operating curing the cycling period because it does make all skimmers performance unpredictable.
Unfortunately time is the only thing that is going to get the skimmer to run as the most likely culprit to the skimmers performance is bacteria. During the cycling process your system fluctuates as the bacteria population (surface and water borne) increases, dies and is filtered out by the skimmer. Something is present in your water that is highly reacted to the air in water.
You adding activated charcoal and doing several small water changes will help with its reaction. At this stage of setting up a system the skimmer to be operating curing the cycling period because it does make all skimmers performance unpredictable.
Jul 14, 2019
Angela Collins
wrote
Remove the outlet elbow piece - stops the overflow of the cup and reduces some of the bubbles