Nov 22, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
I've had this skimmer for over a year and it overflows constantly. It overflows when I do a water change, when I put my hand in the tank, when I turn it off and on, when I add chemicals, and sometimes just for no reason. It's also not a light drip, I've had it overflow gallons of water. I go through a ton of towels to catch the water. The only way to get it to stop is to let it overflow for a while and then it will even out once water has gone out of the tank. The problem with that is the water level becomes too low for the skimmer so it makes a gurgling sound and the water is lower than the rim of the tank so it does not look appealing. I've read on forums and such that this is a common problem but I haven't seen a fix yet. I just came across this website so I thought I would ask.
I also have a microbubble problem because bubbles come through the hole and into the output pump. I've tried putting filter sponges and everything but it's not enough to prevent the microbubbles from going through. There isn't really a way to prevent it because the hole is connected to the main skimmer area.
I also have a microbubble problem because bubbles come through the hole and into the output pump. I've tried putting filter sponges and everything but it's not enough to prevent the microbubbles from going through. There isn't really a way to prevent it because the hole is connected to the main skimmer area.
Reply
8 Answers
Nov 22, 2017
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.
Nov 22, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
I saw this answer on a different thread and it is none of these reasons. Chemicals are one of the reasons why it overflows but not the only one. Also, if chemicals make it overflow, shouldn't there be a way to prevent that? People are adding chemicals to their tank all the time for various reasons. As an HOB skimmer, an overflow means water all over the floor. I've had to build a wall of towels because of this.
Nov 22, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
Unfortunately the skimmer is only reacting to what's in in the water. Some chemicals cause skimmers to foam up while other chemicals do not. Most people in the hobby are very careful about what chemicals they add to the tank for that very reason. Some chemicals have the same effect as adding soap to the water and the only way to fix that is to remove the chemical. There is nothing that a skimmer can do if the chemical is causing it to foam that way. Once you remove whatever chemical that is causing the issue from the water in the tank, the skimmer will calm down and go back to normal.
Nov 22, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
But that doesn’t explain it overflowing for all the other reasons. It runs fine when it has spilled about a gallon of water on my floor so I don’t think it’s the chemicals
Nov 27, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
In our many many years of experience with thousands of skimmers, skimmers only overflow because of chemical reaction or blockage. If you dont think the issue is chemical, then the issue is going to be blockage. Sometimes inside the plumbing is obstructing the flow of water in and out of the skimmer. The pump has one speed regardless of what it is connected to. So, if the skimmer plumbing is partially blocked the pump will continue to push water at the same rate regardless causing the skimmer to overflow. 90% of the time though, skimmers overflowing have to do with chemical reaction.
Nov 27, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Then this is the 10% where the skimmer is overflowing due to something other than chemicals because I haven't put anything in the tank for over a week and am running carbon. I have cleaned out the skimmer to see if that would help but all that happened is that it has gotten louder (not sure how that happened)
Nov 28, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
The skimmer will react to what is in the water and I can assure you that running carbon and one water change will unlikely remove what's in the water already. It is a matter of dilution. You have to keep running new carbon and make multiple water changes so that whatever is in the tank water is diluted to the point that it does not become an issue. That is assuming that you are not adding the same chemical in the water again when you do a water change. Usually if people add a chemical to the water, it will take multiple water changes and carbon to clear it up.
Nov 18, 2020
Eli
wrote
I have the same problem. My skimmer worked fine for months and thru a few skimmer cleanings. No chemicals in my tank at all. No soap used in cleaning. It's not the bubbles or foam that is overflowing, it is the water level in the main skimmer right and left side. The water rises so far that it pushes the basket or thing that catches the dirt up as far as it goes, then just pours out the sides. My problem, is it spills down my wall and into the electric outlet, thank you!