Nov 29, 2013
Mlovelace
wrote
Hello, I was curious if others have the same issue, I could use your input. I have had this skimmer for 1 yr and it has been great. We purchased a new home and I upgraded from a 75g to a 125g. Before the move, I had no issues, since then here is the problem.
When I cut the skimmer on, the amount of bubbles is excessive. No matter how I adjust the valve, the bubbles overflow the collection cup. I have also noticed bubbles coming out of the gate valve as well. I took the gate valve off and noticed the o ring was missing. I thought that was the issue, so I purchased another one. I replaced and still the same issue. I cannot figure out why it is creating too many bubbles and I cannot dial in? It is so bad, I just have to cut it off. So basically, I'm running my 125g without a skimmer.
I have tried the water level from 5-6 inches and still have the same issue.
Thank you in advance for reading!
When I cut the skimmer on, the amount of bubbles is excessive. No matter how I adjust the valve, the bubbles overflow the collection cup. I have also noticed bubbles coming out of the gate valve as well. I took the gate valve off and noticed the o ring was missing. I thought that was the issue, so I purchased another one. I replaced and still the same issue. I cannot figure out why it is creating too many bubbles and I cannot dial in? It is so bad, I just have to cut it off. So basically, I'm running my 125g without a skimmer.
I have tried the water level from 5-6 inches and still have the same issue.
Thank you in advance for reading!
Reply
6 Answers
Nov 29, 2013
Carlos
agent
wrote
Are you introducing any type of additive such as water conditioner or something to help the tank cycle again?
Adding conditioners to the water is sometimes like adding soap. They make the skimmer go crazy because they changes the chemistry of the water. You can usually remove them by running fresh activated carbon for a couple of days. After that, your skimmer should be back to normal.
Adding conditioners to the water is sometimes like adding soap. They make the skimmer go crazy because they changes the chemistry of the water. You can usually remove them by running fresh activated carbon for a couple of days. After that, your skimmer should be back to normal.
Nov 29, 2013
Mlovelace
wrote
No. I can turn the valve and no bubbles will come out of the gate valve. I have added stress coat, but I always add activated carbon, I keep it in the sump at all times. I have done several water changes since starting this tank up. It has been running since May and brought over the water from my previous set up, along with all the live rock. Should I try taking out of sump and run in a sink? I'm lost on this one!
Nov 29, 2013
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
Stress coat is a water conditioner and should never be used with an aquarium running a skimmer. I would suggest running fresh activated carbon and change it out ever two weeks till the skimmer slows down. If you need a dechlorinator Prime by seachem is a good alternative that when used at recommended dosages will not cause a skimmer to go nuts. If you moved the sand and stirred up water you also have excessive organics and possible die off attributing to the skimmer overflowing. If your water is slightly cloudy then it could also be a bacterial bloom common with aquarium upgrades.
Nov 29, 2013
Mlovelace
wrote
Ok, but I've used stress coat before (a year with this skimmer) and two additional years with another skimmer without ever having an issue with bubbles. My water is perfectly clear, I only added stress coat when adding new livestock or water change. I use an ro/di unit for all my water. Every time I do a water change, the skimmer goes crazy, so I have always left off for a couple of days. I will try changing the activated carbon every two weeks and try cranking up in a month. I just hate to have no skimmer running, especially since this skimmer on my 75g was a beast! Thank you
Nov 29, 2013
Mlovelace
wrote
Hey guys, I went and looked at the bottle of stress coat and I made a mistake last time. This is regular stress coat, not marine stress coat. I will use the tip concerning activated carbon, but should I ad the prime or nothing for now? Sorry for my incompetence, maybe there is a difference in marine and regular? Luckily, my fish seem ok and have not departed!
Nov 29, 2013
Carlos
agent
wrote
Just make sure you run a fresh batch of activated carbon to get rid of the additive. After that, your skimmer should start working correctly.