Jun 27, 2020
Jay Powers
wrote
I have had a classic-90 HOB for several months now and it works great! Without any other mediation other than the addition of the skimmer, my hairy algae problem has completely cleared up! I am very happy with the skimmer.
Last week however, I added some chemiclean for a Cyanobacteria bloom. The directions said to continue using your skimmer but you may need to adjust it because of increased foam production. Indeed the production outpaced the collection cup in 5 minutes no matter how much I adjusted it. So I unplugged the skimmer during the treatment. Now the charcoal is back in I’ve done a 25% water change and plugged the skimmer back in, and again, no matter how much I adjust it the foam fills the collection cup in 5 minutes. I’m stuck, what do I do? Thanks.
Last week however, I added some chemiclean for a Cyanobacteria bloom. The directions said to continue using your skimmer but you may need to adjust it because of increased foam production. Indeed the production outpaced the collection cup in 5 minutes no matter how much I adjusted it. So I unplugged the skimmer during the treatment. Now the charcoal is back in I’ve done a 25% water change and plugged the skimmer back in, and again, no matter how much I adjust it the foam fills the collection cup in 5 minutes. I’m stuck, what do I do? Thanks.
Reply
1 Answer
Jun 29, 2020
Angie Brumfield
agent
wrote
There are several common reasons a protein skimmer will overflow but the most common is a chemical within the water itself.
Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to overproduce foam-mate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are red slime remover, medications, Chemi-Clean, Chemi-Pure, reef/frag putties (epoxy putty) frag glues, water conditioners, de-chlorinators, stress coat, NEW filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria (seeding) additives as well as other dosing media. 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.
Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to overproduce foam-mate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are red slime remover, medications, Chemi-Clean, Chemi-Pure, reef/frag putties (epoxy putty) frag glues, water conditioners, de-chlorinators, stress coat, NEW filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria (seeding) additives as well as other dosing media. 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.