Jul 12, 2017
Kyle Dean
wrote
I installed the skimmer about a week ago in a new aquarium. Since installation, the skimmer has been filling the collection cup within minutes non-stop. Within 5 minutes, its spitting out from under the lid. I've washed all the components in warm water (no soap or cleaning products). Originally the skimmer was sitting on the bottom of the sump at around 9" of water. I then lifted it to 6" of water. There was no change after several days of running. Today, I moved it up to 5" just to see and there was still no change. You plug it in and with minutes, its overflowing.
Hopefully someone can help me figure this out!
Hopefully someone can help me figure this out!
Reply
4 Answers
Jul 12, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
Your skimmer is likely overflowing either from a bacterial bloom which is common with cycling aquariums or some other form of 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, fresh 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.
Jul 12, 2017
Kyle Dean
wrote
Thanks for the reply. I suppose its possible that the condition is being caused by chemicals, although it started immediately and i didn't add the ammonia for another day to start the cycle hoping it would stop overflowing. I also didn't use any of the chemicals you have listed. The filter socks are new but I bought premixed water from my LFS. Do these skimmers usually overflow for weeks because of new filter socks? Is it possible that something else is the cause? That seems like an awful lot of water changes for a brand new tank.
Jul 13, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel
agent
wrote
New filter socks usually have a form of dechlorinator uses which if not pre washed can leach into the system if used. It is also possible that the stores salt could be the cause as well. Skimmers overflow when there is an abundant amount of something that changes the surface tension in the water.
Jul 28, 2017
KaliAnna
wrote
Does your skimmer have a dial. The dial may be up to where it is filling quicker.