Every skimmer I add overflows

TheReefer2005

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Hello, I am currently struggling with a mechanical filtration issue. I have tried 3 different skimmers on my current 400g tank. Every subgle one just overflows. I have dialed in tons of skimmers in the past and never had an issue until this tank. I’m running no filter socks, tons and tons of live rock and a skimmer. I have done lots of large water changes, carbon, gfo, and nothing seems to work or help. I’ve adjusted the water level to each skimmers recommended too but nothing works. I’ve tried the simplicity 540dc, bubble magus a9, reef octopus 115. Pls help, its driving me crazy!!! Nutrients are also at abt 0
 
It is usually something to do with the water itself. Similar to how you clear out chemiclean I suggest doing a wet skim water change. Regular water changes will take forever to get what ever is causing it out of the system.

Get a couple buckets of saltwater ready. Get a long tube from the skimmer cup to an empty bucket and try to skim as dry as possible (even though its going to overflow) into the bucket. This will target what ever is in your water making it "soapy". Wet skimming can be a pain but its sometimes just what you got to do.

Is you water cloudy?
 
Maybe you could somehow restrict the air tube to the venturi until your tank water's surface tension returns to normal?

I can install a freshly cleaned filter sock and my skimmer will fill the cup in a short time, but it always returns to normal after 15 minutes or so. There's probably something in your water than has modified the surface tension. Like Moe K suggested you may just have to let it skim out.
 
here's a silly question, but how deep is the water if your skimmer section? Wondering if the water level is to high, posting pictures better help identify what might be happening.
 
here's a silly question, but how deep is the water if your skimmer section? Wondering if the water level is to high, posting pictures better help identify what might be happening.
Will get photos tmr. Waters abt 9-10 inches currently
 
Will get photos tmr. Waters abt 9-10 inches currently

Most skimmers operate in the 8” range. All my Reef Octo’s run good at 7-8” anything higher they trip out.
 
Last edited:
Hello, I am currently struggling with a mechanical filtration issue. I have tried 3 different skimmers on my current 400g tank. Every subgle one just overflows. I have dialed in tons of skimmers in the past and never had an issue until this tank. I’m running no filter socks, tons and tons of live rock and a skimmer. I have done lots of large water changes, carbon, gfo, and nothing seems to work or help. I’ve adjusted the water level to each skimmers recommended too but nothing works. I’ve tried the simplicity 540dc, bubble magus a9, reef octopus 115. Pls help, its driving me crazy!!! Nutrients are also at abt 0
Is the flow in your sump constant ?
make sure your sump is running at a constant flow.

are you adjusting the water level right at the neck of the skimmer and raise it up a bit using some sort of a platform.

any CUC in your sump?
 

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