Failing Octopus Protein Skimmer

[Jeff Shaw]

I have an inherited protein skimmer that seems to be pumping water but is no longer "bubbly". What can I do to troubleshoot?

Hangs on the back with the pump in the tank.

If it matters, the pump is an OTP-1000. Will try and get some pics added shortly.

 

[Peace River]

Is it possible the air intake is clog? You may try injecting hot RO water down the air tube.

 

[WVNed]

The part on the front of the pump where the white tube connects has a hole in it that is the air venturi. It plugs up. Take that part off and clean it. You may need to take a drill bit or something to get the plug out
out. Use the drill bit in your fingers, not a drill. It is waterscale and hard.

 

[Jeff Shaw]

Thanks for the replies....I had the same thought. I went ahead and tore it all down and ran pipe cleaning rods through everything and cleaned/flushed out as much as possible. I do think the venturi was clogged up. I put it back together and it's roaring now (see attachments) and I got to tune it down now.....this has got me thinking though.

This thing is old, what can/should I replace it with when the time comes?

 

[Jeff Shaw]

Well, I guess it wasn't the venturi....same problem today and for some reason when there are no bubbles, the protien sump overflows for a bit.....my dang ATO kept dumping in water last night and it kept over flowing....concrete floor in that room and not a huge deal but now, in addition to a replacement skimmer, I need to get a water alarm. Any recommendations?