New skimmer works intermittently

[dmh41532]

Hi guys, a few weeks go I had to replace my skimmer, I had to settle with fluval PS 1, my tank is a 24 gallon AIO cube, so space is tight and there were not many options. The tank has a pretty heavy bioload, but it’s still not skimming, it only skims for maybe an hour after I scrape the glass or do a water change. I have it setting in around 7 inches of water, and have it mounted
With the brackets provided. I use the smaller version on my 10 gallon and it works like a champ.

 

[Dan_P]

Hi guys, a few weeks go I had to replace my skimmer, I had to settle with fluval PS 1, my tank is a 24 gallon AIO cube, so space is tight and there were not many options. The tank has a pretty heavy bioload, but it’s still not skimming, it only skims for maybe an hour after I scrape the glass or do a water change. I have it setting in around 7 inches of water, and have it mounted
With the brackets provided. I use the smaller version on my 10 gallon and it works like a champ.

Does “not skimming” mean no foam, or that the foam breaks up and does not accumulate?

 

[dmh41532]

Does “not skimming” mean no foam, or that the foam breaks up and does not accumulate

There’s no foam

 

[Freenow54]

The fact that there is no foam points straight to that section of the skimmer . Check the air line for obstructions first

 

[Freenow54]

So I found a you tube video done by Fluval that touches on some important points I suggest that you watch it . However 2 points one is what level the water is at . It mentions min max lines but does not say the actual depth. The other point is that there is a rectangular rubber ring on the cup you can adjust to get a dry or wet action going as it sets the cup at certain levels . It seems they recommend wet so try raising the ring to lower the cup in its housing

 

[dmh41532]

The fact that there is no foam points straight to that section of the skimmer . Check the air line for obstructions first

The airline is clear, I took the unti a part, made
Sure there aren’t any clogs. I didn’t realize those two lines are water levels…it was way above that, so i lowered it to in between the lines, I’ll give it a few hours and see

 

[dmh41532]

I watched the video

The airline is clear, I took the unti a part, made
Sure there aren’t any clogs. I didn’t realize those two lines are water levels…it was way above that, so i lowered it to in between the lines, I’ll give it a few hours and see

its been 24 hrs and nope, nothing, just bubbles at the water level

 

[Freenow54]

I watched the video

its been 24 hrs and nope, nothing, just bubbles at the water level

So it mentioned adjusting the cup height as well which is separate . Did you watch the video ?

 

[Tangdora]

If the surface looks like a boiling pot of water decrease the airflow. More air does mean more foam in the world of skimming

 

[dmh41532]

So it mentioned adjusting the cup height as well which is separate . Did you watch the video ?

Yes, I did watch it, I lowered the cup as well, not much but still nothing.

 

[dmh41532]

If the surface looks like a boiling pot of water decrease the airflow. More air does mean more foam in the world of skimming

I can decrease air flow, the manufacturer video stated to leave the air valve fully open, but I’ll try anything at this point

 

[Tangdora]

I can decrease air flow, the manufacturer video stated to leave the air valve fully open, but I’ll try anything at this point

They most likely say that for breakin purposes so so that it is no erupting. Watched a video of that skimmer says the cup itself can also be raised or decreased. I would set it to it highest to allow more contact time and then slowly decrease the air in small increments till you hopefully see production.

 

[Freenow54]

 

[dmh41532]

Just an update, it’s finally skimming and producing a dark, foul skimmate

 

[Freenow54]

Just an update, it’s finally skimming and producing a dark, foul skimmate

YES !!!! So what was it ?

 

[Freenow54]

By the way when you clean it use glasses . I got pink eye after splashing some in my eye