Protein skimmer bubble size question

[OCJoeR]

I have a 55 gallon tank with a 29 gallon sump. I'm using a Somatic protein skimmer, which, I believe is the same as a Vertex Omega 130 skimmer. I can't seem to get the skimmer to make anything but little micro bubbles. Any suggestions?

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I have a 55 gallon tank with a 29 gallon sump. I'm using a Somatic protein skimmer, which, I believe is the same as a Vertex Omega 130 skimmer. I can't seem to get the skimmer to make anything but little micro bubbles. Any suggestions?

Some pictures would help. Skimmers make micro bubbles. What people don't like is these bubbles making their way into the display tank.

 

[OCJoeR]

Hi Dave,

The problem is that the collection cup ends up full of water within a very short time. Sorry, forgot the photos.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Hi Dave,

The problem is that the collection cup ends up full of water within a very short time. Sorry, forgot the photos.

How long have you been running the skimmer? Is there medication in the water? It looks like it is doing what it is supposed to do. You may need to let it run it's course and just stay on top of emptying it until it levels out. How quickly does the cup fill up?

 

[OCJoeR]

I just had to redo the Bean Animal plumbing because of a leak that developed. I also moved the skimmer from the sump section where the drain lines entered the sump to the middle section. I guess all that caused the problem. I watched some videos that explained that pretty much any change in the system, chemicals, moving things, adding medication etc, will cause the skimmer to act this way.

The cup fills with water in just a few hours.

I'm going to let it run for a few days and check on it.

The cup has a drain at the bottom with a little cover. I can't just take the cup off with the water in it because of the lack of room. I have to drain it and then tilt it cup to get it out to clean it. All that dirty water drains right into the sump. I'm going to get some tubing that will fit over the drain so I can drain it into a container before I take it off.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

The water level in the sump looks very high. From what I can find on the skimmer, it has a 6-8 in recommended water height. What is the water level at now?

 

[OCJoeR]

Hi Jaron,

According to the instructions the water level in the compartment should be 6-9 inches from the base of the skimmer. Mine is 7.5" so that should be ok.

I checked it this morning and things seemed to be calmed down. It's forming the large bubbles that go up into the cup. I'm going to try and empty the water from the cup into a container that I can get into the sump area adn then let everything run for another day and see where I'm at.

Thank you for everyone's help. I'll post more photos tomorrow.

 

[OCJoeR]

OK, I got the cup emptied and here's what it all looks like now. I was going to take a video but I'm not sure how I'd put it on here, so it's just photos. Not exactly Ansel Adams quality but it's what I have.