Protein skimmer not sucking air

[dtr10188]

I have the protein skimmer that comes with the Red Sea e260 aio. It has just stopped producing as many bubbles. It is still pumping water but I don’t think as much. The air intake has always been very noisy until now. If I plug the air intake line with my finger the pump moves twice as much water. I can barley feel any suction. I have taken out the pin wheel to clean it and made sure there was no obstructions in any part of the air intake. Thanks for any help.

 

[dtr10188]

Also I noticed these spots on the impeller shaft.

 

[stevolough]

Make sure the hose and piece that goes on pump aren’t clogged

 

[dedragon]

check the air line as well as the venturi and where it connects to the silencer. It could be calcium build up or just dust blocking the air

 

[dtr10188]

Make sure the hose and piece that goes on pump aren’t clogged

I can easily blow air through the entire air intake system

 

[dedragon]

try pouring moderately hot water through this piece first and let it flow through the venturi intake at the bottom



I dont think red sea max has the best protein skimmer design either but it should still be pulling in air.

You could also try running the whole thing in citric acid with the airline submerged in the solution

 

[dwest]

I would run the entire air intake in vinegar or citric acid over night in a bucket. Then rinse and try again.

 

[dtr10188]

I have taken apart every part of the air intake removed the silencer for testing purpose. There is not an obstruction in the air intake system. Maybe the pump is just failing?

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

I have found dusty bunnies in my Venturi hard to see and easy to look over.