Red Sea skimmer issue

[Waters]

Having a strange issue with a Red Sea Reefer 600 skimmer. It has been running great for almost a year with no issues. Within the last few weeks I have not been able to collect any skimmate due to what looks like lack of air being injected. From the top of the water line to the top of the bubbles it is only about 2 inches. I have cleaned (multiple times) the venturi, air lines, pump, and air silencer. I have also tried raising and lowering the skimmer in the sump with no change. Other than a defective DC pump (seems to be operating fine) I have no idea what could be causing the lack of bubbles. Any ideas before I either order a replacement pump or completely new skimmer?

 

[commod0re]

if you haven’t deep cleaned it in a while, pull the pump out and run it in 3% citric acid for an hour and then scrub the needle wheel with a toothbrush

you mentioned you cleaned it but not how, and that was what it was for me the last time I experienced this with a smaller red sea skimmer

 

[Peer.Boerner]

I don’t have experience with your particular skimmer or dc pumps. But I do have lots of experience with aquarium pumps in general. @commod0re is exactly right. I’d even suggest taking the pump apart and looking at the impeller magnet and shaft. Amazing how calcium carbonate can precipitate and lodge itself in the impeller tube. You also should check that the impeller magnet (assuming there is one) is not damaged. Sometimes the plastic bushings get worn by the ceramic shaft which causes a wobble and reduces water volume. Best of luck. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Waters]

if you haven’t deep cleaned it in a while, pull the pump out and run it in 3% citric acid for an hour and then scrub the needle wheel with a toothbrush

you mentioned you cleaned it but not how, and that was what it was for me the last time I experienced this with a smaller red sea skimmer

Yeah, I did totally dismantle it and soak it, then allowed it to run for a few hours in the citric acid solution. The only thing I didn't do was soak the body of the skimmer (which Red Sea recommended) which I did last night in vinegar. Hopefully that makes a difference.

 

[Waters]

I don’t have experience with your particular skimmer or dc pumps. But I do have lots of experience with aquarium pumps in general. @commod0re is exactly right. I’d even suggest taking the pump apart and looking at the impeller magnet and shaft. Amazing how calcium carbonate can precipitate and lodge itself in the impeller tube. You also should check that the impeller magnet (assuming there is one) is not damaged. Sometimes the plastic bushings get worn by the ceramic shaft which causes a wobble and reduces water volume. Best of luck. Let us know how you make out.

All pump internals look ok.....were actually surprisingly clean. I did soak them again though since I had them apart anyways.