Return pump flow drop

[thekap2]

In a newly setup system my return pump dropped by about 200-300 gph based on Neptune flow monitor. The only change is addition of a protein skimmer. Return pump is red dragon eco 5 130w and skimmer is aquaarro duo ad 600. I noticed becUse my awc didn't seem to be removing water from sump then I noticed my display was losing water because the reduced flow rate caused the second drain to be unneeded in a triple drain setup

Any thoughts on what could cause this, by new setup it's been up for about 3 weeks

 

[Lavey29]

Are you getting 3x to 5x turnover through the sump?

 

[thekap2]

Are you getting 3x to 5x turnover through the sump?

I was getting 3x before the drop

 

[Lavey29]

I was getting 3x before the drop

Well the skimmer is pulling water in so makes since that there is less direct flow to the return pump. If your pump is adjustable should be an easy fix.

 

[Dburr1014]

In a newly setup system my return pump dropped by about 200-300 gph based on Neptune flow monitor. The only change is addition of a protein skimmer. Return pump is red dragon eco 5 130w and skimmer is aquaarro duo ad 600. I noticed becUse my awc didn't seem to be removing water from sump then I noticed my display was losing water because the reduced flow rate caused the second drain to be unneeded in a triple drain setup

Any thoughts on what could cause this, by new setup it's been up for about 3 weeks

Are you manually checking or just believing apex? It's not always accurate.

 

[thekap2]

Are you manually checking or just believing apex? It's not always accurate.

The reason I believe it is accurate, is the flow dropped enough for my secondary drain to no longer be used which was causing evaporative loss to happen from the display vs the sump

 

[Dburr1014]

The reason I believe it is accurate, is the flow dropped enough for my secondary drain to no longer be used which was causing evaporative loss to happen from the display vs the sump

I would try to clean it and make sure nothing is stuck in there. I doubt it would be algae yet. Even after break in, the film wouldn't slow it down that much.