Skimmer help

[Pizzapro83]

I have a Atb 1050 skimmer. I have had it for a year and it has been great. I just added a 120 gallon tank to my system and used a couple stick s reef epoxy. At first the skimmer kept over flowing for 2 days. Then for a week it wouldnt even bubble up the neck. So last night I took the skimmer out and cleaned it really good. Now it keeps overflowing. I have no clue what ulse it can be. Could it be from the epoxy and super glue I have been using? I used a good amount. Im thinking I should leave it off for a couple weeks to see if that helps. How long can you go without a skimmer? I know some reefers do not use them. What do you guys think?

 

[btkrausen]

Yeah, I've heard many people complain about their skimmer going crazy after using epoxy like that. In fact, there was a thread just in the last week about the same thing.

Personally, I would run the skimmer as low as you can without it overflowing, and slowly increase it until its back to normal. Maybe try a water change or two to help get the chemistry back to normal.

 

[luke33]

Here is my suggestion. Run carbon. Here is the other suggestion. get an air valve and turn on your skimmer. Turn the air down until it isn't overflowing and actually skimming. It will most likely pull clear skim. DO NOT dump that in your sump thinking its just water, that is what is causing the issue. Slowly open the air until your fully open. HTH

 

[Michael7979]

If you do choice to go skimmer-less. (I do not suggest it)
Make sure you have water ready to do water changes since you have no exporting going on.

 

[Pizzapro83]

Here is my suggestion. Run carbon. Here is the other suggestion. get an air valve and turn on your skimmer. Turn the air down until it isn't overflowing and actually skimming. It will most likely pull clear skim. DO NOT dump that in your sump thinking its just water, that is what is causing the issue. Slowly open the air until your fully open. HTH

Luke thanks for the advice. Can you explain more? I just put fresh carbon in 2 days ago. What do you mean a air valve? Do you mean to connect it to the plastic hose that connects to the pump? If so do I just let a little air in so it is just skimming? Why do you think this happened?

 

[btkrausen]

Hmm...wouldn't restricting the air hurt its ability from skimming?

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

Luke thanks for the advice. Can you explain more? I just put fresh carbon in 2 days ago. What do you mean a air valve? Do you mean to connect it to the plastic hose that connects to the pump? If so do I just let a little air in so it is just skimming? Why do you think this happened?

Yup, this is what he means. To dial in a skimmer first set the flow or the water hieght. Then adjust the air inlet. You want the water hieght to be at the base of your collection tower. In your skimmer it is the bottom of the cup is the ideal water level.(just above where the neck goes straight up). Once you adjust your water flow for there, then begin to add more air until your bubbles reach the top of the neck. If they burst below the neck edge you will have a drier skimmate, if the over flow the top slightly/slowly you will have a wet skim. You are currently wet skimming. You can slow the flow of water by opening your gate valve to lower the water line until you can raise it back up. HTH.

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

Hmm...wouldn't restricting the air hurt its ability from skimming?

Each skimmer has a different design. The ideal method is to have your water flow match your air stream for fine bubbles that burst at the top of your reaction chambers neck. In some skimmers too much air can be a bad thing as you won't get the right type of bubbles, they will be larger than you want them to be.

 

[btkrausen]

Yeah, I know that with my skimmer, if I restrict the air flow at all, the water quickly rises to the top to overflow into the collection cup. What I suggested in my first has always worked best for me, and I've been reefing for 6+ years. Not saying its right or wrong compared to anybody else, just saying what's worked for me in the past.