Skimmer issue!

[SmyrnaReefer]

i have a reef octopus skimmer, the issue is that the level is fluctuating in the neck. i can set it just below the cup and the next morning its 2 inches lower, sometimes a little higher. skimmer has been running for about 5 weeks now. its still making bubbles and foaming, just the level is causing issues. there is nothing blocking the pump and the level in the sump is staying constant. any ideas would be appreciatted.

 

[poolkeeper1]

i have a reef octopus skimmer, the issue is that the level is fluctuating in the neck. i can set it just below the cup and the next morning its 2 inches lower, sometimes a little higher. skimmer has been running for about 5 weeks now. its still making bubbles and foaming, just the level is causing issues. there is nothing blocking the pump and the level in the sump is staying constant. any ideas would be appreciatted.

Is the Return Pipe Submerged? If So that causes back pressure that will effect the operation of these skimmers. They must be above the water level they are sitting in IME
Bill

 

[mixer911]

Also check the volute where the air intake is. Salt crust can build up and clog it. Just a thought as I have to clean mine every few months.

 

[reewik]

I have the same skimmer only external, Mine will slow down anytime food is put into the tank. Then it will crank up again a few minutes later. My suggestion is adjust it and then check it after you feed. You mat notice the same result. Let me know if that is part of it.

 

[SmyrnaReefer]

You got it... According to coralview, the higher air intake skimmers, which I now have one of, are effected by food and oils alot more than lower air intake skimmers, which I used to have... I was working a lot last week so I would come home, feed the fish (with garlic guard) and go down check everything. Skimmer would look weird so I would adjust then go to bed. Wake up and it was different again. Repeated this for a few days before I realized what I was doing...... Dumb me :) I hope that was the answer.. Time to buy a tea strainer to melt the frozen foods...

 

[gmoney243]

It will crash even if u don't rinse food or anytime u stick your hand in the tank. But shoild be normal like hour later

 

[mcarroll]

+1 to checking your air-intake for blockage. Check both ends of the tubing. Often I will just submerge the top end to make it suck water for a moment to clear any blockage. Sometimes the blockage requires some elbow grease though.

+0.99 to making sure your drain is no more than partially submerged. IME, the results of this are usually more consistently bad vs. your up and down, but it's still worth checking since we have no picture of your installation (yet!).


Another good tip for this - as with water testing - is to make your observations and adjustments to the skimmer at the same time of day each time.

A tank has its daily rhythms (which include feedings, day/night respiration cycles, etc) which will certainly affect skimming performance, and you'll factor many of these out just by being consistent in this way.

You'll also find out quickly if you need to pick a new time of day. (e.g. if you've been making your observations and adjustments after feeding, etc)

Good luck!

-Matt

 

[gmoney243]

+1 on output being submerged as this can cause water to syphon out the skimmer and of course lower r lvl

 

[poolkeeper1]

You got it... According to coralview, the higher air intake skimmers, which I now have one of, are effected by food and oils alot more than lower air intake skimmers, which I used to have... I was working a lot last week so I would come home, feed the fish (with garlic guard) and go down check everything. Skimmer would look weird so I would adjust then go to bed. Wake up and it was different again. Repeated this for a few days before I realized what I was doing...... Dumb me :) I hope that was the answer.. Time to buy a tea strainer to melt the frozen foods...

Duh!!!! Good point on the Salt Creep effecting these skimmers though, Running some water down the air line every once in a while will go a long way in preventing this problem along with cleaning the pump every couple of months JMO
Bill