Weird protein skimmer behavior..

[toygrr]

So my tank is relatively new, a little over a month running. The skimmer seems to have broken in as I can tune it for a nice consistent foam head. However, one day it will consistently slowly foam over, then the next day nothing. If I adjust the gate or venturi to compensate, an hour later the collection cup is half full with relatively clear water.

Is this normal? I have a RedSea max nano g2 XL and the skimmer that came with it. I've heard these skimmers are hit or miss online.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Does the water level in the sump, where the skimmer sits in fluctuate. That would be my top guess.

Take a piece of painters tape place it on the water line outside of the sump and mark the water level. Occasionally check back and see if it rises or falls.

If it does, you'll have to start figuring out why...

 

[toygrr]

Does the water level in the sump, where the skimmer sits in fluctuate. That would be my top guess.

Take a piece of painters tape place it on the water line outside of the sump and mark the water level. Occasionally check back and see if it rises or falls.

If it does, you'll have to start figuring out why...

As far as I know my auto top off has kept it very consistent, I'm using the redsea ATO+, I could try the tape trick but every time I check it's sitting right between the prongs on the probe.

Edit:Now I'm looking again, it's actually above the "full" contact probe. Thanks I feel so silly...I'll see if maybe I put in the wrong hose length into the program or something silly like that

 

[Tripod1404]

You may have salt buildup in skimmers air line that reduces airflow

 

[toygrr]

Thanks, I'll check that in the AM as well!

You may have salt buildup in skimmers air line that reduces airflow

 

[Tripod1404]

Thanks, I'll check that in the AM as well!

When foam production drops, try running RODI water from the airline. It should suck in the water so you can just remove the silencer and dunk the tip of the tube under a cup of water. If it returns back to normal after that, it will indicate salt is builing inside the airline.