What model skimmer do I need for my setup?

[Monsaas]

Hello I currently have a 210g display tank with a 40 gallon sump the tank is stocked with various Angelfish adults and juveniles with total 6 angels and 2 clownfish (FOWLR) It's also has around 200lbs of live rock and 2" sand bed (so water volume isn't really 210 Gallons) The sump is 40 gallon breeder tank with water height around 9" ( guessing maybe 20 gallons of water)

The tank has been running for over a year now with a Regal Octo 250 S skimmer and was working great in the beginning pulling out good skim mate, but now I can't seem to get the skimmer to pull out anything now after trying everything from water height in the sump, changes to the control pump speed on dc controller, and setting water height inside skimmer body. I was looking into things and wondering if my skimmer is overkill for my needs, and if I need a smaller size Regal Octo what one would I need? I will add I feed the fish once a day with either pellets or frozen mysis shrimp. My nutrient levels have been climbing in both phosphate and Nitrates so I know something needs to be done to pull skim mate out. I don't over feed and do regular water changes once a month but can't get my nutrient level in check and chalking that up to nothing being pulled out of the skimmer.

I really don't want to have to buy another skimmer if there is something else I am missing with my current skimmer that you could tell me. I just don't understand how it used to work great and now nothing.

If I do need to purchase a new skimmer what model would be best for my setup a Regal Octo 150sss or Regal Octo 200sss?

Thankyou for any help

 

[DaJMasta]

If it was working great, it's not overkill. Have you cleaned it recently? Is the needle wheel in good shape? Is the venturi air vent clear? Is anything growing in it?

A thorough cleaning and check of the pump and fittings should either solve your problem or point out what need replacing.

 

[Idech]

I wouldn’t touch the speed controller or the amount of water in the sump. Have you tried adjusting the air valve ?

 

[Monsaas]

If it was working great, it's not overkill. Have you cleaned it recently? Is the needle wheel in good shape? Is the venturi air vent clear? Is anything growing in it?

A thorough cleaning and check of the pump and fittings should either solve your problem or point out what need replacing.

Yes I did a very detailed cleaning with citric acid and still the same

 

[Monsaas]

I wouldn’t touch the speed controller or the amount of water in the sump. Have you tried adjusting the air valve ?

Yes I have tried everything possible at this point. I emailed saltwater.com and they said my skimmer was way overkill but not sure if they just want to sell me something else or if it truly is overkill

 

[Idech]

Yes I have tried everything possible at this point. I emailed saltwater.com and they said my skimmer was way overkill but not sure if they just want to sell me something else or if it truly is overkill

But it worked for a while. How long ? If it was working fine before, what changed ?

 

[Monsaas]

But it worked for a while. How long ? If it was working fine before, what changed ?

It was working well for at least 9 months and nothing has changed. I haven't added or lost any livestock and feeding has always been the same

 

[Idech]

It was working well for at least 9 months and nothing has changed. I haven't added or lost any livestock and feeding has always been the same

I would do a complete maintenance and see how it goes. Take it all apart. Then if it persists, maybe there is just not as much to skim as before.

Do you have a video in white light while it’s on ?