Why does my skimmer do this?

g6gang · Apr 24, 2015

I have a Reef Octopus Classic 150I on my 1 year old 80G tank running in the 40G sump. I work from home and sit right next to the tank and am constantly watching it. I check the cup regularly and sometimes it could be basically empty and then for no apparent reason it fills up and starts bubbling over. I does not happen after feeding or dosing anything, it just goes beserk once in a while. I do not notice any change in bubble production. I usually catch it right away, power it off, empty, wipe and power it back on and then it is ok. It is a pain in the next - am I doing something wrong? What would trigger this?

luke33 · Apr 24, 2015

Does your skimmer section fluctuate at all with the water level? Do you have your skimmer section baffled?

g6gang · Apr 24, 2015

luke33 said:
Does your skimmer section fluctuate at all with the water level? Do you have your skimmer section baffled?

Good point - I forgot to mention that the water level stays consistent and yes it is baffled. It does not do this all of the time, but does it on occassion. Makes it hard to keep it at a constant setting. I am trying to pull more out as I am having a Cynao and Nitrate problem right now (40).

Bassett22 · Apr 24, 2015

All the skimmers I ever owned have done this. It always tends to happen when I haven't cleaned it in a while, I wonder if the build up of sludge on the inside of the neck is narrowing it enough to force the bubbles up much faster.

g6gang · Apr 24, 2015

Bassett22 said:
All the skimmers I ever owned have done this. It always tends to happen when I haven't cleaned it in a while, I wonder if the build up of sludge on the inside of the neck is narrowing it enough to force the bubbles up much faster.

I think you hit the nail on the head. That would make sense, when I did clean it out today, it was pretty thick sludge on the neck of the cup. Also makes sense why it happens once in a while..a good 'lazy' warning sign. Thanks