Aquamaxx 1.5 HOB SKIMMER not producing max bubbles

PacoPetty · Aug 19, 2020

I’ve had my skimmer for two months and I put it on a different tank tonight and noticed only about half of the cones are producing bubbles. Can I fix this by cleaning the cones? Any help will be appreciated.

fishguy242 · Aug 20, 2020

hi have you tried unplugging and plugging in a few times,seems like impeller or not primed??

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

fishguy242 said:
hi have you tried unplugging and plugging in a few times,seems like impeller or not primed??

No I haven’t. I will try that now and let you know the results. Thank you!

Water Dog · Aug 20, 2020

Check the volute (where the airline attaches to the pump) for salt creep.

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

Water Dog said:
Check the volute (where the airline attaches to the pump) for salt creep.

Thank you! Will do it this evening.

FlexingFishSticks · Aug 20, 2020

Had the same skimmer and same problem I just gave it a citric acid bath overnight and it was working like new!

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

I checked for salt creep and there was none. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it is still not functioning properly so I guess I need to find some citric acid and give it a bath. It is less than two months old so I am surprised that it already needs a bath.

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

I’m headed out to check Walmart for the citric acid. If they do not have it I guess I will check rural King or tractor supply. What is the ratio I need to mix it out to get a good cleaning solution? Do you mix it with RODI water?

Water Dog · Aug 20, 2020

I’m shocked that it wasn’t salt buildup in the volute. When I had my Aquamaxx HOB-1, I had to clear out the volute of salt buildup once a month to keep it operating properly.

FlexingFishSticks · Aug 20, 2020

PacoPetty said:
I’m headed out to check Walmart for the citric acid. If they do not have it I guess I will check rural King or tractor supply. What is the ratio I need to mix it out to get a good cleaning solution? Do you mix it with RODI water?

I used 2 ounces for every quart of rodi water. I got millards citric acid from amazon. It is unusual for the skimmer to acting up this soon for sure.

fishguy242 · Aug 20, 2020

hi,only two months old i would contact aquamaxx

Sleeping Giant · Aug 20, 2020

Blow into the yellow airline, it will blow out your pump and anything clogging it

Sleeping Giant · Aug 20, 2020

I'll bet there's salt build up in the airline itself

Sleeping Giant · Aug 20, 2020

I had to do that exact same thing 2 months in, now I just maintain my silencer and never had a problem since

LeftyReefer · Aug 20, 2020

Aquamaxx CS will ask that you disassemble the pump and inspect the needle wheel impeller for damage or debris. Ensure the impeller assembly is correct and nothing wrong with the impeller. Check the air line for blockage. You can pour some hot RODI down the airline to flush it out. Same with the air chamber... Clean out any salt that has accumulated.
I'd also check the nipple where the air hose attaches to the pump. If there is a blockage there,it would also limit airflow into the skimmer.

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

FlexingFishSticks said:
I used 2 ounces for every quart of rodi water. I got millards citric acid from amazon. It is unusual for the skimmer to acting up this soon for sure.

It’s been used less than two months and that’s what has me worried.

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

Sleeping Giant said:
Blow into the yellow airline, it will blow out your pump and anything clogging it

I did that and it was clear. I have everything soaking right now.

PacoPetty · Aug 20, 2020

LeftyReefer said:
Aquamaxx CS will ask that you disassemble the pump and inspect the needle wheel impeller for damage or debris. Ensure the impeller assembly is correct and nothing wrong with the impeller. Check the air line for blockage. You can pour some hot RODI down the airline to flush it out. Same with the air chamber... Clean out any salt that has accumulated.
I'd also check the nipple where the air hose attaches to the pump. If there is a blockage there,it would also limit airflow into the skimmer.

I have done all of that and it is currently soaking in a white vinegar bath. I am running it for about a half an hour and the top of the water is already covered in a greenish brown foam. I will turn it off in a few minutes and let it soak overnight.