Bubble Magus Curve5 overflowing issues - Help?

RyanCSGO · Aug 9, 2017

so I've had a curve5 before. Worked like a champ so I figured I would use the same for my new tank. Originally had a curve7 for this tank but it barely fit in the chamber so I sold it to a friend and bought the curve5

Tank has been up and running since 7/26
The skimmer just constantly overflows. I can't even put the cup on yet. It's sitting in 7 1/2" of water. Per BM 9-11 is recommended. I built a stand for it which was actually to tall which had it sit in 5" of water and it still overflows. Not sure what is happening at this point.
Previous tank with a curve5 sat in 9" of water and ran perfectly the entire time I had it.
Anyone else experience something similar??

FWIW
Salinity: 1.026
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate less than 5
Alk 8
Cal 430

TMB · Aug 10, 2017

Normally when a skimmer is acting this way it has to do with something that was added to the tank. With the tank being new have you added anything that might be causing this?

K. Steven · Aug 10, 2017

I have my BM Curve 5 in 5" of water and it works great. I have my outlet pipe set on 2.

skim · Aug 10, 2017

Looks like it is still breaking in. Just let it do its thing, it will settle down. You could also add some GAC it may help with anything that may have come off the Skimmer and into the water. Just remember the higher you put your Skimmer the harder the pump has to work which can result in more wear and tear on the pump.

jd371 · Aug 10, 2017

Maybe something is on the surface of the skimmer causing it to overflow like oils from manufacturing. If you haven't done it already I'd give it a good cleaning in a vinegar bath.

Tbird2101 · Aug 10, 2017

I think I know the issue. Mine wouldnt stop overflowing for like 2 weeks. I couldn't figure out what was doing it. Then one day I decided to pullout my filter sock and rinse it in RO water. When I put it back in it was working like a charm within 10 mins. I dont know if you have socks in but if you do I would pull them and give em a good rinse and ring them out. Hope it works for you.

RyanCSGO · Aug 10, 2017

TMB said:
Normally when a skimmer is acting this way it has to do with something that was added to the tank. With the tank being new have you added anything that might be causing this?

nothing new accept 3 SPS frags

jd371 said:
Maybe something is on the surface of the skimmer causing it to overflow like oils from manufacturing. If you haven't done it already I'd give it a good cleaning in a vinegar bath.

originally I wiped the skimmer body down with vinegar, but not a full bath, probably give that i try after work

skim said:
Looks like it is still breaking in. Just let it do its thing, it will settle down. You could also add some GAC it may help with anything that may have come off the Skimmer and into the water. Just remember the higher you put your Skimmer the harder the pump has to work which can result in more wear and tear on the pump.

yeah my thought was its still breaking in, but 3 weeks long? never had a skimmer take that long to break in.

Tbird2101 said:
I think I know the issue. Mine wouldnt stop overflowing for like 2 weeks. I couldn't figure out what was doing it. Then one day I decided to pullout my filter sock and rinse it in RO water. When I put it back in it was working like a charm within 10 mins. I dont know if you have socks in but if you do I would pull them and give em a good rinse and ring them out. Hope it works for you.

yeah, I have filter socks, but i thoroughly wash them twice before use

lion king · Aug 10, 2017

The most problematic skimmer I've ever had, can't remember what this particular issue causes, but check to see the air line is clear. For some reason on this skimmer there is a constant salt clog, you have to pull the whole attachment and clear out not just the tube.

jd371 · Aug 10, 2017

Yes, like was mentioned, the only time my skimmer would overflow is if there was salt build up on that doohickey (don't know what it's called) that the hose is attached to. I would just remove that attachment soak it in hot water and take a straightened out paper clip and clear the salt from inside the nipple of that attachment, once clear it worked like normal again. Didn't have to do it that often maybe 3-4 times since setting up my tank 2 years ago.