Bubble Magus protein skimmer help

[Maltese]

I own a Bubble Magus Curve 7 protein skimmer in my 100g tank for 8 months now. The first days the skimmer was skimming perfect but after about month trouble begins. The skimming output decreased and I begin to try to solve problems. I increased the depth of the skimmer ( Suggest water level for protein skimmer is around 25～27cm) I tried it for a month no result. Done it deeper and tried to 30cm and try no good skimming ( don't skim wet, dry only). The problem is the neck of the skimmer gets really black foam but in the cup nothing. I tried many suggestions but the skimmer has a limit and stop there. I buy it for better and it came worse. I made months searching before i buy it on the internet, and i always find how good they are very efficient. But i think you don't want to stand on these recommendations. I'm really, really sad about this. Now i'm beginning to hate it. I clean the protein every month dismantling it to pieces and the cup every day. My nitrates explode. I'm really frustrated, and I don't know what to do. Any help, please?

 

[S2G]

Make sure your venturi is aligned and clean.

I really don't have good news for you. I have a curve 9 myself and I can't get it to run consistently even after a yr. Frozen food sets it off, hands in the tank sets it off, water level has to be 1" below min recommendation. It's the most unreliable skimmer ive ever owned. Soon as works picks back up its gone and im going RO or tunze.

Right now it's been unplugged since sunday due to me feeding a cube of frozen formula 2. Ive done a couple of big water changes. Today im grabbing some carbon and hope that works. Really really sick of this skimmer

 

[Jon Fishman]

1) stop meticulously cleaning it

2) black on the neck means it’s dry skimming. It will work it’s way up to the cup eventually

3). You, like me, have a pretty large skimmer for your tank.... I don’t know your bioload, but I empty my skimmer every 2 weeks, and it’s still not half-full. Doesn’t mean it’s not working, it means your tank isn’t that dirty.....

I would let it run......

 

[Maltese]

Make sure your venturi is aligned and clean.

I really don't have good news for you. I have a curve 9 myself and I can't get it to run consistently even after a yr. Frozen food sets it off, hands in the tank sets it off, water level has to be 1" below min recommendation. It's the most unreliable skimmer ive ever owned. Soon as works picks back up its gone and im going RO or tunze.

Right now it's been unplugged since sunday due to me feeding a cube of frozen formula 2. Ive done a couple of big water changes. Today im grabbing some carbon and hope that works. Really really sick of this skimmer

My skimmer is very clean and aligned too. It's a weird skimmer and like you said really sick. Very disappointed. Thanks for sharing your bad experience too.

 

[Maltese]

1) stop meticulously cleaning it

2) black on the neck means it’s dry skimming. It will work it’s way up to the cup eventually

3). You, like me, have a pretty large skimmer for your tank.... I don’t know your bioload, but I empty my skimmer every 2 weeks, and it’s still not half-full. Doesn’t mean it’s not working, it means your tank isn’t that dirty.....

I would let it run......

Thank you for your suggestions. Yes, it skims only dry. My skimmer doesn't work it's way up. it will work for a few minutes then it will reduce production. Unbelievable. When i adjust this skimmer i always give half an hour or more to stable. It takes to long to break. It doesn't skim like other protein skimmers. I have a large sump filled with 2 Brightwell Aquatics bio-bricks, 2 Maxspect nano bio-bricks and the Maxspect 2kg spheres bio balls. My 100g tank visually looks very clean, but when i check my No3 and P04 they are really high prolonged to skim deficiency. I started carbon dosing but i had to stop, by the cause of the skimmer.

 

[S2G]

My skimmer is very clean and aligned too. It's a weird skimmer and like you said really sick. Very disappointed. Thanks for sharing your bad experience too.

I hate it for you. Def my most disappointing purchase. I got it to work flawless for probably 4 months 12. It's slightly oversized but my issue is staying in tune without overflowing

 

[Maltese]

I hate it for you. Def my most disappointing purchase. I got it to work flawless for probably 4 months 12. It's slightly oversized but my issue is staying in tune without overflowing

Right now I'm a bit tight of money, but as i rise up a bit for sure i will take it off. What do you think about Nyos protein skimmers?

 

[DangerDave]

I have a curve 9. It really works great. I've had a 7 before this one (still do, it's on the reserve list lol) The key is keeping the skimmer neck spotless. I got tired of doing that so I bought their neck cleaner for the 9. Now I only have to clean my skimmer every 4-6 months, and empty the remote waste container monthly. It's a much better maintenance schedule. Although, it is absolutely disgusting cleaning the cup and neck cleaner when I do.

Good luck!

Dave

 

[christopher.lauwers]

sorry about your luck... I have a curve 5, I had some of the same issues, I fixed mine by turning my skimmer off for 24 hrs then back on.
It was still having some issues after the 24hr period but worked it self out.
Skims like a champ for me. way undersized for my tank but that's another story.