Did I just kill my tank?

[W1ngz]

lower the water level in the skimmer a bit so it stops overflowing, and like other said, break out the nitrate and phosphate tests for a couple of days. You can't decide where to go until you know where you are. The tank may well just take up the nutrients and be better for it.

 

[TexasTodd]

If it was a BRAND NEW sock, this:

If it's a new filter sock that's never been used, it doesn't matter how much you rinse it since some filter socks has a coating on it that makes the skimmer go crazy. It will settle down however and not harmful to the tank.

As for the skimmate going crazy and spilling back into the tank. Not a big deal unless your water is absolutely filthy.

Just turn your skimmer off until tomorrow morning. Or, just take the collection cup off if worried about O2 levels over night.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

It'll be fine. It's happened to me on more than one occasion. Just dial the skimmer back in and clean it all up. No biggie.

 

[amazongb]

Wish I had $1 for each time I've accidentally overflowed skim mate into my tank.. I'd be rich..LOL.. you'll be fine.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

Hey guys and girls. I want to thank you all for posting so quickly here. I think I overreacted, in good faith, but the response here has been phenomenal. It’s late, it’s a work night yet all you folks have helped. If I could nominate you all for a thank you award I would!

What a forum! What a great bunch of human beings! It’s people like you that restore faith in the human race. I’m not even kidding!

Thank you.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

So an update. You guys were of course correct. No issues. Nitrates stayed a between 5 and 10 where they normally are, phosphates unchanged, corals went went really bushy!

 

[Jon Fishman]

Good to hear...... unfortunately it seems many people panic and dump 1,000 chemicals in their tank, and do a bunch of stuff, and that does more harm than good.

 

[SeaDweller]

So I put a new filter sock in , I did Rinse it, but the skimmer went nuts and put a load of skim back in the tank. Did I just kill my tank ?

Def not.

 

[ShaggyRS6]

I dunno what that skimmate did but my nitrates are now as low as they ever were as are my phosphates !!!

 

[Whipples]

Remember to replace the water that you skim out with freshly made saltwater to maintain salinity.