help solve my malfunctioning skimmer

[birdsnest]

What might cause a down draft style skimmer to start pushing water through the air intake? Does it just need a thorough cleaning, pressure caused by a blockage or restriction that causes the water to back up? any advice or insight would be appreciated.

 

[skinz78]

I once had some frag glue get into the venturi and block the air intake. I'd start by checking there first.

 

[birdsnest]

the air intake is not blocked because i can blow air through it and into the reaction chamber. when i stop blowing the water gets pushed right back through. I thought the water level in the sump might have something to do with it being I raised the level up a few inches but still wouldnt work when I dropped the water level back down.

 

[capt85]

Your pump isn't running in reverse is it?

 

[birdsnest]

no, pump is not running in reverse. It acts like there is back pressure causing water to be forced back through the ventui instead of allowing air to enter the down draft tube. I had a similar instance with a coralife skimmer that wouldnt pull air when it was to deep. It had to closer to the water line to draw in air. But that was a meshwheel skimmer and this is a downdraft.

 

[skinz78]

If you haven't already tried it I would take the whole skimmer out and give it a good vinegar soak and clean it up good.

 

[birdsnest]

Thats what Ill try. Thanks for the input so far. Ill post if I get it working.