Micro bubbles coming from skimmer

[GeoHawk]

I have had this skimmer for two years and never had a problem until tonight. I was doing routine maintenance (emptied skimmer cup, changed carbon, rinsed filter sock), and when I turned the skimmer back on it started introducing tons of small microbubbles into the sump through the pvc. There is not a leak, it is doing it through the pvc that points back down into the tank. I have pulled the skimmer out and inspected it. It seems to be like it always has been. Any thoughts on how to fix this? Like I said its a new thing the skimmer has always been fine in the past.

 

[FOO-CAT]

Brand? Have you cleaned the air venturi?

 

[GeoHawk]

Vertex IN 80. This is going to sound really bad but what is the air venturi? (Also means no)

 

[FOO-CAT]

The air line that goes into the "nipple" at the pump is more than likely clog with calcium build-up. Take that off and clean it out.

 

[GeoHawk]

I just cleaned it out with a q-tip and tried again and its still doing it. There are tons of bubbles coming out of the skimmer output it makes a sizzling sound in the sump. Maybe I need to pull the pump and venturi out and soak them in vinegar. Its just weird that before the maintenance there were zero bubbles and now there are millions of them.

 

[FOO-CAT]

I would take the whole pump apart and soak it overnight. My SWC 160 would do that when the venturi inlet has some build-up.

 

[GeoHawk]

Will do thanks for the help. Ill let you know in the morning if anything changes.

 

[azjohnny]

for preventive maintenance I like to submerge the end of the airline in a small cup of hot RO/DI water. The airline will draw the water in the pump and clean any salt residue in the tube and volute area

 

[Zack]

for preventive maintenance I like to submerge the end of the airline in a small cup of hot RO/DI water. The airline will draw the water in the pump and clean any salt residue in the tube and volute area

good idea! I never thought of doing that. I usually just blow into the airline to dis-lodge the bigger chunks, im about to go heat up some water right now!

 

[GeoHawk]

Ran the skimmer and venturi all night with water and vinegar. This afternoon when I hooked it back up all the microbubbles are gone. Thanks for the help everyone, especially FOO-CAT