Need suggestions, Protein skimmer being very noisy

[bct15]

I use an h&s external protein skimmer, exact model readers me but is for 300+ gallons. The past week or so it will randomly get loud, like a rattling sound or a loud water flowing sound. If I plug up the air intake with my finger the noise goes away and when I release the skimmer is silent again, but the noise comes back a few hours later. What could be causing this? It is loud enough I can hear it all around the house, should I pull it out and run vinegar through it? The noise seems to be stemming from the air intake.

Thanks,
B

 

[eliramos]

bump!mine does the same thing!

 

[Reefing Madness]

Could be salt creep in the air line. I clean mine out every 2 weeks. It will clog up and render your skimmer useless. Also not a bad idea to clean your pump out once a month also.

 

[bct15]

I ran some hot RO water through the air intake...I think it was partially clogged. I'll let you know of it fixed it.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I actually have to pinch the line, and crunch it up, then rinse it out.

 

[Genesis Corals]

+1 to run hot water through the air hose, also check the impeller to make sure nothing is broken or caught inside.