PROTEIN SKIMMER FLOODING MY HOUSE!!!!!

Jay Hall · Aug 31, 2019

I’ve recently brought.. the bubble magus E5 HANG ON skimmer.. but it’s flooded twice now.. I’ve i done something wrong?
I’ve followed the poor instructions and a few videos for fine tuning etc.. but I’m just scared to leave it on to come home to a nightmare!
I don’t dare even bring the water level up incase it happens again! Someone help me please!!

Crabs McJones · Aug 31, 2019

Where do you have the drain line running to? If it's a brand new skimmer it may be going through its break in period. Its usually 1 to 2 weeks where the skimmer goes nuts while it breaks in. Open the air inlet valve as open as possible and let it run.

Scurvy · Aug 31, 2019

New skimmers often overflow for a while when first being used. i normally run them in a bucket of water/vinegar mix for 24 hours before using to break down any films/chemicals assoicated with the manufacturing/packing process which tends to make them break in much quicker. being a HOB model I would take that extra step for sure.

Also FWIW my Bubble Magus Curve 5 took seemingly forever to break in.

EmdeReef · Aug 31, 2019

Skimmers can be temperamental. Even the best ones will flood and the causes can range from the weather to a substance released in your tank - or even using cleaning products at home.

All you can do is make sure to have a proper water level. In your case I would seriously consider investing in a skimmate locker like the Avast marine Davy Jones which would shut it off if it overflowedZ. Saved me countless times

Jay Hall · Aug 31, 2019

EmdeReef said:
Skimmers can be temperamental. Even the best ones will flood and the causes can range from the weather to a substance released in your tank - or even using cleaning products at home.

All you can do is make sure to have a proper water level. In your case I would seriously consider investing in a skimmate locker like the Avast marine Davy Jones which would shut it off if it overflowedZ. Saved me countless times

I just had a look then!! They look pretty decent TBH! I think I’m going to have to get one, or do a DIY on one! Thanks though and yeah it’s brand new so just going wild all the time! Driving me wild

Jay Hall · Aug 31, 2019

Crabs McJones said:
Where do you have the drain line running to? If it's a brand new skimmer it may be going through its break in period. Its usually 1 to 2 weeks where the skimmer goes nuts while it breaks in. Open the air inlet valve as open as possible and let it run.

Hey, my drain line isn’t running to anything.. just hanging.. it’s got like a lock type thing on the end of the pipe I’ve attached a photo to show you..

Saltyreef · Aug 31, 2019

What they are saying is put the drain line from skimmer cup into your tank, remove the plug at the end, it pops right off. Let it run for a few days until you tune the water level and it stops overflowing. Then you can cap it back up if you arent running it to an external skimmate collection jug.