Protein skimmer keeps over filling

[FRANK48]

My protein skimmer keeps producing bubbles outside the actual cup. It makes my sump really messy and I’m not sure how to fix this problem.

 

[Miami Reef]

Are they thick bubbles like this picture or are they thin bubbles that rapidly overflow like crazy?

 

[kittenbritches]

What type of skimmer is it and how long has it been in the tank?

Lower the valve to the lowest level of water intake while the skimmer breaks in. It can take a couple of days or a couple of weeks. And it can take a bit of time to get them dialed in in the meanwhile.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

All of these foam bubbles look good. It’s not too wet. No clear water in the bottom of the cup. They should be popping and filling the cup. They really shouldn’t be coming out of the lid. I would turn the adjustment knob down, maybe a quarter of an inch turn. Counter clockwise, I believe. Watch it for a day or two. You will win!

 

[Garf]

Looks like it’s getting that crap out of the water, just like it should. Keep cleaning the cup, till it slows down.

 

[Rmckoy]

If it’s a newly setup skimmer it will take time to break in

 

[FRANK48]

Are they thick bubbles like this picture or are they thin bubbles that rapidly overflow like crazy?

Yes

 

[FRANK48]

What type of skimmer is it and how long has it been in the tank?

Lower the valve to the lowest level of water intake while the skimmer breaks in. It can take a couple of days or a couple of weeks. And it can take a bit of time to get them dialed in in the meanwhile.

Well it’s been in there for ages but I do turn it on and off when dosing

 

[Miami Reef]

Yes

Turn down the air input on the skimmer. That’s the solution.

 

[FRANK48]

Turn down the air input on the skimmer. That’s the solution.

To let in more water?

 

[Miami Reef]

To let in more water?

When a skimmer has too much air, it brings in too much organics which can make the skimmer too thick to efficiently work.

Usually skimmers have 2 knobs: one to control air flow into skimmer, and one to adjust water height. Lowering the air will usually drop the water level in skimmer, so that will have to be raised slightly.

 

[FRANK48]

When a skimmer has too much air, it brings in too much organics which can make the skimmer too thick to efficiently work.

Usually skimmers have 2 knobs: one to control air flow into skimmer, and one to adjust water height. Lowering the air will usually drop the water level in skimmer, so that will have to be raised slightly.

Ok thanks

 

[rlman41299]

that skimmer looks like a reef octopus. It only has controller knob for water height

 

[Miami Reef]

that skimmer looks like a reef octopus. It only has controller knob for water height

Are you talking about the skimmer I posted? That’s my reef octopus skimmer and it does have an air adjustment feature. Most good quality skimmers have them.

 

[rlman41299]

Are you talking about the skimmer I posted? That’s my reef octopus skimmer and it does have an air adjustment feature. Most good quality skimmers have them.

would you mind showing me where the air adjustment features is? I have the same skimmer and I only have water level adjustment.

 

[Miami Reef]

would you mind showing me where the air adjustment features is? I have the same skimmer and I only have water level adjustment.

Sure. I have the 200s: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/regal-250int-10-internal-protein-skimmer-varios-reef-octopus.html

The power supply has this remote control with a slider button to control how much air you want injected

 

[rlman41299]

Sure. I have the 200s: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/regal-250int-10-internal-protein-skimmer-varios-reef-octopus.html

The power supply has this remote control with a slider button to control how much air you want injected

ahhh gotcha. I've always thought that was for pump speed and not air flow controller like the older skimmers before that has the top of silencers that rotates to control air flow.

 

[FRANK48]

Are you talking about the skimmer I posted? That’s my reef octopus skimmer and it does have an air adjustment feature. Most good quality skimmers have them.

My one only has an air adjustment feature