protein skimmer stopped creating thick bubbles in body

[Tabasco1]

I have an SC-65, it is an off brand that is pretty much identical to the BMNAC-3.5 cone skimmer. It has worked pretty well and in the body there was always so many bubbles that the fluid inside the cone body was white. Recently it is is now fairly clear with small bubbles. I am posting pics below. It is still producing some skimmate, but not like it was. I have taken the skimmer apart and cleaned and re-seated everything. It is still the same. Can anybody tell me if this because of the pump not functioning at capacity, air intake?

Thanks!

 

[Tabasco1]

For comparison, here is a pic when it was performing.

 

[kuyatwo]

You take the pump apart and clean it? Sometimes if something is stuck in the impeller if can disrupt the foam


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[Tabasco1]

Thanks. I did take it apart and cleaned the impeller. It was the first time I have done it so maybe didn't put it back together correctly. But there weren't many parts. So I thought I did. I will take it apart and put it back together again tomorrow.

 

[Tabasco1]

Finally took it back apart. The culprit was salt deposit in the small hard tube that connects the flexible air tube to the skimmer. Almost missed it such a small piece. But we are working as good as new!