Red Sea skimmer MAJOR overflowing

[Superheat13]

I have a Red sea 600 skimmer that has been running for 18 days in a 425xl system. I know that new skimmers overflow normally, but its been over 2 weeks and if anything its getting worse. Leaving the drain tube open worked fine for a while but now its over foaming so bad its spraying out the top vent holes ALL OVER the inside cabinet, into the ATO tank, ect. it creates so much foam that it almost overflows the entire sump. Water level in the skimmer is as low as possible and meets the red sea recommended height. Please help if possible!

 

[Nateaqua]

How deep is the water level the skimmer in?

 

[Big Smelly fish]

Can you adjust the air input?

 

[Jackson2]

I almost completely closed the skim regulator/ red turn knob on my 900. I only let the foam get to the bottom of the neck. This worked for me

 

[Superheat13]

its in about 7 inches of water. air intake is not adjustable. water outlet is open all the way.
thanks .

 

[Jackson2]

its in about 7 inches of water. air intake is not adjustable. water outlet is open all the way.
thanks .

Did you try closing it

 

[Superheat13]

Did you try closing it

Closing the water valve at all causes the water lever to rapidly rise and basically makes the problem much worse.

 

[KTrevino]

Have you added any type of chemicals to the tank? Any new objects? Sometimes air fresheners or wall plug-ins near by can cause skimmer overflow.

 

[reefz]

Im having the exact same problem with the exact same skimmer. I ended up just turning it off.

Bump!!!!

 

[NotoriousDMC]

If you think it’s the skimmer breaking in as opposed to something in the water (e.g., epoxy), consider breaking in the skimmer in a bucket, dumping skimmate ((if you have it) and recirculating it.

I have a well broken in Red Sea SK300 and it went crazy recently for about 12-18 hours after I pulled a chunk of expoxy off of a rock. Water change + replace water out with saltwater v RODI and it’s back on track.

 

[Coug92]

I had the same problem with same skimmer in my 425xl too. I sold it and switched to a reefoctipus with a dc pump. Now I can turn down my pump when it overflows. I think the red sea was too powerful for the 425 xl system. I recommend getting rid of it.

 

[Jackson2]

Closing the water valve at all causes the water lever to rapidly rise and basically makes the problem much worse.

I just had mine do the same thing because I had the water level too high in the sump after a water change. I try to keep the water level barely above the return pump. I was pretty sure I closed the valve most of the way. I would send you a pic but I’m out of town for work.

 

[Big Smelly fish]

I have a larger Diablo by octopus, it’s an external skimmer, it’s didn’t have an place to adjust air, it would do the same thing, I made it adjustable and it solved the problem then all I have to do is adjust the feed pump to tune it in. Works great now.