Silicone's Effect on the Skimmer

[Tennsquire]

I had to replace the impeller in my ER skimmer this weekend, and took the opportunity to get some silicone on the O-rings. I also put a little bit on the uniseals to help the pvc go back into the skimmer easier (it's a re-circulating model). That was Saturday afternoon. I thought it would have a bit of an effect on the foam, but not like it apparently has. No foam since reinstalling the pump, and the bubbles break well before the skimmer cup. I did my normal water change (10 gallon) yesterday, and changed the carbon out this afternoon. I also cleaned the skimmer cup in vinegar, thinking maybe some of the silicone got into the acrylic. None of those things have helped. I'm thinking it has to work its way through the system. I did find an article by Randy Holmes-Farley where this was briefly discussed, but it didn't say how long the effects last. Any thoughts? I've used the same stuff before, but not with these effects. The only other variable is the impeller, but I'm not to the point of wanting to change that again.

 

[Dowtish]

typically silicone takes 48 hours to cure. So I can see that maybe causing the issue. I would hit up The owner at Reef Dynamics to see what he suggests.

 

[pickupman66]

you are talking about a silicone lubricant?

 

[Tennsquire]

you are talking about a silicone lubricant?

Yes. Included with my skimmer from EuroReef way back when was a couple of packages of dielectric silicone grease. I applied a small amount to the o-rings and to the uniseals during reassembly. The bubbles are back today (as of this morning), but not with full force. There is still some turbulence in the skimmer neck and different bubble size, but it's a lot better.