Hi everyone. I started a new 60 gallon tank in January. I constantly have nitrate issues (over 90), and even with water changes they don't go down. I am now assuming my protein skimmer might me the issue. I have a coralife 125 protein skimmer, and since january it has never even came up an inch. The coralife skimmer only has one water intake knob, and I don;t know how to set ip properly. Does anyone have any tips as to what im doing wrong?
Skimmer Issues
- Thread starter ShaunPReefer
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Uncle99
10K Club member
With the coralife skimmer, you have just one adjustment, turn it completely counter clockwise, this is the lowest position. Then turn it really slow counterclockwise until the bubbles come no more than half way up the cone and let it sit. Make sure air is coming in through the tube, be real careful with the strainer on the pump, if the inlet for the air is not absolutely vertical, it usual just pushes water into the cup.
If you see no bubbles in the cone, blow through the air tube to make sure it’s not blocked.
Also, clean the Venturi (the plastic tube that goes into the strainer that attaches to pump) this can easily become blocked and it won’t skim. I clean mine in vinegar every month and I also push a small drill bit through the hole, to keep it free.
It’s a bit finicky, but once set, does a pretty good job.
If you see no bubbles in the cone, blow through the air tube to make sure it’s not blocked.
Also, clean the Venturi (the plastic tube that goes into the strainer that attaches to pump) this can easily become blocked and it won’t skim. I clean mine in vinegar every month and I also push a small drill bit through the hole, to keep it free.
It’s a bit finicky, but once set, does a pretty good job.
ShaunPReefer
Community Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2020
- Messages
- 25
- Reaction score
- 9
Hi I cleaned my skimmer and followed all your wonderfyl tips, I believe it is now working, although the skimmate is bubbly rather than liquidy like other skimmers. Here are some picture, please let me know if something doesn't look right. Thank you very m
uch.
ShaunPReefer
Community Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2020
- Messages
- 25
- Reaction score
- 9
Yes for sure. I bought my tank used, and the guy had the rock in a bucket of saltwater for a few months, so not sure if it was live, but live sand. We did buy one rock from the store.How much rock do you have in the tank? Can you post a few pics?
