Skimmer Overflowing after Chemiclean

[aLu]

I used ChemiClean almost three weeks ago. Since I have done three 20 gallon water changes, hand cleaned the sand/rocks, and readjusted the filter water depth by 1/2 inch. My tank is only 90 gallons so I’m not sure if I need to keep doing water changes or how to fix this. I was going to remove my skimmer today and clean it with vinegar then start it up again with a hose going from the collection to a bucket. I am out of ideas after that and haven’t had good skimming now for 3 weeks. Any advice or other ideas to try?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

The one time I ran chemiclean, I had the same issue. I ran a ton of carbon and let skimmer just run with hose to bucket. As skimmer filled bucket, I added SW heated to temp back in. Took about 2 hours and all was well after that. Skimmer did pull a ton of gunk for about a week after and filed up a little quicker, but was not overflowing anymore.

 

[Miami Reef]

Very interesting. I was able to use my skimmer a day after using Chemiclean.

Following.

 

[SDK]

I did something suggested to me here. A bit time consuming but worked well.

Grab a comfy chair and a bucket of new water. Sit down by the skimmer cup. Empty the cup into a waste bucket as it fills. When your water level gets too low start replacing with new water. I was able to get my skimmer working again in about two hours doing this.

 

[aLu]

Awesome yea I’ll admit I didn’t wait two hours but it’s a home project Saturday so I’ll give it a try. Am mixing up a new batch of saltwater now anyway so should have plenty to refill.

 

[mackbamf]

I have used it on a couple of occasions and both times my skimmer went nuts for about two weeks. It too was stressing me out because I wasn't getting to skim at all. I know it sucks but you probably just need to wait it out a little longer, it will eventually settle down.

 

[aLu]

Just an update. I hooked up some hose to the drain on the cup into a bucket. After about 10 gallons it went back to normal. I finished off with one more 20 gallon water change. Seems like all is back to normal and we are back skimming again. Thank you for the info and I guess I just had to be more patient.

 

[Uncle99]

Use of chemiclean or red slime remover will require an adjustment (lower) to your skimmer for normally a few days but the skimmer should be run not only to pull the extra organics in the water column out, but to ensure adequate oxygenation of that water for your fish.
More than a few days sounds more like the skimmer just needs to be retuned.
You’ve replace a good amount of water so the cleaner should not be a factor at this point.