Skimmer problems.

BuzzWrasse · Mar 16, 2013

I have a 90 gallon tank with a total of 100 gallons system volume I estimate with rock and sand displacement. I have a Bubble Magus NAC6 skimmer that has been skimming well for several months. About 2 months ago I added bio pellets with the discharge feeding directly into the skimmer intake which caused the skimmate to about double. In this 90 I have a 4" Naso, Yellow eyed kole tang, foxface, firefish, orchid dottyback, 2 small clowns, cleaner wrasse, flasher wrasse.

That was the background, here is the problem.

One week ago I added a 40 gallon frag tank to the system. Since this time I get no foam AT ALL in my skimmer. It bubbles fine, just no foam. I had the frag tank on the other side of my wall in my bedroom. The noise kept me up so I had to move it next to my display in the living room, while this tank was disconnected, the skimmer started making some foam.

So, my questions are:

Is the water too clean from being diluted with 40% more volume?
Is the skimmer too small for this volume? Even though it probably is, wouldn't it still make foam? just not pull it out fast enough?
What can I do besides buying a bigger skimmer?

I ran the skimmer in vinegar for 30 minutes, and then completely tore it down and cleaned every single part and the pump impeller.
I also tried running an old Euro Reef skimmer (I think its a RS100) with the same results.

I don't know what else to try, but I can't afford to buy a bigger skimmer right now.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nuocmam · Mar 16, 2013

How did you plumb the 2 tanks together? Is the frag tank drain right near the skimmer input causing inconsistent head pressure?

BuzzWrasse · Mar 16, 2013

The hose coming from the right is from the frag tank, the hose going from the top to the left is from the display, they both go into the same filter sock.