Skimmer underperforming?

[Fredrik Andersson]

Hello!
Ive got a plug-and-play tank, reefmax 105l (30 gallon). Since I started the tank 3months ago Im having problems with high nitrate levels. I read that the original skimmer for this tank sometimes under perform. Based on this video, woul you say its time for a new one? (I've removed the "cup" so the video wont be to dark)

 

[Dtfnemo]

Is there any way to adjust that type of skimmer?

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

You mean adjusting how much air I let in? In that case yes But this is the result with maximum air.

 

[Dtfnemo]

Needs to look foamy at the top, can you adjust water level?

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

Increase or decrease?

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

Now I raised the water level in the tank to maximum.Unfortunately no improving foam creation for the skimmer

 

[Dtfnemo]

You know pretty much all the skimmers that I have own usually look that way when they are new, maybe it's still breaking in

 

[legionofdoon]

Lower the water level in the skimmer.

 

[theMeat]

I know it sounds backwards, but less air means higher level in skimmer

Don’t know the specifics or design of that skimmer, but with most skimmers you get salt build up at the bottom end of hose, or on venturi where hose gets connected to down on the pump. I say that because it looks like you don’t have much bubbles/air

 

[legionofdoon]

Stalker

 

[legionofdoon]

I know it sounds backwards, but less air means higher level in skimmer

Don’t know the specifics or design of that skimmer, but with most skimmers you get salt build up at the bottom end of hose, or on venturi where hose gets connected to down on the pump. I say that because it looks like you don’t have much bubbles/air

I'll agree to that but if it is a new skimmer you need to lower the water level in the skimmer. Like meat said if you decrease the air into the skimmer body you end up raising the water level in the skimmer. If you have free flowing air into the skimmer body then you need to ( if your skimmer allows) lower the water level in the skimmer body. That being said meat is the expert so listen to him only he has great values lol.

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

How do I lower the water level in the skimmer? Just use a syringe and remove water in the skimmer hole?

 

[legionofdoon]

Does it have a valve that controls the out put? If it does turn it do less water exits.

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

No seems like I only can adjust the air supply. I will adjust the air supply for a few days and hopefully make it create more foam.

 

[legionofdoon]

Run it wide open air wise

 

[theMeat]

Maybe try this. Take the end of hose that sucks air and submerge it into tank water. Your skimmer water level should go up. Leave it that way for 10-15 minutes, then pull it out and see if it is sucking more air. This should clear out much of the salt creep, if there is any, from the air passage. To get a thorough cleaning you should really take the skimmer out, but this will let you know if airway blockage is an issue. Maybe legionofdoon is right, it is a newish skimmer, just looks like your not getting much air

 

[Fredrik Andersson]

Great! Now I got plenty of things to test, hopefully I don’t need to buy a new skimmer.

Could my problem with the skimmer have any connection with the pump at the bottom of the skimmer that flows the water upwards in the skimmer?

 

[Simplicity Aquatics]

I know it sounds backwards, but less air means higher level in skimmer

Don’t know the specifics or design of that skimmer, but with most skimmers you get salt build up at the bottom end of hose, or on venturi where hose gets connected to down on the pump. I say that because it looks like you don’t have much bubbles/air

I agree with this. When you restrict the air it allows the pump to run at a slightly higher speed allowing it to ultimately draw in more air than it would otherwise. Is this skimmer pump driven or is it air driven? I would start with a good pump cleaning if it worked better before and is pump driven. Our youtube page has a video on doing this, not sure if I should link it though the mods might frown on that.