Skimmer with anti-overflow system overflowed

[Ro Bow]

My skimmer (reef octo with an anti-overflow add-on) overflowed and spilled all its bubbles into my sump. None of them got in to the display tank, but the bubbles are scaring me - should I replace all the water in the sump, do a small water change getting rid of as many bubbles as I can, or just leave the foam be? Luckily the foam is white and clean because yesterday I cleaned my skimmer, but Im still worried some chemicals or something could kill my fish. It's weird though because a few days ago my skimmer was really full with foam after I cleaned it then turned it back on, so I lowered its power, and yet still it overflows. For now I turned off the pump in my sump and the skimmer obviously. Im probably just going to do a small water change, but I wanted some advice from others.
Thanks.

notice the water level is super high - it wasnt like this yesterday I'm assuming its because of the skimmer?

Also the bubbles in this picture have already begun to disappear...

 

[Gtinnel]

There is nothing in that foam that didn’t come out of your tank. I think you are worrying about the foam when it isn’t a big deal.
Id guess that it’s hard to find a hobbyist who hasn’t had an skimmer overflow, I know I have several times.

 

[Ro Bow]

There is nothing in that foam that didn’t come out of your tank. I think you are worrying about the foam when it isn’t a big deal.
Id guess that it’s hard to find a hobbyist who hasn’t had an skimmer overflow, I know I have several times.

Thank you.

 

[blaxsun]

First, don't worry - having your skimmer overflow isn't going to mess up your tank (most of whatever it skimmed just ends up back in the tank). The bubbles will dissipate in time all on their own.

Not having the correct water height or the skimmer set correctly can lead to overflowing.

I always start by ensuring the water flow is all the way open and the air valve completely closed. Adjust the water level until it's about 4-5" from the top of the neck on the skimmer, and then open the air just a bit. You want the foam bubbling just below the collection cup for optimal skim.

 

[Gtinnel]

What kind of anti-overflow device was added? I would try to figure out why it didn’t function properly.

An overflowing skimmer is not a major deal but it can make a mess. One time when mine overflowed it ruined some slelectronics that the water splashed on because it was like a fountain with water shooting out of the top, not just the foam overflowing.

 

[Ro Bow]

My LFS said this was the anti overflow thing, that costed us like $10 or something so I got it - I didn't do much research about it afterwards or beforehand.

Not my picture

 

[fish farmer]

My LFS said this was the anti overflow thing, that costed us like $10 or something so I got it - I didn't do much research about it afterwards or beforehand.

Not my picture

That's a little float switch much like on some ATOs.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

The bubbles might not have pushed the float up to stop the skimmer. It might actually take the water skimate to do that.
I've had my skimmer cup dumped back in my tank multiple times. I just turn the skimmer back on and empty the cup maybe 4 or 5 times as it will skim a lot of clearer stuff as the nutrient levels lower back down.

 

[fish farmer]

My skimmer (reef octo with an anti-overflow add-on) overflowed and spilled all its bubbles into my sump. None of them got in to the display tank, but the bubbles are scaring me - should I replace all the water in the sump, do a small water change getting rid of as many bubbles as I can, or just leave the foam be? Luckily the foam is white and clean because yesterday I cleaned my skimmer, but Im still worried some chemicals or something could kill my fish. It's weird though because a few days ago my skimmer was really full with foam after I cleaned it then turned it back on, so I lowered its power, and yet still it overflows. For now I turned off the pump in my sump and the skimmer obviously. Im probably just going to do a small water change, but I wanted some advice from others.
Thanks.

notice the water level is super high - it wasnt like this yesterday I'm assuming its because of the skimmer?

Also the bubbles in this picture have already begun to disappear...

I'm assuming the water is high because you shut off your skimmer.

 

[Ro Bow]

I'm assuming the water is high because you shut off your skimmer.

yeah I thought so thanks

 

[Ro Bow]

The bubbles might not have pushed the float up to stop the skimmer. It might actually take the water skimate to do that.
I've had my skimmer cup dumped back in my tank multiple times. I just turn the skimmer back on and empty the cup maybe 4 or 5 times as it will skim a lot of clearer stuff as the nutrient levels lower back down.

thanks

 

[fish farmer]

The bubbles might not have pushed the float up to stop the skimmer. It might actually take the water skimate to do that.
I've had my skimmer cup dumped back in my tank multiple times. I just turn the skimmer back on and empty the cup maybe 4 or 5 times as it will skim a lot of clearer stuff as the nutrient levels lower back down.

I actually have my drain line from my reef octo go back in the tank.

I've had enough overflowing skimmers before....with water completely filling the cup (I kept the drain capped) that it would swing my salinity. I've taken the drain tube and set the level to maybe a 1/4 inch in the cup, so any more liquid goes back in the tank. I run my skimmer dry, most stuff collects in the neck of the upper part of the skimmer. Mine overflows if I use reef putty.

 

[Crustaceon]

Pfffft. Happens to me ALL THE TIME. Don't worry and just let the skimmer pick it back up again. You're going to make the situation worse by trying to "fix" it.