Somatic 60 skimmer bubble over production

[bdejong1112o]

I purchased a Somatic 60 skimmer for my clown tank build based on the rave reviews from @Bulk Reef Supply. I do agree it's a nicely built unit and was up and running in no time. However, it is a bubble making machine. I know it's a new tank and only 3 days running the skimmer but it's showing no signs of stopping.

The bubble production is so strong it floods the bottom of the skimmer and gets pushed out the outlet. Some get recycled back into the pump but all the remaining get pushed into the return and into the tank. Using a Skimz sumppro 22 sump.

I can't dial back the air to.much because when I do the bubble plate gets pushed off. It's the one thing about this skimmer that is not the best design. The bubble plate is screwed to a post that is a simple press fit into the plate attached to the motor. To much water pressure results it it popping of in the skimmer body.

Here is a video of it running. Any way to speed up the break in and for others who have this skimmer did you have the same issues?

 

[AdamNC]

Run it in a 5gal bucket with 1:5 vinegar for about a day or 2. All skimmers have production oils residue still on them when new. Or just let it run it’s course, in time it will smooth itself out.

 

[bdejong1112o]

Got it setup to do that and now the bubble plate is comming off every time it starts up. Its a friction fit part and does not hold tight enough.

Going to return this thing. Check out the video. No screw at all just a friction fit.

 

[AdamNC]

Hmm odd, I ran mine during my plumbing test run and ran my 60S at almost full blast to see that it was working and I didn’t have that problem. Granted it was only tap water but still had some bubbles going. Yea I’d say return it for another.

 

[AdamNC]

Here’s mine on the frest water test run.

 

[bdejong1112o]

Do you recall if the post that the bubble plate attached to was a friction fit part?

 

[AdamNC]

No, mine was fully assembled when I got the sump kit. I imagine yours just might be striped.

 

[bdejong1112o]

There are no threads at all. This is it where the bubble plate attaches to the rod. This is for the rod to the bottom plate.

Bubble plate screws into rod.


That rod is a friction fit to the plate that attaches to the pump.


That is what is loose. Not sure it's supposed to be that way.

 

[AdamNC]

Oh then I dunno then. I’d just take it back and ask for another as this one is defective.

 

[bdejong1112o]

Yeah going to do that in Monday. Bought it from @Bulk Reef Supply So I know there will be no issues. Just bummed that it didn't work so well....

 

[squampton]

Defective maybe with the bubble plate.

I have this skimmer and my bubble plate does not do that.

Mine did produce massive bubbles though for 2 or so days.

I did run mine in bucket of water with vinegar as well prior.

 

[Seeady66]

The clear pole should be glued into the base plate. That was the same as a Nyos skimmer I had. Your tank is just new it will settle down my new eshopps skimmer toke 3 weeks to settle on a new tank
Adrian

 

[bdejong1112o]

I think I may know the source of the over production. The little clarifier bags they give you in the carib sea sand.

I took the skimmer and put it in a bucket of water mixed with the same salt and source water and it didn't over produce at all. Worked perfectly after gluing the post which is a different issue. When I mean it didn't over produce I mean it. Hardly made the cup at full bore and wide open intake. Put back into sump and immediately overflowed. So much that it lifts the cover off the cup. Same water height as well.

Main difference is the stupid clarifier additive. Used the same sand and salt and water on the big tank and had the same results. Ended up dialing back the air and skimming off the residue until it calmed down.

 

[AdamNC]

Hmm interesting. I’ve got a bag of that live sand that I’m going to be using in the next week or so. As of now I’m just running my skimmer in the sump with salt water and it has a lot of bubbles everywhere but not enough to be pushing the plate up.

I guess I should run my hob AC70 to clarify the water first before I put the sump online. I contemplated putting in socks for the sump but think I’ll try the AC70 for a day or 2.

 

[RonnieP]

I just installed my 60S and it’s making tons of bubbles also. So much that bubbles are flowing out of the skimmer return. Luckily I don’t have it in the return side of my sump so the bubbles disappear before the water makes it through my filter media and finally to the return pump. I will keep an eye on it for a few days and update.