Strange Skimmer Behaviour

nharwood · Feb 7, 2016

Hi all, I wanted to get some input on a strange bit of trouble I am having with my skimmer. First some basic info on my setup.

Tanks: 120 gallon w/ 30 gallon sump, Lightly stocked at the moment but nitrates and phosphates are a bit higher than I'd prefer and higher than is normal for my tank.
Age: 2 years
Skimmer: Vertex Omega 150 (2 years old), last cleaned 2 weeks ago. Sitting in 7.75" of water.
Salinity: 35
All other water parameters are normal, currently running some GFO and Carbon since my skimmer isn't in top condition.

So here is the situation, about a month ago my skimmer started acting erratic. Prior to this the skimmer was always a bit finicky but predictable. Anyway, about a month ago... It would skim normal, then 6 hours later the foam head would drop way below the normal set point. I would adjust it back to the neck area, then 6 hours later it would overflow in a big way. I thought something was blocking the air intake and figured it was time for a good cleaning. I completed that work. The needle wheel, shaft and bushings all seem to be in working order. The air intake also did not show any blockages. The pump head did have a broken attachment tab (I have ordered a new one) but was able to secure it to the pump as good or better than when it was new on a temporary basis. After cleaning and a week or so of re-break-in, the same 6-12 hour oscillation is occurring where it seems to go from producing great skimate then almost instantly going low on air, then back to normal.

This is my first skimmer, does this failure mode sound like a bad pump? Anything else I should check? Thanks in advance for your help!

Regards,

Nathan

scardall · Feb 7, 2016

When these things happen,does the level in the sump(skimmer section) change? For me when this level changes, air adjustments are needed to maintain proper skimmer foam level. Never turn off return pump, as your skimmer will overflow as water level rises.

Good luck

nharwood · Feb 7, 2016

No, skimmer section is constant and doesn't change. My Neptune Apex shuts off my skimmer and other equipment when return pump is turned off. That said, I only turn off my return during water changes so that's been two weeks at this point.

scardall · Feb 8, 2016

for what you are seeing 6 and 12 hour cycles consistently, Something that is controlled by your Apex could be causing your issue. Timed issues are usually a breakdown due to pressure changes ( A seal issue?? ) or something that is being controlled electrically. IMO tough one here.

Drauka99 · Feb 8, 2016

My 180i does something similar. I think it is the foam head collapsing from not enough organics and/or oils in the fish food. Mine tends to drop out for an hour or so after a feeding. I ended up setting it to a good point for skimming when there was a good foam head formed and locking down the adjustment and not messing with it anymore. I have been happy with the skimmate production ever since. (I pull approximately 3/4 of a quart of skim every 5 days on a pretty heavy stocked 93 cube with 40 breeder sump, I am also lightly dosing vinegar to help keep nitrates down)

Tommy's Reef · Feb 8, 2016

Mine does the same if u have nothing to skim it will go down. And not produce enough foam. Or it could be a bad pump??

Kyle Sicard · Feb 8, 2016

Are you feeding mysis shrimp?

Whenever I feed mysis shrimp the water level in skimmer drops significantly and a few hours later it returns to normal.

Tommy's Reef · Feb 8, 2016

Interesting

Sabellafella · Feb 8, 2016

I loveee my 150 but at the same time i hate it, i found that this worked out for me, maybe for you also. It sits in 6.5 inches, a tiny tiny piece off floss stuck in the top

nharwood · Feb 11, 2016

Thanks for all the feedback folks, I think the suggestions on timing is right on. I recently started using an auto feeder set to feed twice a day lines up with my skimmer drop outs. I was on a business trip this week and watched my skimmer remotely from my sump cam and I'm pretty sure this is what's going on. In 5 days I had a nice full cup of skimmate so it appears to be dialed back in again.

Appreciate the help!

Nate

nharwood · Feb 12, 2016

Sabellafella said:
I loveee my 150 but at the same time i hate it, i found that this worked out for me, maybe for you also. It sits in 6.5 inches, a tiny tiny piece off floss stuck in the top

The 150 is definitely a love / hate relationship for me too. I'll keep this in mind when it goes nuts on me again.