This Skimmer Noob Needs Some Help!

[Max!]

Bare with me here... first time with an in-sump skimmer.

Got this a couple days ago and it was running fine, skimming pretty wet but the mere fascination that all those bubbles was taking all that gunk was more than enough for me.

Took it offline for a second on accident while plugging in a new refugium light and I turned it back on.

The bubbles don't seem to reach the collection cup any longer? I tried playing with the water level in the skimmer to no avail. (Excuse my terminology here) but before there were lots of tiny bubbles and then bigger bubbles up near the cup popping and releasing the goodies whereas now I only have tiny bubbles </3

 

[Randyp79]

Bare with me here... first time with an in-sump skimmer.

Got this a couple days ago and it was running fine, skimming pretty wet but the mere fascination that all those bubbles was taking all that gunk was more than enough for me.

Took it offline for a second on accident while plugging in a new refugium light and I turned it back on.

The bubbles don't seem to reach the collection cup any longer? I tried playing with the water level in the skimmer to no avail. (Excuse my terminology here) but before there were lots of tiny bubbles and then bigger bubbles up near the cup popping and releasing the goodies whereas now I only have tiny bubbles

Give it time, if you didn't change anything it'll build back up.

 

[Max!]

Give it time, if you didn't change anything it'll build back up.

That's what I was thinking. It's been a day and some change - keep waiting?

 

[temfinger]

Did you happen to feed the tank during this time? Did you put your hands in the tank.

This could be one reason. Anytime while feeding the tank or even putting your hands in the tank the skimmer with not produce skimate for 30 mins to an hour.

If it was running fine before I would set back how it was.

Next I would check the airline for a clogged.

When turning the pump on and off I could have sucked something against the pump prevent the proper amount of pressure to the skimmer chamber.

 

[link81]

is it just the picture, or does it look like it's in pretty deep water? skimmers generally have a pretty specific range that they're designed to work in.

 

[Max!]

Did you happen to feed the tank during this time? Did you put your hands in the tank.

This could be one reason. Anytime while feeding the tank or even putting your hands in the tank the skimmer with not produce skimate for 30 mins to an hour.

If it was running fine before I would set back how it was.

Next I would check the airline for a clogged.

When turning the pump on and off I could have sucked something against the pump prevent the proper amount of pressure to the skimmer chamber.

Cool cool. Airline isn't blocked and nothing is blocking pump. I did put my hands in the sump, didn't feed.

 

[Max!]

is it just the picture, or does it look like it's in pretty deep water? skimmers generally have a pretty specific range that they're designed to work in.

It's about 7 inches or so - too deep?
edit: Was running smooth before so I figured water height wasn't a problem.

 

[AZMSGT]

If it was running fine before I would set back how it was.

Next I would check the airline for a clogged.

When turning the pump on and off I could have sucked something against the pump prevent the proper amount of pressure to the skimmer chamber.

This and check the intake for blockage.

 

[AZMSGT]

It's about 7 inches or so - too deep?
edit: Was running smooth before so I figured water height wasn't a problem.

Correct

 

[link81]

It's about 7 inches or so - too deep?
edit: Was running smooth before so I figured water height wasn't a problem.

maybe not, have to check the manual to be sure.
but i agree with the above, if it was OK before, it should go back the way it was.

I tried playing with the water level in the skimmer to no avail.

if you played with the water level, you might have to play around a bit to find the happy spot again.

 

[Max!]

maybe not, have to check the manual to be sure.
but i agree with the above, if it was OK before, it should go back the way it was.
if you played with the water level, you might have to play around a bit to find the happy spot again.

Sounds good. Will keep tinkering.

 

[JLUR_]

It's about 7 inches or so - too deep?
edit: Was running smooth before so I figured water height wasn't a problem.

Might not be deep enough. Check the manual for the suggested water depth. For reference my RO 200INT requires 7.5 to 8.5" of water. Check the water intake as well as the air intake for blockages.

 

[temfinger]

Cool cool. Airline isn't blocked and nothing is blocking pump. I did put my hands in the sump, didn't feed.

How old is the skimmer? How long was in running before this occurred ?

Skimmers have a break in period and will be very heavy bubbles, once broke in the bubbles will subside, and will require attachment.

What brand and model skimmer?

 

[Max!]

How old is the skimmer? How long was in running before this occurred ?

Skimmers have a break in period and will be very heavy bubbles, once broke in the bubbles will subside, and will require attachment.

What brand and model skimmer?

A year before me. Bubble Magus APS - Pretty much a curve 7 with a bigger cup size. (same pump)

 

[reeftivo]

If you're within the recommended Mfg water levels, i would suggest leaving it set where it was and letting it run overnight. Sometimes it can take hours for a skimmer to bounce back which is not unusual.

Keep in mind that hands in tank/sump, new equipment in the water etc... will usually always cause issues with foam production in a skimmer.

Things like production residues and oils from hands can affect the surface tension of of the water and bubbles generated.

From my experience, the enemy of tuning a skimmer is constant tinkering. Best to leave it alone and if neccessary, adjust in very small increments, then monitor for at least an hour each time. That has always worked for me.

If it's a new skimmer that has been cleaned it will need to develop a slime coat within the body. that takes time.

good luck.