Why do filter pads make skimmers go crazy???

[reefiniteasy]

Hi @Randy Holmes-Farley ,

I was wondering if you can help me understand why skimmers go crazy when changing filter pads. What is it about the pad that causes this?

I see tons of posts about this, but can’t find why it occurs.

Thanks!

 

[Miami Reef]

Hi @Randy Holmes-Farley ,

I was wondering if you can help me understand why skimmers go crazy when changing filter pads. What is it about the pad that causes this?

I see tons of posts about this, but can’t find why it occurs.

Thanks!

IMO most likely it is from using liquid fabric softener. It leaves a residue in the machine.

 

[reefiniteasy]

IMO most likely it is from using liquid fabric softener. It leaves a residue in the machine.

I’m talking about fresh cut filter pads like the pinky filters I use or any brand for that matter.

www.pinkyfilters.com

 

[Kodski]

IMO most likely it is from using liquid fabric softener. It leaves a residue in the machine.

Maybe I'm wrong about what the OP was asking but I think OP wasn't asking about filter socks but disposable filter pad/floss. I've been curious as to what causes the sudden change in the skimmer as well. I use an external skimmer so mine doesn't go crazy per say, but the foam head inside the skimmer immediately collapses when I change out my filter pad/floss.

 

[Potatohead]

Pre-soak them in RO for a while and that helps a ton.

 

[Kodski]

I’m talking about fresh cut filter pads like the pinky filters I use or any brand for that matters.

www.pinkyfilters.com

Interesting site. How do you like the pads? I buy my rolls for my LFS for like $30 a roll. I may have to order from these guys once.

 

[reefiniteasy]

Interesting site. How do you like the pads? I buy my rolls for my LFS for like $30 a roll. I may have to order from these guys once.

They are great. I stock up with their Black Friday sale every year.

 

[Mjl714]

I get same response when adding a polyfilter.

I’m also a fan and user of Pinky Filters for various aquarium filtration. Good stuff.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The manufacturing process likely involves some surfactant (detergent or soap-like molecules) which cause excessive foaming in skimmers.

Rinsing them will should reduce the bound surfactants.

 

[Dan_P]

Hi @Randy Holmes-Farley ,

I was wondering if you can help me understand why skimmers go crazy when changing filter pads. What is it about the pad that causes this?

I see tons of posts about this, but can’t find why it occurs.

Thanks!

I don’t know what the chemical is but it can be removed with a thorough tap water rinse. I stumbled upon a source of bulk filter pad material that says it can be used without rinsing and it doesn’t.

 

[reefiniteasy]

I don’t know what the chemical is but it can be removed with a thorough tap water rinse. I stumbled upon a source of bulk filter pad material that says it can be used without rinsing and it doesn’t.

Doesn’t need rinsing? I’m going to have to rinse these pads and give that a shot.