coralife super skimmer bubble production problem

fishonadic · 12/22/2006, 08:39 PM

I have the 65g rated skimmer hooked hob style to my 55g reef tank. However, I cannot get the skimmer to constantly produce bubbles even after I throughly cleaned it. To get it to produce bubbles I have to turn the flow up almost all the way, at which point it only bubbles for an hour or so, than no bubbles are produced and the water in the chamber is clear. How can I solve this problem and are there any mods that would help?

jokerjp · 12/22/2006, 09:22 PM

I have the same skimmer on a 40+40 setup.

I'll make the following assumptions -
The needle wheel and pump are clean
The pump inlet is close to the surface < "3
The air "silencer" is pulling a normal amount of air

If all of the above items are correct I'd proceed in the following order.

First thing to check is the o-ring on the collection cup. Is it seated properly and undamaged?

Second when you hook up collection cup how tight is the seal? I usually turn the red ring and the collection cup at the same time to get the seal tight. 50% of the problems I've had with this skimmer were due to the cup not sealing properly.

Third the outflow. If the outflow is submersed make sure there is a way for air to escape eliminating any backpressure on the skimmer.

Many mods are available on the outflow.
Complete list of mods here -
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...light=CSS+mods

fishonadic · 12/23/2006, 02:44 PM

Thanks for the comments, I think that the problem si with the outflow, the skimmer seems to burp alot and there is never a constant flow of water out of the outlet box, it surges alot.
If this may be the problem how would I solve this?

12/22/2006, 08:39 PM	#1
fishonadic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: burlington VT Posts: 196	coralife super skimmer bubble production problem I have the 65g rated skimmer hooked hob style to my 55g reef tank. However, I cannot get the skimmer to constantly produce bubbles even after I throughly cleaned it. To get it to produce bubbles I have to turn the flow up almost all the way, at which point it only bubbles for an hour or so, than no bubbles are produced and the water in the chamber is clear. How can I solve this problem and are there any mods that would help? __________________ I'm happy as a clam Current Tank Info: 1 55g tank with a Prizm protein skimmer, Rena Filstar xp canister filter, Aquaclear powerhead, Acura 1000 heater, 2 PJ cardinals, 1 Royal Gramma, 2'' LS, 45 pounds LR, 1 yellow tang, sea star, yellow polyps

12/23/2006, 02:44 PM	#3
fishonadic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: burlington VT Posts: 196	Thanks for the comments, I think that the problem si with the outflow, the skimmer seems to burp alot and there is never a constant flow of water out of the outlet box, it surges alot. If this may be the problem how would I solve this? __________________ I'm happy as a clam Current Tank Info: 1 55g tank with a Prizm protein skimmer, Rena Filstar xp canister filter, Aquaclear powerhead, Acura 1000 heater, 2 PJ cardinals, 1 Royal Gramma, 2'' LS, 45 pounds LR, 1 yellow tang, sea star, yellow polyps

12/22/2006, 09:22 PM	#2
jokerjp Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 109	I have the same skimmer on a 40+40 setup. I'll make the following assumptions - The needle wheel and pump are clean The pump inlet is close to the surface < "3 The air "silencer" is pulling a normal amount of air If all of the above items are correct I'd proceed in the following order. First thing to check is the o-ring on the collection cup. Is it seated properly and undamaged? Second when you hook up collection cup how tight is the seal? I usually turn the red ring and the collection cup at the same time to get the seal tight. 50% of the problems I've had with this skimmer were due to the cup not sealing properly. Third the outflow. If the outflow is submersed make sure there is a way for air to escape eliminating any backpressure on the skimmer. Many mods are available on the outflow. Complete list of mods here - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...light=CSS+mods