Changed sump, now skimmer not working

Twostepper4041 · 10/01/2013, 06:40 PM

Over the weekend I changed my sump from a DIY 15 gallon to a eshopps adv 100. Let me tell you, wonderful sump! Good quality, great features.
So while I had it torn down, I decided to take my reef octo into the bathroom and clean it under the powerful water spout in the tub. I had a bunch of sponges that we're growing on the inside of it. So I cleaned it out, or at least the best I could without taking the whole thing apart. This was on Saturday at 12. Still today, it is producing no skimmate. The water level is the same as it always was, so what gives? Any help or advice?

Thank you!

mixedreefjunky · 10/01/2013, 06:55 PM

I never had a reef octo but try blowing real hard in the air breather tube. Maybe it just needs help getting air suction going.

slief · 10/01/2013, 07:13 PM

My guess is that the new sump probably had some stuff in it on the acrylic that effect the water. Couple that with a freshly cleaned skimmer and you are probably having to deal with a long break in period. Give it a few days more and as long as your pump is working properly, the skimmer will settle in and start skimming normally.

When I clean my Alpha 300 skimmer cup/neck which I only do every 4 to 6 months, it takes a few days for the skimmer to settle back in to normal operation.

The only other thing I wonder is if your sump level changed at all with the sump swap. If it changed and you skimmer is sitting higher or lower in the water, that would impact it. Based on what you are saying, it might be that the water level is lower in relation to the skimmer.

kc350twin · 10/02/2013, 06:52 AM

I agree that something has changed the surface tension of the water and collapsed the skim head. Lots of carbon can help I think but not necessary.

10/01/2013, 06:40 PM	#1
Twostepper4041 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Columbus Posts: 310	Changed sump, now skimmer not working Over the weekend I changed my sump from a DIY 15 gallon to a eshopps adv 100. Let me tell you, wonderful sump! Good quality, great features. So while I had it torn down, I decided to take my reef octo into the bathroom and clean it under the powerful water spout in the tub. I had a bunch of sponges that we're growing on the inside of it. So I cleaned it out, or at least the best I could without taking the whole thing apart. This was on Saturday at 12. Still today, it is producing no skimmate. The water level is the same as it always was, so what gives? Any help or advice? Thank you!

10/01/2013, 07:13 PM	#3
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	My guess is that the new sump probably had some stuff in it on the acrylic that effect the water. Couple that with a freshly cleaned skimmer and you are probably having to deal with a long break in period. Give it a few days more and as long as your pump is working properly, the skimmer will settle in and start skimming normally. When I clean my Alpha 300 skimmer cup/neck which I only do every 4 to 6 months, it takes a few days for the skimmer to settle back in to normal operation. The only other thing I wonder is if your sump level changed at all with the sump swap. If it changed and you skimmer is sitting higher or lower in the water, that would impact it. Based on what you are saying, it might be that the water level is lower in relation to the skimmer. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

10/02/2013, 06:52 AM	#4
kc350twin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Severn, MD Posts: 1,579	I agree that something has changed the surface tension of the water and collapsed the skim head. Lots of carbon can help I think but not necessary. __________________ 112g Cube 36x36x20= Custom 12x39wPower Module (Par Monster)= Neptune Apex=ATB 840v2=BM Doser= 2 MP-40's

10/01/2013, 06:55 PM	#2
mixedreefjunky Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pembroke Pines, FL Posts: 250	I never had a reef octo but try blowing real hard in the air breather tube. Maybe it just needs help getting air suction going.