Unhappy skimmer!!!

reefinrookie · 04/10/2016, 01:37 PM

I finally got around to moving my sump from my stand to the basement. I changed from my original generic clear 1" tube plumbing to 1" flexpvc. Since then (2 days), my SRO2000 INT has refused to work.
To my limited knowledge, if a skimmer doesn't like something, it foams and overflows. The opposite has happened, I'm guessing the amount of bubbles in the skimmer is about 10% of normal production. Like when there's a calcium buildup blocking air intake.
I took everything apart and inspected for some kind of obstruction. I have about 100g total water volume, did two 25g water changes, still no change in the skimmer.
Has anyone had this happen or heard of something like this. Will my skimmer recover? Will it rebound if I just leave it alone and let it run?
Thanks for any help.

FullBoreReefer · 04/10/2016, 07:49 PM

Could be the glue or a film on the new piping. Let it run and see what happens

Pilotman520 · 04/11/2016, 09:24 PM

My 150sss does the same thing after every water change. Then it starts to work again. I wouldn't worry about it.

Flagg37 · 04/11/2016, 09:47 PM

I don't know about the other posts. Decreased bubble production sounds like a block in the airline. I know you took it apart but it might be worth another check.

Roccus · 04/12/2016, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FullBoreReefer

Could be the glue or a film on the new piping. Let it run and see what happens

This... skimmers act in weird ways when introduced to new PVC.. I've seen it a number of times..most recently when I made a new manifold for my new GFO and Carbon Reactors plumbing everything into a PVC manifold.. it foamed over like a volcano immediately then proceeded to sulk for 3 days and did nothing.. it was back to it's old foamy/scuzzy self on day 4..

reeftivo · 04/12/2016, 10:44 AM

if your running carbon or resins then just stay the coarse. It should resume back to normal operation after a few days (no fiddling with settings).

Any time i work with new pvc I get the same effect. The surface tension of the water must be off from the PVC. My skimmers have always bounced back a few days later. 2 days shouldn't be a concern. Just cut back on feeding a bit.

HaroldT · 04/12/2016, 09:24 PM

Sounds like it is salt creep or an obstruction in the airline hose. Try rinsing it out with water and reattaching it and see.

04/10/2016, 01:37 PM	#1
reefinrookie Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 10	Unhappy skimmer!!! I finally got around to moving my sump from my stand to the basement. I changed from my original generic clear 1" tube plumbing to 1" flexpvc. Since then (2 days), my SRO2000 INT has refused to work. To my limited knowledge, if a skimmer doesn't like something, it foams and overflows. The opposite has happened, I'm guessing the amount of bubbles in the skimmer is about 10% of normal production. Like when there's a calcium buildup blocking air intake. I took everything apart and inspected for some kind of obstruction. I have about 100g total water volume, did two 25g water changes, still no change in the skimmer. Has anyone had this happen or heard of something like this. Will my skimmer recover? Will it rebound if I just leave it alone and let it run? Thanks for any help.

04/10/2016, 07:49 PM	#2
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	Could be the glue or a film on the new piping. Let it run and see what happens __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

04/12/2016, 10:44 AM	#6
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	if your running carbon or resins then just stay the coarse. It should resume back to normal operation after a few days (no fiddling with settings). Any time i work with new pvc I get the same effect. The surface tension of the water must be off from the PVC. My skimmers have always bounced back a few days later. 2 days shouldn't be a concern. Just cut back on feeding a bit. __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

04/11/2016, 09:24 PM	#3
Pilotman520 Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 74	My 150sss does the same thing after every water change. Then it starts to work again. I wouldn't worry about it.

04/11/2016, 09:47 PM	#4
Flagg37 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 119	I don't know about the other posts. Decreased bubble production sounds like a block in the airline. I know you took it apart but it might be worth another check.

04/12/2016, 09:24 PM	#7
HaroldT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Fresno, California Posts: 582	Sounds like it is salt creep or an obstruction in the airline hose. Try rinsing it out with water and reattaching it and see.