Protein Skimmer Question

WillHarv · 02/09/2007, 11:12 PM

Hi all. I just got a protein skimmer today for my tank and I have it running now. My question is this. The collection cup at the top of the skimmer is filling with water to the point that the air intake hose will draw in water every 20 seconds or so. It's making the skimmer go from relatively quiet to relatively noisy in the process. Is this how the skimmer is supposed to function or is something off? The skimmer is a Prizm if that helps.

Thanks in advance.

~Will

fish 511 · 02/09/2007, 11:18 PM

I have to get a skimmer soon and was curious about this too...

HornetMech242 · 02/10/2007, 12:35 AM

How long does it take for the collection cup to fill with water? You may try lowering the water level in the reaction chamber slightly if its not already too low. That may do the trick. Im not the expert but an idea.

Chris

IPowderBlueTang · 02/10/2007, 01:17 AM

There is a breakin period for skimmers and must adjust the air and water ratio for it to skim properly. My skimmer skims dark green to dark brown gunk in the cup. If it is only drawing in water it is not adjusted properly! Play with the adjustment until you get it running right!

WillHarv · 02/10/2007, 07:59 AM

The cup fills up within a couple of minutes of turning the motor on. I've adjusted the intake valve and it's still filling with water. Any suggestions?

~Will

02/09/2007, 11:12 PM	#1
WillHarv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 4	Protein Skimmer Question Hi all. I just got a protein skimmer today for my tank and I have it running now. My question is this. The collection cup at the top of the skimmer is filling with water to the point that the air intake hose will draw in water every 20 seconds or so. It's making the skimmer go from relatively quiet to relatively noisy in the process. Is this how the skimmer is supposed to function or is something off? The skimmer is a Prizm if that helps. Thanks in advance. ~Will

02/10/2007, 12:35 AM	#3
HornetMech242 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 786	How long does it take for the collection cup to fill with water? You may try lowering the water level in the reaction chamber slightly if its not already too low. That may do the trick. Im not the expert but an idea. Chris __________________ I didin't know, it's my first day... Current Tank Info: 120g AGA, 150 #'s fiji rock, DIY stand & canopy, 2 250 watt MH's 14000k on Ice Cap ballast's in Lumenbright reflectors, Mag 9.5 return pump, Dart pump with Oceans Motions closed loop, octopus DNW200 skimmer, GEO 618 Calcium reactor

02/09/2007, 11:18 PM	#2
fish 511 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Huntington Beach, California Posts: 679	I have to get a skimmer soon and was curious about this too...

02/10/2007, 01:17 AM	#4
IPowderBlueTang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Canada Posts: 769	There is a breakin period for skimmers and must adjust the air and water ratio for it to skim properly. My skimmer skims dark green to dark brown gunk in the cup. If it is only drawing in water it is not adjusted properly! Play with the adjustment until you get it running right!

02/10/2007, 07:59 AM	#5
WillHarv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 4	The cup fills up within a couple of minutes of turning the motor on. I've adjusted the intake valve and it's still filling with water. Any suggestions? ~Will