SWC 120 Overflowing problem.

Explicit · 05/21/2012, 06:47 PM

Hey,
I have a SWC 120 Protein Skimmer on my 90g + 20g sump (bought about 6 months ago). There are a few problems with it. First off, the water level in the compartment with the skimmer and the pump has to be very low, like 1/2" above the min water level before pump cavitate. That is the only way the skimmer will not overflow right away. The skimmer will work good for a couple days until there is about 1/2" of skimmate then it will start to overflow violently. The skimmer is on minimal bubbling and slowest pump speed.

Few questions. Do you guys think this skimmer is big enough for my tank? (would a too small skimmer get overloaded and overflow?)
Second, what if I put the skimmer outside of the sump and plumb and adjustable pipe into the sump?
Third, is my skimmer pooched and I need another one?

Jsin · 05/21/2012, 07:36 PM

What is water height in your skimmer compartment? I have a 160 and it has no pump speed, it is on or off. I run mine with the water flow open and the air open all the way. Have you added anything to your system recently, chemicals or something. It sounds like your skimmer may need to be broken in, but you have had it for six months.

Explicit · 05/21/2012, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsin

What is water height in your skimmer compartment? I have a 160 and it has no pump speed, it is on or off. I run mine with the water flow open and the air open all the way. Have you added anything to your system recently, chemicals or something. It sounds like your skimmer may need to be broken in, but you have had it for six months.

The water height in the compartment is about 4" It's silly really. I have not added anything besides food. And I turn it off if I stick my hand or something big in the tank.

habrielaCriss · 05/22/2012, 12:30 AM

I run mine with the water flow open and the air open all the way

Guygettnby · 05/22/2012, 05:58 AM

personally i dont think it is big enough. but i doubt that is the reason it is acting up. is the air intake tube clean and clear? i like to boil RO water and let the skimmer suck it down the air intake tube to clear it out. just a thought.

gldnegle76 · 05/22/2012, 07:51 AM

The 120 is a bit small for your system. The 160 would be a better fit. The 120 should sit in 6-8" of water. I've never heard of anyone running it in 4" of water.

dadnjesse · 05/22/2012, 08:20 AM

I was also thinking 4 inches of water does not sound right

Explicit · 06/12/2012, 11:29 AM

Any recommendations what skimmer? I don't think I want a SWC any more. (Bad experience and heard bad things about them)

05/21/2012, 06:47 PM	#1
Explicit Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Fort McMurray Alberta Posts: 54	SWC 120 Overflowing problem. Hey, I have a SWC 120 Protein Skimmer on my 90g + 20g sump (bought about 6 months ago). There are a few problems with it. First off, the water level in the compartment with the skimmer and the pump has to be very low, like 1/2" above the min water level before pump cavitate. That is the only way the skimmer will not overflow right away. The skimmer will work good for a couple days until there is about 1/2" of skimmate then it will start to overflow violently. The skimmer is on minimal bubbling and slowest pump speed. Few questions. Do you guys think this skimmer is big enough for my tank? (would a too small skimmer get overloaded and overflow?) Second, what if I put the skimmer outside of the sump and plumb and adjustable pipe into the sump? Third, is my skimmer pooched and I need another one?

05/21/2012, 07:36 PM	#2
Jsin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 223	What is water height in your skimmer compartment? I have a 160 and it has no pump speed, it is on or off. I run mine with the water flow open and the air open all the way. Have you added anything to your system recently, chemicals or something. It sounds like your skimmer may need to be broken in, but you have had it for six months. __________________ -Jsin- Current Tank Info: 45 gallon mixed reef

05/22/2012, 12:30 AM	#4
habrielaCriss Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 8	I run mine with the water flow open and the air open all the way

05/22/2012, 05:58 AM	#5
Guygettnby Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 3,050	personally i dont think it is big enough. but i doubt that is the reason it is acting up. is the air intake tube clean and clear? i like to boil RO water and let the skimmer suck it down the air intake tube to clear it out. just a thought.

05/22/2012, 07:51 AM	#6
gldnegle76 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Madison, MS Posts: 517	The 120 is a bit small for your system. The 160 would be a better fit. The 120 should sit in 6-8" of water. I've never heard of anyone running it in 4" of water.

05/22/2012, 08:20 AM	#7
dadnjesse Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Raymond NH Posts: 210	I was also thinking 4 inches of water does not sound right

06/12/2012, 11:29 AM	#8
Explicit Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Fort McMurray Alberta Posts: 54	Any recommendations what skimmer? I don't think I want a SWC any more. (Bad experience and heard bad things about them)