Is my protein skimmer working right?

GinoDiGi · 03/19/2013, 10:26 PM

I have eshopp s-150 cone protein skimmer and I don't think it is working properly. It doesn't foam. Is it supposed to always foam? I just tried cleaning it to see if it being dirty was why it stopped foaming, didn't work now I can just see the water just stiring up in there.

Jeremy B. · 03/20/2013, 08:48 AM

Is there any way you can post a photo of the skimmer running on your system? That would be helpful for all of us to see what's going on.

ReefCoastie · 03/20/2013, 10:01 AM

Is your air line clogged ?

reeftivo · 03/20/2013, 01:12 PM

a few questions that might assist people here to help you out;
what size system is it on?
how long has it been running?
what kind of bioload do you have?
how deep do you have it running?
are you getting any build up in the neck?

Minkota · 03/20/2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReefCoastie

Is your air line clogged ?

+1, check the air line for blockage, also most have a vent in the cup area for the air to escape, if this has been blocked it can cause it to not work as well.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

GinoDiGi · 03/20/2013, 11:35 PM

The airline is clear. It's running on a 90 gallon I have been running it for about 7 months it was working fine until the last week I cleaned it put it back in and that was it stopped foaming. I have a queen angle, banana rasse, fox face, 2 clowns, and a cleaner rasse. I have it running at about 10". It doesn't have any collection at all right now just water spinning around in it.

biggles · 03/21/2013, 01:27 AM

If you are saying that there is no air being injected along with the water then it is 99% certain that the issue is with your venturi. If this is the case try letting it draw hot (not boiling) RO water through the intake as it may be built up calcium in the fitting on the pump. If you can't get air into the pump by blowing into the venturi line then something is definitely amiss with the intake and you might need to pull it out and re check things.
Sorry i have misunderstood the actual problem.

Jeremy B. · 03/21/2013, 08:39 AM

I agree with biggles. Are you getting any air draw into the skimmer body, or is it very little or none at all - just water? If you could post a photo it would be very helpful for us to diagnose your issue.

klwheat · 03/21/2013, 08:56 AM

If you just took it apart to clean and now it's not getting air, take it apart again and double check your connections. If the line is not clogged somewhere, then it may just not be connected at the pump end.

GinoDiGi · 03/21/2013, 02:20 PM

Trying to post video but won't upload. Don't know if this pic helps!

03/19/2013, 10:26 PM	#1
GinoDiGi Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 8	Is my protein skimmer working right? I have eshopp s-150 cone protein skimmer and I don't think it is working properly. It doesn't foam. Is it supposed to always foam? I just tried cleaning it to see if it being dirty was why it stopped foaming, didn't work now I can just see the water just stiring up in there.

03/20/2013, 01:12 PM	#4
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	a few questions that might assist people here to help you out; what size system is it on? how long has it been running? what kind of bioload do you have? how deep do you have it running? are you getting any build up in the neck? __________________ 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

03/21/2013, 01:27 AM	#7
biggles Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 3,907	If you are saying that there is no air being injected along with the water then it is 99% certain that the issue is with your venturi. If this is the case try letting it draw hot (not boiling) RO water through the intake as it may be built up calcium in the fitting on the pump. If you can't get air into the pump by blowing into the venturi line then something is definitely amiss with the intake and you might need to pull it out and re check things. Sorry i have misunderstood the actual problem. __________________ Andrew

03/21/2013, 08:56 AM	#9
klwheat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 676	If you just took it apart to clean and now it's not getting air, take it apart again and double check your connections. If the line is not clogged somewhere, then it may just not be connected at the pump end. __________________ 180 Gallon Mixed reef President/Co-founder Running4Trisomy A Butterfly's Touch

03/20/2013, 08:48 AM	#2
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	Is there any way you can post a photo of the skimmer running on your system? That would be helpful for all of us to see what's going on.

03/20/2013, 10:01 AM	#3
ReefCoastie Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: St. Pete , FL Posts: 66	Is your air line clogged ?

03/20/2013, 11:35 PM	#6
GinoDiGi Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 8	The airline is clear. It's running on a 90 gallon I have been running it for about 7 months it was working fine until the last week I cleaned it put it back in and that was it stopped foaming. I have a queen angle, banana rasse, fox face, 2 clowns, and a cleaner rasse. I have it running at about 10". It doesn't have any collection at all right now just water spinning around in it.

03/21/2013, 08:39 AM	#8
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	I agree with biggles. Are you getting any air draw into the skimmer body, or is it very little or none at all - just water? If you could post a photo it would be very helpful for us to diagnose your issue.