Skimmer maintenance

MrClam · 07/11/2013, 09:52 PM

My reef octopus skimmer just quit working on me for the first time today. I shut it off to clean the cup and when I went to turn it back on it didnt produce any bubbles. It is only about 9 months old. I took it apart for a good cleaning and it is up and running fine.

Is this just a clog as I thought, or is this a sign of a defective pump on the way out? Thanks

ct_vol · 07/11/2013, 10:43 PM

Depends. Was the impeller all nasty or covered in calcium? It very well may have needed routine maintenance. You should take the time to clean your skimmer every three to six months, especially if it is a reef tank. I know some that do it monthly, but I'm too lazy.

klwheat · 07/12/2013, 07:45 AM

well, could also be clogged air line, or clogged intake (i've had both produce very low flow/bubbles). Make sure everything is flowing.

Vinny Kreyling · 07/12/2013, 08:26 AM

For an air intake line use the tubing in a cup of HOT HOT water & let it suck it through to clean it right past the venturi.

malady · 07/12/2013, 12:33 PM

run a sock if you want less maintenance

azjohnny · 07/12/2013, 12:50 PM

Take off the volute and inspect for any obstructions. It's very common for salt creep to form in the area where the air line joins the volute

07/11/2013, 09:52 PM	#1
MrClam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 557	Skimmer maintenance My reef octopus skimmer just quit working on me for the first time today. I shut it off to clean the cup and when I went to turn it back on it didnt produce any bubbles. It is only about 9 months old. I took it apart for a good cleaning and it is up and running fine. Is this just a clog as I thought, or is this a sign of a defective pump on the way out? Thanks

07/11/2013, 10:43 PM	#2
ct_vol Reefing On My Mind Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kempton, IL Posts: 8,083	Depends. Was the impeller all nasty or covered in calcium? It very well may have needed routine maintenance. You should take the time to clean your skimmer every three to six months, especially if it is a reef tank. I know some that do it monthly, but I'm too lazy. __________________ Randy Volunteers, Blackhawks, Titans, Cubs!!!! Current Tank Info: 185g waiting to be built, 120g SPS/Anemone Reef, 120g SCA in the works, 58g mixed reef w/ 6x39w T5, 125g grow out w/ Reef Breeders

07/12/2013, 07:45 AM	#3
klwheat Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 676	well, could also be clogged air line, or clogged intake (i've had both produce very low flow/bubbles). Make sure everything is flowing. __________________ 180 Gallon Mixed reef President/Co-founder Running4Trisomy A Butterfly's Touch

07/12/2013, 08:26 AM	#4
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	For an air intake line use the tubing in a cup of HOT HOT water & let it suck it through to clean it right past the venturi.

07/12/2013, 12:33 PM	#5
malady Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: fl Posts: 204	run a sock if you want less maintenance

07/12/2013, 12:50 PM	#6
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	Take off the volute and inspect for any obstructions. It's very common for salt creep to form in the area where the air line joins the volute