Help wanted! Skimmer problems

[iceman14555]

I increased the current in my tank by replacing an old powerhead. Now my HOB skimmer will not produce any foam/froth at the collection cup for some reason, I have turned all powerheads away from the skimmer's intake and let it sit overnight and yet still nothing. I'm getting tons of bubbles in the skimmers body, so I know the pump is working correctly, just not getting any dry/sticky froth at the top. Can anyone help me diagnose if the power heads are putting too much flow through the skimmer?

Skimmer: Reef Octopus BH 1000
Tank: 36Lx12.5Wx24H approx. 40G setup for over a year
powerheads: Fluval Sea CP4 (1375GPH) and Hydor Korallia EVO 750; both aimed towards front glass away from skimmer intake.

[ken6217]

If the powerhead is new, it could be oils etc from it that changes the surface tension and causing this with the skimmer. Give it a couple of more days.
Ken

[iceman14555]

Originally Posted by ken6217

If the powerhead is new, it could be oils etc from it that changes the surface tension and causing this with the skimmer. Give it a couple of more days.
Ken

Thanks for the reply, I didn't think about the production oils on the powerhead, might end up being like a mini break in for the skimmer again, forgot how finicky protein skimmers can be. hopefully you're right, thanks.

[drew930]

That and/or if you had your hands in the tank for more than a couple seconds, it will usually do that… mine loses its head when Im in the tank messing around.

[iceman14555]

Originally Posted by drew930

That and/or if you had your hands in the tank for more than a couple seconds, it will usually do that… mine loses its head when Im in the tank messing around.

Yea, mine does too, but usually it's back up after an hour or two; usually doesn't take this long, but I could be wrong. I did have my hands in for quite a while playing around with flow.

[ken6217]

It wouldn't be your hands if it lasted for a couple of days. It's either the pump or something else introduced to the water.
Ken

[iceman14555]

Originally Posted by ken6217

It wouldn't be your hands if it lasted for a couple of days. It's either the pump or something else introduced to the water.
Ken

Can we at least rule out that it isn't too much flow causing the problem?

[zachts]

Not going to be related to the increased flow. More than likely there was oil on the pump from manufacturing. Did you give the pump a vinegar bath before adding to the tank? It may take awhile for the oils/chemicals introduced to dissipate before the skimmer kicks back in.......and it will "kick" in with a vengeance once it does so keep an eye out.........

I'd not worry for a week or so, if it hasn't resumed by then possibly some other issue. Just do an extra water change in the mean time.

[iceman14555]

Originally Posted by zachts

Not going to be related to the increased flow. More than likely there was oil on the pump from manufacturing. Did you give the pump a vinegar bath before adding to the tank? It may take awhile for the oils/chemicals introduced to dissipate before the skimmer kicks back in.......and it will "kick" in with a vengeance once it does so keep an eye out.........

I'd not worry for a week or so, if it hasn't resumed by then possibly some other issue. Just do an extra water change in the mean time.

No, I didn't do vinegar, probably should have, I just did my standard hot water scrub then dried it off. I didn't start the tank with the protein skimmer, so I'm still getting familiarized with its peculiarities. Funny you should mention the water change...my regular water change is due Thursday :-) Thanks for the help!