skimmer problems?

new2scene · 03/28/2007, 05:45 PM

I purchased a Prism skimmer as i am on a budget right now. i brought it home, plugged it in, and it seemed to be working fine. it was skimming with minimal flow. now i have to have the flow opened all the way or else nothing and very minimal stuff coming out. I've had it for a week and i don't know what to do. should i bring it back. i tried that and the guy plugged it in and said that it's okay they will not give refunds and i want to know if this is common for a prism hang on skimmer. any suggestions please

luke33 · 03/28/2007, 06:29 PM

Yes, prism's are junk. Sorry! So how much can you spend on a decent skimmer and does it have to be a hot?

wetthumb · 03/28/2007, 10:00 PM

Yeahh, I tried out a prism and found it to be very finniky, as well as noisy. It was very difficult to find a balance with the inlet valve, and the ratio of foam and water in the collection funnel. It always seemed to be too much or not enough foam. I think salinity is a big factor with this skimmer due to it's inadequate size. Higher salinity will yield more foam. Lower salinity=less foam. I am in no way suggesting you adjust your salinity for skimming purposes, but if you are low then bring it up a bit. Also give it time and be patient There are many factors as to why a skimer may or may not work, you bought the skimmer and you should tweek with it a month or so, as a learning experience. It may get better but will always be finniky. I have had good luck with ASM products, they're a knockoff of Euroreef.

new2scene · 03/29/2007, 05:45 AM

i really haven't any experience with any skimmers but something that i have to constantly fiddle around with is more of a chore and stress than enjoyment. i'm taking it back today and i'm hoping they will give me a credit until i can upgrade. i don't have any fish yet so i guess i can wait some more.

03/28/2007, 05:45 PM	#1
new2scene Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 228	skimmer problems? I purchased a Prism skimmer as i am on a budget right now. i brought it home, plugged it in, and it seemed to be working fine. it was skimming with minimal flow. now i have to have the flow opened all the way or else nothing and very minimal stuff coming out. I've had it for a week and i don't know what to do. should i bring it back. i tried that and the guy plugged it in and said that it's okay they will not give refunds and i want to know if this is common for a prism hang on skimmer. any suggestions please __________________ 45 g 100g rated Skimmer 30lbs argonite 50 fiji LR Coralife 2x96, 10000k 200W heater 2 MJ 1200 Current Tank Info: 45 gallon saltwater livestock- 5 Hermits, 1 Camel Shrimp, 3 Astrea snails, 2 Nassarius, Yellow Wrasse, Anthia, Orange spotted Goby, Percula Clown, 1 Chromis psycodelic dragonet

03/29/2007, 05:45 AM	#4
new2scene Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 228	i really haven't any experience with any skimmers but something that i have to constantly fiddle around with is more of a chore and stress than enjoyment. i'm taking it back today and i'm hoping they will give me a credit until i can upgrade. i don't have any fish yet so i guess i can wait some more. __________________ 45 g 100g rated Skimmer 30lbs argonite 50 fiji LR Coralife 2x96, 10000k 200W heater 2 MJ 1200 Current Tank Info: 45 gallon saltwater livestock- 5 Hermits, 1 Camel Shrimp, 3 Astrea snails, 2 Nassarius, Yellow Wrasse, Anthia, Orange spotted Goby, Percula Clown, 1 Chromis psycodelic dragonet

03/28/2007, 06:29 PM	#2
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Yes, prism's are junk. Sorry! So how much can you spend on a decent skimmer and does it have to be a hot?

03/28/2007, 10:00 PM	#3
wetthumb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3	Yeahh, I tried out a prism and found it to be very finniky, as well as noisy. It was very difficult to find a balance with the inlet valve, and the ratio of foam and water in the collection funnel. It always seemed to be too much or not enough foam. I think salinity is a big factor with this skimmer due to it's inadequate size. Higher salinity will yield more foam. Lower salinity=less foam. I am in no way suggesting you adjust your salinity for skimming purposes, but if you are low then bring it up a bit. Also give it time and be patient There are many factors as to why a skimer may or may not work, you bought the skimmer and you should tweek with it a month or so, as a learning experience. It may get better but will always be finniky. I have had good luck with ASM products, they're a knockoff of Euroreef.