Skimmer too large for system?

TheWeaz · 02/22/2011, 03:02 PM

I have the SWC 160 on my 50g and I kinda have an issue. It pumps/skims great for a couple days then just stops skimming, bubble production goes down tremendously but Once I clean the cup out it starts pumping again. Think my bio load is too low? I only have 2 clowns and a watchman gobie..

The skimmer rocks for the first few days.. Im confused. Any ideas?

gldnegle76 · 02/22/2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWeaz

I have the SWC 160 on my 50g and I kinda have an issue. It pumps/skims great for a couple days then just stops skimming, bubble production goes down tremendously but Once I clean the cup out it starts pumping again. Think my bio load is too low? I only have 2 clowns and a watchman gobie..

The skimmer rocks for the first few days.. Im confused. Any ideas?

If this is the extreme 160 with the Sicce pump, it could just be oversized for your tank and low bioload.

TheWeaz · 02/22/2011, 04:45 PM

Its SWC 160 xtreme cone.. Should I look into some new livestock

sasharotty · 02/22/2011, 05:00 PM

Yup, new livestock is always good! Or look into the swabbies.

TheWeaz · 02/22/2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasharotty

Or look into the swabbies.

What? like sailors? lol ..

dwinter · 02/22/2011, 06:59 PM

Yeah, if you notice that it performs a lot better after cleaning the the neck, an auto cleaning neck would probably help.

I had the same issue with my reef octopus extreme 160 on a 45g system, I think the lack of doc's. Regardless I don't believe there is such thing as over skimming,

dwinter · 02/22/2011, 07:00 PM

Yeah, if you notice that it performs a lot better after cleaning the the neck, an auto cleaning neck would probably help.

I had the same issue with my reef octopus extreme 160 on a 45g system, I think the lack of doc's. Regardless I don't believe there is such thing as over skimming,

palmer373 · 02/22/2011, 07:08 PM

its poccible thats its 'too powerful'. i would add more fish and feed a lil more. i have the SWC 120 on my 55 and ever since i added cheato to the sump ive been getting less skimate and if i leave the skimmer uncleaned for longer than a week it stops skimming. i have a highish bioload (niger, maroon clown, 5 damsels) and feed a lot (5 times a day)! its worth a shot upping your bioload lol, i like new fish :P

sasharotty · 02/22/2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWeaz

What? like sailors? lol ..

Avast marine makes one for your skimmer, its an automatic neck cleaner.

USC-fan · 02/22/2011, 11:15 PM

Skim wetter....

Should solve the problem.

gldnegle76 · 02/23/2011, 09:42 AM

The 160 cone should work on your system. Add bioload and/or skim a little wetter.

fishsuse29 · 02/23/2011, 10:15 AM

I've found the same think with my SWC150BMK (same pump as the 160 cone). If i shut it off for a day or two and let the nutrients build up it will skim great the next day or so and then it has trouble keeping a foam head.

This is on a 40 Breeder with a 20L sump.

lkc · 02/23/2011, 12:22 PM

The skimmer neck must be cleaned often. If the neck gets dirty, the ooky stuff can't get pushed up and over into the cup.

02/22/2011, 03:02 PM	#1
TheWeaz Beer Snob Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 620	Skimmer too large for system? I have the SWC 160 on my 50g and I kinda have an issue. It pumps/skims great for a couple days then just stops skimming, bubble production goes down tremendously but Once I clean the cup out it starts pumping again. Think my bio load is too low? I only have 2 clowns and a watchman gobie.. The skimmer rocks for the first few days.. Im confused. Any ideas? __________________ ~The Weaz Current Tank Info: Leemar 100g

02/22/2011, 04:45 PM	#3
TheWeaz Beer Snob Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 620	Its SWC 160 xtreme cone.. Should I look into some new livestock __________________ ~The Weaz Current Tank Info: Leemar 100g

02/22/2011, 05:00 PM	#4
sasharotty Moved on to my couch Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: se michigan Posts: 1,065	Yup, new livestock is always good! Or look into the swabbies. __________________ Go big or go home!!!! Current Tank Info: Just loungin

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02/22/2011, 06:59 PM	#6
dwinter Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Barrie Posts: 117	Yeah, if you notice that it performs a lot better after cleaning the the neck, an auto cleaning neck would probably help. I had the same issue with my reef octopus extreme 160 on a 45g system, I think the lack of doc's. Regardless I don't believe there is such thing as over skimming,

02/22/2011, 07:00 PM	#7
dwinter Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Barrie Posts: 117	Yeah, if you notice that it performs a lot better after cleaning the the neck, an auto cleaning neck would probably help. I had the same issue with my reef octopus extreme 160 on a 45g system, I think the lack of doc's. Regardless I don't believe there is such thing as over skimming,

02/22/2011, 07:08 PM	#8
palmer373 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Alaska Posts: 1,268	its poccible thats its 'too powerful'. i would add more fish and feed a lil more. i have the SWC 120 on my 55 and ever since i added cheato to the sump ive been getting less skimate and if i leave the skimmer uncleaned for longer than a week it stops skimming. i have a highish bioload (niger, maroon clown, 5 damsels) and feed a lot (5 times a day)! its worth a shot upping your bioload lol, i like new fish :P

02/22/2011, 11:15 PM	#10
USC-fan Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,626	Skim wetter.... Should solve the problem.

02/23/2011, 09:42 AM	#11
gldnegle76 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Madison, MS Posts: 517	The 160 cone should work on your system. Add bioload and/or skim a little wetter.

02/23/2011, 10:15 AM	#12
fishsuse29 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Boston Posts: 374	I've found the same think with my SWC150BMK (same pump as the 160 cone). If i shut it off for a day or two and let the nutrients build up it will skim great the next day or so and then it has trouble keeping a foam head. This is on a 40 Breeder with a 20L sump.

02/23/2011, 12:22 PM	#13
lkc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tarpon Springs Posts: 269	The skimmer neck must be cleaned often. If the neck gets dirty, the ooky stuff can't get pushed up and over into the cup.