Inconsistent Skimming

Dogger · 12/26/2011, 02:25 PM

Can anyone tell me what causes a skimmer to be skimming fine at one time and not at another. Water level is consistent due to the ato. Problem seems to be the bubbles made or not made by the skimmer.

Cptn Spaulding · 12/26/2011, 03:15 PM

What kind of skimmer do you have that is being inconsistent? Sometimes salt creep gets inside of the airline tubing and will effect the amount of air getting into the skimmer. Also, sometimes the strainer for the pump of the skimmer gets clogged, effecting the amount of water going into the skimmer, which would effect the water level inside of the skimmer. Other than that... other things that make skimmer go a bit more crazy is right after feeding frozen foods, or if a sand bed is stirred up, or if you're dosing a carbon source (i.e. vodka or vinegar).

Dogger · 12/26/2011, 05:11 PM

The Skimmer is a Skimz SM 251. It is a few months old and I have not been able to get it dialed in. Now I am wondering if it is possible.

moondoggy4 · 12/26/2011, 05:12 PM

Also could be an oversized skimmer. More info will be helpful.

Dogger · 12/26/2011, 06:05 PM

Yes it is too big.

James77 · 12/26/2011, 06:23 PM

What size tank is this on, what is your bioload like?

Is the skimmer in its own compartment separate from where the ATO detects and fills?

Do the bubbles change, Ie turn part and chaotic?

mojo~ · 12/26/2011, 06:34 PM

what size tank. Sounds too big of a skimmer to me as well. But more info. How close is the input of the pump to the side of the sump. Make sure its clear so it can pull a constant amount of water.

Dogger · 12/26/2011, 06:57 PM

Actual volume is about 200 gallons. This Skimmer is meant for 220 gallons to 650 gallons. Red Dragon returns via 1`. overflow has three 3/4`. Its too big.

12/26/2011, 02:25 PM	#1
Dogger Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 28	Inconsistent Skimming Can anyone tell me what causes a skimmer to be skimming fine at one time and not at another. Water level is consistent due to the ato. Problem seems to be the bubbles made or not made by the skimmer.

12/26/2011, 06:23 PM	#6
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	What size tank is this on, what is your bioload like? Is the skimmer in its own compartment separate from where the ATO detects and fills? Do the bubbles change, Ie turn part and chaotic? __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

12/26/2011, 06:34 PM	#7
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	what size tank. Sounds too big of a skimmer to me as well. But more info. How close is the input of the pump to the side of the sump. Make sure its clear so it can pull a constant amount of water. __________________ Mojo~

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12/26/2011, 03:15 PM	#2
Cptn Spaulding Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 598	What kind of skimmer do you have that is being inconsistent? Sometimes salt creep gets inside of the airline tubing and will effect the amount of air getting into the skimmer. Also, sometimes the strainer for the pump of the skimmer gets clogged, effecting the amount of water going into the skimmer, which would effect the water level inside of the skimmer. Other than that... other things that make skimmer go a bit more crazy is right after feeding frozen foods, or if a sand bed is stirred up, or if you're dosing a carbon source (i.e. vodka or vinegar).

12/26/2011, 05:11 PM	#3
Dogger Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 28	The Skimmer is a Skimz SM 251. It is a few months old and I have not been able to get it dialed in. Now I am wondering if it is possible.

12/26/2011, 05:12 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Also could be an oversized skimmer. More info will be helpful.

12/26/2011, 06:05 PM	#5
Dogger Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 28	Yes it is too big.

12/26/2011, 06:57 PM	#8
Dogger Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 28	Actual volume is about 200 gallons. This Skimmer is meant for 220 gallons to 650 gallons. Red Dragon returns via 1`. overflow has three 3/4`. Its too big.