Skimmer Problem

L8ndeb · 06/09/2012, 06:26 PM

Hi All,

New tank (7 weeks) with reef cleaners added. Just getting the calcium and alkalinity in balance. Alk is currently high, (12.2 dHk) (cal 400 mq/L) and my skimmer is acting like there is some kind of oil (I'm certain there is not) or chemical, or something in the tank water causing the skimmer not to foam. Salinity is 1.026 I run carbon 24/7
My question is, will high alk cause a skimmer to stop foaming? TIA

bunzaroo · 06/10/2012, 04:17 PM

Is it just filling up with water? I had the same issue with my bubble magus. Make sure the airline is not clogged or has salt creep. Whas it foaming before?

rjcranor · 06/10/2012, 06:15 PM

I have had mine stop producing skimate, just from the oils from my hand cleaning it.

L8ndeb · 06/10/2012, 10:49 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. Maybe I should give you all some background. Even though the tank is 7 weeks old, I have been reefing for over 20 years.

The skimmer in question was functioning great a few days ago, then it looked as if somebody had dipped their hands in the tank. Yesterday, I ran up the level in the skimmer to get some REALLY wet skimate. Actually did a five gallon water change. This morning, it was back to foaming. So....something happened, but I still do not know what. Thanks to all for the posts.

06/09/2012, 06:26 PM	#1
L8ndeb Registered Reef Keeper Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,443	Skimmer Problem Hi All, New tank (7 weeks) with reef cleaners added. Just getting the calcium and alkalinity in balance. Alk is currently high, (12.2 dHk) (cal 400 mq/L) and my skimmer is acting like there is some kind of oil (I'm certain there is not) or chemical, or something in the tank water causing the skimmer not to foam. Salinity is 1.026 I run carbon 24/7 My question is, will high alk cause a skimmer to stop foaming? TIA __________________ Leyton at Reno Current Tank Info: Custom 200 gal reef cube with a 20 gal sump, 2 AI SOL LED Fixtures, Super Reef Octopus skimmer, custom made calcium reactor, Apex Lite controller with various modules.

06/10/2012, 04:17 PM	#2
bunzaroo Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami,FL Posts: 617	Is it just filling up with water? I had the same issue with my bubble magus. Make sure the airline is not clogged or has salt creep. Whas it foaming before? __________________ Current Tank: Mized Reef 72 Bowfront, 105G (45X27X20) Reef Savvy Rimless in the works. Current Tank Info: 105 Gallon Reef Savvy Rimless, Mostly LPS/NPS and anemone's, 3 Bartlett Anthias, Royal Gramma, Green Spotted Mandarin, Yellow Tang, 2 Banghai Cardinals.

06/10/2012, 10:49 PM	#4
L8ndeb Registered Reef Keeper Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,443	Thanks for the responses guys. Maybe I should give you all some background. Even though the tank is 7 weeks old, I have been reefing for over 20 years. The skimmer in question was functioning great a few days ago, then it looked as if somebody had dipped their hands in the tank. Yesterday, I ran up the level in the skimmer to get some REALLY wet skimate. Actually did a five gallon water change. This morning, it was back to foaming. So....something happened, but I still do not know what. Thanks to all for the posts. __________________ Leyton at Reno Current Tank Info: Custom 200 gal reef cube with a 20 gal sump, 2 AI SOL LED Fixtures, Super Reef Octopus skimmer, custom made calcium reactor, Apex Lite controller with various modules.

06/10/2012, 06:15 PM	#3
rjcranor Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Fort Gratiot Mi. Posts: 341	I have had mine stop producing skimate, just from the oils from my hand cleaning it.