Issues with SCA-303 skimmer on somewhat new tank

[mattstr]

Hoping that someone who has one of these skimmers can assist with a question.

I've had a 75g tank running for about four months now; no fish in it yet, just sand and 100 lbs of live rock. I pulled the skimmer (SC Aquariums SCA-303) out of my sump to clean it about three weeks ago, and in the process, the blue PVC "T" connector (that goes into the side of the skimmer body) pulled right out. Honestly, I didn't drop it, manhandle it, etc; I handled the skimmer very gently and was very surprised to see it come loose.

I stuck the connector back in, finished cleaning it and put it back into the sump. Powered it up, and it seemed to be acting normally. However, about 10days ago, I noticed that it was behaving differently. No more bubbles to speak of, just water sloshing around in the skimmer body. I can also see the red diffusion plate, where previously, the skimmer body was so full of white bubbles that it was not visible. I'm thinking maybe the connector has come loose a bit or maybe something is wrong with the pump?

Not sure what the consequences would be of that pipe inlet being non-water tight, or what could have happened to the pump that would cause the changes.

If someone has one of these skimmers, maybe you could take a quick peek at it and see if it even looks like this piece was ever actually bonded to the skimmer body? Maybe this is just the way it is made, and it is supposed to be removable? If it was supposed to be bonded, it never should have come out during my cleaning. I bought it at least three months ago, so can't take it back...if that piece is likely the issue, I'll use Weld On 16 where it comes into the skimmer body to give it a good seal.

Thanks for any ideas,

Matt

[Reefmedic79]

Don't have the skimmer, but maybe I can help you troubleshoot it a bit.

Does the pump have a hose attached to the inlet? If so double check to see if that hose is clogged or not attached properly.

How deep is the water in your sump? I believe your skimmer works better in water at a depth of 8-10"

[mattstr]

Thanks for those suggestions. I have to leave for work in a couple minutes but will examine the pump when I get home. Yes, it does have a tube attached to the inlet, so I'll make sure all is well there.

In terms of current water height, this skimmer is designed to where the pump actually sits under the cone/body, instead of next to it...for my purposes in troubleshooting this particular problem, should water height be measured from the very bottom of the skimmer (which includes the pump area), or only from the bottom of the cone/body portion of the skimmer?

Thanks,
Matt

[jtrasap]

Originally Posted by mattstr

should water height be measured from the very bottom of the skimmer (which includes the pump area), or only from the bottom of the cone/body portion of the skimmer?

Thanks,
Matt

From the bottom of the skimmer(which includes the pump area).

[Reefmedic79]

Originally Posted by jtrasap

From the bottom of the skimmer(which includes the pump area).

Yes, the total depth of the sump it sits in.

Sent from my future self.