ASM Skimmer leaking

miktrav · 10/24/2006, 08:11 AM

Anyone know how to fix this skimmer? It has developed a leak between where the main cylinder of the body and the top where it starts to form the cone for the collection cup to be attached. it looks like it's a problem with the gasket because the water and bubbles are escaping at the joint. Any suggestions?

Michael

MJAnderson · 10/24/2006, 08:42 AM

They are in-sump skimmers, meaning they aren't made to be leakproof. I've seen some people silicone that seal, but then you can't take that off to clean it.

Charlie Davidson · 10/24/2006, 08:45 AM

Fact: ASM skimmers leak , Mine leaks alot . some people use silcone caulking, the leaks don't bother me.

Charlie Davidson · 10/24/2006, 08:45 AM

MJ, you were faster at the reply than I

miktrav · 10/24/2006, 12:07 PM

Thanks for the reassurances guys.

Michael

miktrav · 11/26/2006, 07:27 PM

OK I found a fix for this. The rep at Champion Lighting suggested that I get Silicone Gel Manufactured by Lifegard. I tried it out today and though there is still water escaping there are no more bubbles coming out of the leaks and the water escaping is much less than before I used the lubricant. The skimmer also appears to be working more efficiently. I think I need to use a bit more silicone to stop the leaks completely because I only used a few drops at various points on the gasket and spread that around the entire gasket.

This is not the type of silicone used to seal aquariums.

Michael

UCanDoIt · 11/27/2006, 12:26 AM

You can also find silicone grease at a scuba diving shop. I found some at Lowe's in the plumbing section.

10/24/2006, 08:11 AM	#1
miktrav Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 245	ASM Skimmer leaking Anyone know how to fix this skimmer? It has developed a leak between where the main cylinder of the body and the top where it starts to form the cone for the collection cup to be attached. it looks like it's a problem with the gasket because the water and bubbles are escaping at the joint. Any suggestions? Michael __________________ THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN MOMENTS OF COMFORT, BUT WHERE HE STANDS AT TIMES OF CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon RR, LPS, Softies, ASM Skimmer, Mag 9 Return Pump

10/24/2006, 08:45 AM	#3
Charlie Davidson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Deltaville , Va Posts: 10,977	Fact: ASM skimmers leak , Mine leaks alot . some people use silcone caulking, the leaks don't bother me. __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: Doing without for a while :)

10/24/2006, 08:45 AM	#4
Charlie Davidson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Deltaville , Va Posts: 10,977	MJ, you were faster at the reply than I __________________ Richmond Reef Club Current Tank Info: Doing without for a while :)

10/24/2006, 12:07 PM	#5
miktrav Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 245	Thanks for the reassurances guys. Michael __________________ THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN MOMENTS OF COMFORT, BUT WHERE HE STANDS AT TIMES OF CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon RR, LPS, Softies, ASM Skimmer, Mag 9 Return Pump

11/26/2006, 07:27 PM	#6
miktrav Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 245	OK I found a fix for this. The rep at Champion Lighting suggested that I get Silicone Gel Manufactured by Lifegard. I tried it out today and though there is still water escaping there are no more bubbles coming out of the leaks and the water escaping is much less than before I used the lubricant. The skimmer also appears to be working more efficiently. I think I need to use a bit more silicone to stop the leaks completely because I only used a few drops at various points on the gasket and spread that around the entire gasket. This is not the type of silicone used to seal aquariums. Michael __________________ THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN MOMENTS OF COMFORT, BUT WHERE HE STANDS AT TIMES OF CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon RR, LPS, Softies, ASM Skimmer, Mag 9 Return Pump

10/24/2006, 08:42 AM	#2
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	They are in-sump skimmers, meaning they aren't made to be leakproof. I've seen some people silicone that seal, but then you can't take that off to clean it.

11/27/2006, 12:26 AM	#7
UCanDoIt Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 1,684	You can also find silicone grease at a scuba diving shop. I found some at Lowe's in the plumbing section.