3130 skimmer

[flame1]

I purchased a 3130 a few months ago wich replaced a prizm in a 400 liter aquarium.In the beginning the skimmer was pulling out a lot of junk and creating a lot of foam but after a few weeks the amount of gunk has reduced to none.foam is being produced in the inner tube but doesn't seem to get pushed into the removal cup.it seems to fall back into the inner tube.I have cleaned the pump and skimmer and tried opening and closing the air screw but there isnt a change in performance.
any advice?

 

[rvitko]

Is it a new model or a used older one? Is it 3130 or 3130/2? I ask because 3130 had a less reliable silencer system which sometimes leaked and took in water, if this is the case you will need a new silencer. The 3130/2 doesn't have this problem. The other possibilities are- water level has dropped, the cup has a build up of deposits, the water has a higher fat content due to fatty foods. In general if foods are the problem the best remedy is feeding freeze dried krill for a while or just waiting. Also, any additives like vitamins, amino acid supplements, slime coats, water changes can all cause this. If you did any of these just wait and it will return to normal in a few days.

 

[flame1]

the model number is tunze 3130/2
because of the problem I feed only dry foods.the level of water is stable.could it be that there is not enough protein in the water,but then why is their a constant phosphate and nitrate problem in tank.I have an aquarium like the percula made by aqua medic (the sump is built in the back of the tank) and the skimmer is placed next to the circulation pumps and not in the overflow chamber,could this be the problem.

 

[rvitko]

It could be a lack of proteins but this isn't likely. In all honesty flake foods are some of the worst for both fat and oil and phosphate sources- consider using frozen mysis primarily. If you just cleaned the skimmer and pump it usually takes a few days to return to norml operation. Also, don't necessarily trust your test kits. I would do some water changes and run a phosphate remover as skimmers cannot remove nitrate and phosphate, only prevent it from accumulating. If the skimmer worked well before in this position it should not matter now.
When you cleaned the venturi did you maybe scratch or damage it? I think barring this technical problem it is some simple change in surface tension from fat or oils from the skin or food and this should be remedied over time.

 

[flame1]

it has been a couple of months that it isnt working properly.in the beginning it worked like crazy but that was due to the prizm wich isnt a good skimmer and therfore a build of protien.maybe the test arent good becuase if there is a high phosphate level I would assume I would suffer from cyno and hair algea.I did have a hair algea outbreak back that has dissapeared in th last few weeks so mabye all is well