found problem to my skimmer not working FINALLY!!

[paulamrein]

obviously, the information will fall to deaf ears on this forum but there may be one or two of us out there that use fake coral instead of live. probably not. Anyway.
Turns out my fake coral was leaching oils into the water rendering my skimmer completely useless. Took all the fake coral out, within 3 hours the cup was full, I raised it as high as it can go and the skimmate is still pouring out as if I struck oil. Word of caution to those who have fake coral, a lesson for us all or anyone who has skimmer problems, if there is anything that can leach oils or unnatural substances it will effect the skimmer.
Curing the fakes like you would cure DIY rock.

 

[Baron]

Guess I should quit using tanning oil before working in the tank under the halides

Glad you finally figured it out. Guess I won't come by to look at it and quit making lost promises

 

[Lost His Marbles Name]

I knew I should have washed my hands after changing the oil in my car

 

[AqCons]

What brand of fake coral did you use? I just put some in and the skimmer is bubbling pretty good but not into the cup. Also, tons and tons of bubbles in the tank.

 

[paulamrein]

I have a mix of them. some decoral some natures image. I would imagine most have the same process in the making. Cycle them out for a week like you would cycle DIY rock. bucket of fresh hot water and change it once or twice a day for a week. I'm still cycling so I'll popst back to see if it works, the day I took them out I had to change the cup twice. I had the same bubbles go into the tank for 2 months. Not a fun experience.