Prizm skimmer help

[bigwavereef]

So I recently acquired a used red sea prizm skimmer. I know that there's a break in period and at first I've noticed it was really finicky to adjust...no problem... anyways day two, i've dialed it in from preventing too much wet skimming no problems.. But after I emptied the skimmer and got her running again can't get it to get enough bubbles even with the valve completely open...which yesterday & usually means that it's overflowing mad with bubbles... now not so much won't get to the top.

I checked the airline tubing, nothing clogged.

Anyhelp?

I just upgraded my tank from a 20 to a 30 gallon with 90% new water 3 days ago.

 

[bigwavereef]

Topped off my tank it's fine I guess it really has to be underwater good

 

[GhostRider58]

Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news, but I had one set up on my 40 breeder and ....well, it is really not a very good protein skimmer. The skimmer cup is way too small and like you already noticed, it's a pain to get balanced. More than likely, you will never get it stabilized. It either skims up nothing or the cup overflows way to easily. The biggest problem is you have to shut off the airflow to empty the cup, then you have to start all over to try to get it balanced. You clean it and there is nothing coming over, then you open up the valve a little and walk away for 10 minutes and come back and the cup is overflowing with tank water. I played around with it for a month before stuffing it back in the box to be relegated to the basement. I now use a full size HOB protein skimmer and it's much easier to control.

 

[BeanAnimal]

As has been eluded too.. the skimmer is not well regarded, and for good reason. That said, it is fine as a "first" skimmer on a very small system. I would suggest keeping your eyes open for a higher quality product, maybe usef from somebody in your local club?

 

[SushiGirl]

I had 2 of these. Got one when they were the latest-greatest, then got the new-improved. They were both horrible to deal with. My skilter actually did a better job :lmao:

BeanAnimal is right, look around at your local club forum if you have one, or Craigslist, or just get a few more meaningful posts here till you hit 50 and check the RC classifieds.

 

[bigwavereef]

I know they don't have a stellar reputation, I picked this off another guy on a different fish forums site for 30 bucks so I'm certainly trying not to complain:spin3: I'm going to do a couple mod's one adding an air control for the airline tubing.