problem with reef octopus protein skimmer

[codydemmel4]

so I have a SRO XP2000 EXTERNAL protein skimmer, but I modified it to run as an internal protein skimmer as I do not have a lot of room in my stand.

It was working perfectly for around 2-3 weeks skimming some nasty stuff and no micro bubbles but I just noticed last night that all of a sudden it would not even get the foam to the collection cup and it is shooting out soo many micro bubbles.

Does anyone have any suggestions on this?

 

[Shaummy]

I'd check to make sure the airline/fitting is clear, salt and calcium like to form there and reduce the amount of air the pump can draw in.

You can also make sure the pump impeller doesn't have any sort of buildup or is slow. You can clean that up too to make sure.

That said...you can lose your surface tension by putting your hands, or filter socks etc.. into the tank or sump that can make a skimmer act like you describe for a few hours.

 

[codydemmel4]

I'd check to make sure the airline/fitting is clear, salt and calcium like to form there and reduce the amount of air the pump can draw in.

You can also make sure the pump impeller doesn't have any sort of buildup or is slow. You can clean that up too to make sure.

That said...you can lose your surface tension by putting your hands, or filter socks etc.. into the tank or sump that can make a skimmer act like you describe for a few hours.

okay thanks, i will try to take the pump out and check that out

 

[codydemmel4]

i took the pump out yesterday and completely cleaned it. it was working great overnight, i just changed my filter socks and now it is shooting out micro bubbles again and not working properly.

I do not know what the problem is and I would appreciate any suggestions

 

[CStrickland]

Could there be something in your sock that's messing it up? Like leftover detergent maybe?
Also, I've had microbubbles when I added stuff to the tank, like medicine and epoxy for glueing frags. Look into stuff like that, or greasy food, if the issue comes and goes.

 

[codydemmel4]

Could there be something in your sock that's messing it up? Like leftover detergent maybe?
Also, I've had microbubbles when I added stuff to the tank, like medicine and epoxy for glueing frags. Look into stuff like that, or greasy food, if the issue comes and goes.

i didnt add anything to the tank besides the filter socks. they are brand new right out of the box. thing this has something to do with it?

 

[CStrickland]

Could be some starch in the fabric or something. Try rinsing them really well in very hot tap water.