Protein Skimmer Issues...

[kciN]

Hello all, I recently purchased a 150 gallon tank and got it moved and all setup besides one thing. The person I bought the tank from had this protein skimmer (I dont know the model of the skimmer). The pump model is a ASM Protein Skimmer Sedra 5000. When I plugged in the skimmer with everything setup in the sump literally nothing happens. So I tried soaking the pump in vinegar and try again nothing happens. I also went out and bought the same pump as a replacement. When I plug that in nothing happens. Also tried different power outlets just to see if it was a power outlet issue. Any thoughts of why it isnt working. I am very new to the protein skimmer aspect

 

[BlackTracet]

A picture of it might help. So if the pump doesn't run at all and it is brand new then logic suggests the new pump is bad too. Sounds crazy. If the motor isn't running at all the skimmer will do nothing. You have to solve that first. Test it in a bucket of water away from the tank in a known good outlet. You have to get the pump running.

 

[alcimedes]

2nd the request for a photo. Do you have the instructions for the skimmer? Many are also particular about the height of the skimmer in relation to the sump. (but that would be after you get the pump running in the first place)

 

[Sk8r]

I'd guess that somehow the connection of the pump with the skimmer is not right. The pump should create a froth inside the base of the skimmer chamber. Google the name and model of the skimmer and you may find some photos and You Tube stuff.

 

[dyazdani]

If the pump isn't running at all, that has to be fixed first - agree with trying on an outlet known to be working. You could also remove the impeller housing just to be sure nothing is jammed up, although a new pump should not have an issue.

Once you get a working pump, this is a simple skimmer - just be sure you have an airline for the venturi (hooks onto the small nipple on the inlet of the pump) or you won't get the micro bubbles.

 

[alcimedes]

This might be a stupid question, but if you put *just* the pump, nothing else at all in a 5gal bucket of water, does it still do nothing?

I wonder if the skimmer outlet is completely closed, so the water isn't going in in the first place. Seems highly unlikely that two separate pumps would have the same issue. (esp. since you've already checked on a known good outlet)