Protein Skimmer: No Bubbles? Not Working Properly

[R1blade75]

Hi, I have several questions regarding my Berlin Classic protein skimmer.

Previously, my protein skimmer was working like charm, however, my pump starting making a chattering noise. I took the pump apart and noticed the impropeller was cracked.

Anyways, I went ahead and ordered a new impropeller from my lfs. While I was waiting for the part, I went and brought myself a new pump (RIO 2100) so that I could continue using my skimmer. As I found out, when I attached the RIO, the skimmer wasn't workign properly, meaning I did not see any bubbles. Instinctively, I thought the pump was not powerful enough to run the skimmer. Once my replaced my impropeller in my original pump and attached it back to the skimmer, I could not see any bubbles nor did I see any churning (Cycloning) of water in the skimmer.

I've had the pump on for a few days and I still do not see bubbles or churning. This leads me to believe either the pump is not spinning to its full potential or that now I think about it, maybe something is blocking the air way in the skimmer?

Does anyone have any ideas of what could be causing this problem?

Before I purchsed the Rio 2100, I researched online and I found that the Rio worked pretty well with the Berlin Classic Skimmer, however, this is not the case.

Thanks in advance for any help in this matter.

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

a) Is the usual amount of water coming out of the outlets?
if yes, go to b)
if no: pump isn't pushing enough water to create the venturi effect(basically suction) you can hear the air going down the tube normally

b)check for clear air passage down the tube to the venturi and that the valve is open (little thumbscrew thing)

my worst nightmare is that a piece of sand would fall down the venturi air inlet. at that point, well, I'll cross that bridge if I come to it.

Try getting together a cup (I use a little styrofoam cup) of really hot tapwater and put the end of the air intake into it. see if there is any suction. If there is any, the water will get sucked down the tube and any salt creep will get dissolved. It might go slow at first, but once clear, it can empty a cup of water in 4-5 seconds

you might have to take it apart and soak the venturi assembly in vinegar if something like sand is in there. Don't know, haven't been there, didn't do that.

 

[lifesworksataol]

i would try that as well - probably something cloged - let us know if it works or not