Protein skimmer out of control

[grrlywhirl]

Hi, my Reef octopus space saver 150ss is bubbling over at the lowest setting. I can't get it to calm down. Been shutting it off for a day and trying the next day and nothing. Any solutions?

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[shadowmonster]

Has anything changed recently?

 

[mcgyvr]

What changed? (added any chemicals,etc..)
Is it in the recommended water level per the instructions?
Why is there marking on the tank that would indicate that chamber level fluctuates?
Cleaned it?
Is the siphon air line clogged? underwater?
Water output clogged?

 

[grrlywhirl]

I added three fish and rearranged the rocks 3 days ago.


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[grrlywhirl]

The markings on the tank are in case of a power outage, the sump fills to the off level so I know to stay below the on level.


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[mcgyvr]

I added three fish and rearranged the rocks 3 days ago.

And is that when this started?

 

[Bmore88]

Raise it up. I used the milk crate plastic to elevate mine.

 

[scooter31707]

I agree the water level might be too high. Almost looks like the water is at the bottom of the cup.

 

[Sk8r]

I put a brand new filter sock in without washing it and got this behavior. It's likely oils of some sort that will finally break down in about 4-5 days, after which it will behave again.

 

[Vorog]

Protein skimmer out of control

Are you sure it is all the way open? If so then raise it up should fix it.

 

[AboutAcans]

Has nothing to do with the water level or air input or any of that the majority of the time. Newer skimmers have mega powerful pumps and push so much out when your water viscosity is high. Basically it's like you're running a skimmer on a 2 week old tank right now. Most of the time it happens because of dosing something, mechanical filtration, or the tank needing a water change. It actually means you bought a GREAT skimmer, it's new, so it's trying to push all the nasty out. That's Reef Octopus. They've been building their own skimmers and pumps for years and that right there is an awesome skimmer. Good choice.

 

[chrisfont23]

Hi, my Reef octopus space saver 150ss is bubbling over at the lowest setting. I can't get it to calm down. Been shutting it off for a day and trying the next day and nothing. Any solutions?
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Is this a new skimmer? Sometimes new skimmers need to be dialed in. Recommended water depth for this skimmer is 8 inches.

 

[AboutAcans]

Look at the air inlet. Looks like they're definitely at if not under 8.

 

[grrlywhirl]

And is that when this started?

Yes, started that night. Skimmer and tank have been up and running happily about 3 months now. What is viscosity?


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[AboutAcans]

Yes, started that night. Skimmer and tank have been up and running happily about 3 months now. What is viscosity?


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No idea, I just hear the word a lot HAHA kidding Best simple way to explain is like the thickness of the water based on what's floating around it, if that makes sense. Kind of like adding flour to water.

 

[shadowmonster]

How does everything look? If all is well just unplug the thing for a week and see what happens. Continue with your same routine and hope for the best. Skimmers can be kind of temperamental sometimes.

FWIW my Eshopps skimmer never made a mess like that when it was new.

 

[grrlywhirl]

How does everything look? If all is well just unplug the thing for a week and see what happens. Continue with your same routine and hope for the best. Skimmers can be kind of temperamental sometimes.



FWIW my Eshopps skimmer never made a mess like that when it was new.

Will do. Not sure what's going on, everything else seems perfectly fine. I raised it up and it's less bubbly but still overflowing a tad.


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[shadowmonster]

:thumbsup:

 

[chrisfont23]

Anything choking the air intake?

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[A sea K]

Has nothing to do with the water level or air input or any of that the majority of the time.

I completely disagree with this statement, Water level (and consistency) in the sump is one of the most critical aspects of setting up and tuning a skimmer.
Check the pump intake and air intake to be sure there are no obstructions(salt creep snails or other small critters), if that checks out good then I would build a platform to raise the skimmer so its in about 7" of water, looking at your pic it clearly seems to be deeper than that. I run both of my Reef Octopus skimmers in shallower water than what is recommended and they have been pretty much plug and play from day one with no issues.