Skimmer filling up after water change

[BriGuyRN]

I have noticed that when I do a water change, my skimmer collection cup fills up to the brim and starts to overflow. Any info on why this happens?

 

[kfisc]

It's very common- there's a longer chemical explanation, but the trick is to turn off the skimmer for a few hours during/after the water change and then monitor the collection cup.

 

[jason2459]

Mine used to do that when I was using a saltmix that included organics in it. ReefCrystals and many reef specific mixes include them as well. This was about 6 years or so ago. I switched to regular Instant Ocean that does not include any organics and I have never had that issue again.

 

[BriGuyRN]

I buy water from my LFS. The water is from Catalina Island off the coast of Orange County CA (where I live). They bring it back and filter it.

 

[jason2459]

Could very well be organics then and bacteria consuming it being skimmed out.

 

[scooter31707]

Mines don't usually do it doing water changes, but it does do it after I clean the skimmer.

 

[NedFlounders]

Happens every single time I do a water change. Just unplug the skimmer for a few hours after changing the water. Should go back to normal then. Also make sure your sump level is exactly the same after the water change or it'll constantly 'boil' over and you'll have to readjust the skimmer.