Skimmer Help!!!

[seacapt]

Hello reefers,

I am trying to find some help - I have searched the forums for hours and have found nothing. I posted several days ago and noone has responded. Can anyone direct me to a source of information for how to get my skimmer to work? It is an IS400 Sealife Systems (out of business as far as I can tell) downdraft skimmer. It makes all kinds of tiny bubbles but the skimmate never reaches the collecting cup no matter how I adjust the water level in the cylinder. And every week I do a huge water change and scrub the hair algae off the rocks and shells, standpipe/overflow slats.... I barely put any food in there to try to keep the nutrients down. I have purchased Mark Weiss Algae Magic but haven't used it yet because I want to fix the source of the problem. Any suggestions on where to get information on this skimmer or perhaps downdraft skimmers in general is much appreciated.
Ann

 

[USC-fan]

what pump are you using?

edi:

You should be able to contact them to get some help.

http://www.sealife-systems.com/page11.html

 

[seacapt]

Thanks - I googled Sealife Systems before and that website didn't come up. The pump is a Model 9.5 B Utility Pump - "E160713." I am not sure of the manufacturer - no name on pump. Based on a web search I think if is rated at 950 gph and the Sealife Systems web page recommends 800 gph. Is my pump too strong?

 

[USC-fan]

You might want look into getting another pump. Maybe a Mag 9.5 Pump. That is what a lot of people were using with this model.

But I would first try to contact Sealife just to make sure you have everything set up right.

 

[d4a2n0k]

Sounds like a Mag 9.5. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=DN1127

Im not familiar with that skimmer but if the bubbles are not going all the way up then you have either not enough pump or not enough waste. Has it collected anything since youve had it?

Can you post a picture of it?

 

[seacapt]

The link you provided was the exact pump I have - a Danner Mag-Drive Supreme 9.5 950 GPH Water Pump. I think it should be adequate - the Sealife website recommends an 800 gph pump, unless it is possible to overpower the skimmer. It worked at one time - I had to dismantle the tank for a while and recently set it up again. It has been going 2-3 mos now. I emailed the company today so I am sure they will be able to solve this problem for me. Thanks for your help everyone!