Skimmer issues

[ibrat82]

Hi guys

I'm having issues with my brand new aquamaxx q3 sKimmer

I've had my tank running for over a month and in the beginning the skimmer was working fine making skimate but then as I started to add other items to my sump like a media reactor and pump, uv and pump my skimmer isn't making proper Skimate. It's very wet skimate and the foam doest get foamy and brown before falling into the collection cup. It's bubbly like when you pour soda. I do have organic matter in my tank as I have 2 clowns and 24 inverts. I've tried to adjust it to get that sweet spot but I can't seem to get it right. I do have it in the recommended water level too 7-9 inches. It's in 7.5 inches of water.

I don't know if the tanks not producing enough organic matter or is there not enough water being being circulated between tank and sump or what. I have a huge diatom bloom and i feel like its in part causr the skimmer isnt working properly.

Wondering if any of you have had this problem and what's the fix.

 

[jpruitt]

What color is the skimmate you are pulling out. You said watery? The one month thing is about right to have a good size diatom bloom. Mine lasted for 1.5 months. As far as the skimmer goes I have never used it. A few things to check are the Venturi where air get sucked in. The impeller. Could have picked up a little chunk of rock or filter media and the airline going into the skimmer itself possible salt creep. Let me know what you find out.

 

[platypusklr]

+1 Specifically check that the impeller shaft isnt spinning inside the blade itself. Had this happen on a PM skimmer pump a few years ago.

 

[ibrat82]

Its very light brown to light grey.

QUOTE=jpruitt;24315788]What color is the skimmate you are pulling out. You said watery? The one month thing is about right to have a good size diatom bloom. Mine lasted for 1.5 months. As far as the skimmer goes I have never used it. A few things to check are the Venturi where air get sucked in. The impeller. Could have picked up a little chunk of rock or filter media and the airline going into the skimmer itself possible salt creep. Let me know what you find out.[/QUOTE]

 

[Dan_P]

Increased air flow or water column height can lead to wet foaming. The presence of a detergent-like molecule can produce excessive foaming. Best to confirm the skimmer is working properly.

Ideas. Maybe the water pump has gained speed overtime pushing more air into the skimmer or the water level has risen. Maybe one of the new equipment additions was contaminated. Or maybe the diatom bloom is the source of the detergent. It does not take much detergent to cause excess foaming.

Unless the excess foaming is going to cause a flood, let the skimmer do its job of removing foam forming chemicals.

 

[ibrat82]

This the typend of foam I've been seeing in my skimmer for 3 days now. I've checked the airline, venturi, cleaned the cup etc. Still no dirty brown foam. I'm wondering if this things working properly. Theres definitely waste in the tank as I have 25 cuc and 2 clowns. Anything going else to check or can cause this phase of skimmer acting like this?

 

[dhalderman]

Man I drove myself crazy with this same kind of issue. Here is my experience...
Skimmers are extremely finicky and can go wacko without rhyme or reason. Every time I replace filter socks, or clean them and re insert them, it basically does not skim for a day. Also, I added a UV sterilizer, and it took a couple weeks for the skimmer to return back to normal. Crazy bubbles, bubble level oscillated up and then down, basically did not have a skimmer. Those who answered my posts felt it was most likely the new plastic and any new plumbing, that has oils or other things that affect surface tension. Additionally, new plumbing with new glue will have this same effect. I almost bought a new skimmer, but it finally returned to normal after a few weeks, after water changes also. Sorry for the bad news.