Skimmer not skimming - need advice

[darthparj]

Hi all,

I have a reef octopus nwb 150 that has been running for about 5 weeks now and had been pulling out skimmate like a champ.

On Friday night, I did a 10% water change in my tank and cleaned the skimmer cup. Since then the skimmer hasn't pulled any skimmate and is producing a massive amount of microbubbles. The microbubbles are getting into my DT and are now causing the corals (i.e. Duncans) to not open.

The skimmer itself looks like it's functioning like it should be, a lot of bubbles are being produced. The fish are fine and are their normal selves.

The skimmer is in the sump:
1st baffle: water in and skimmer
2nd baffle: refugium
3rd baffle: return line

Any idea why it's not skimming? What should I do.

 

[tkeracer619]

Do you use any additives in your water or is it strait RO/DI and salt mix?

 

[darthparj]

I live in San Diego so I use nsw from scripps. For top-off use ro/di water

 

[tkeracer619]

I would give it some time. It might have something to do with the water you used. Sometimes it takes a bit after water changes to get things going again.

Can you post a pic of it?

 

[darthparj]

attached are pics.

pic 2, are all the microbubbles going into the tank.

 

[tkeracer619]

It looks adjusted rather high but seems to be operating normally.

I am willing to bet its the water used changed the surface tension of the water and it will take some time to work itself out.

Do you run carbon? It might help.

 

[darthparj]

sorry about the sideways pic, just tilt your head

 

[darthparj]

No I don't run carbon, but been debating if i should

Thanks for your help

 

[tkeracer619]

Your welcome.

Run carbon. It removes pollutants, keeps water clear, and gets rid of that fishy smell.

You might also look into running gfo to control phosphates if you have no already.

 

[darthparj]

I currently run a gfo reactor.

As for carbon, do you recommend a carbon reactor, or can I just place carbon n a mesh bag and place it in the sump in the 1st baffle?