Skimmer overload!

[newreefer92]

I purchased a Bubble Magus curve skimmer for my 180 gal dt. I have been running for 6 months no problem, pulling beautiful skim out until now!! I recently I stalled a 50 watt emporer uv sterlizer, this intern has increased the flow back down to my sump. The skimmer is at the same water level but is going crazy now, needless to say I am confused?

Like the reef junky I am I decided to fiddle with it and try and figure it out. I raised it a half an inch out of the water every 24 hours to see if it would stop overflowing. The skimmer is on the lowest setting and is now at 8 inches which is below the recommended of 9 to 11 inches. The skimmer sits on a stand since my sump is 17 inches full of water. The area it sits in is very calm no rushing water with still enough flow for excellent filtration.

The skimmer has been like this for a week now so the late break in excuse is not cutting it. Even though I have more then enough life rock, my skimmer helps the bioload.

Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks for your time

 

[crabbyjoe]

have you checked your salinity to see if its off? swings in SG can affect how fine the bubbles are and cause an increase or decrease in neck of skimmer. My ATO stuck a while back and lowered my SG and skimmer went nuts.

 

[downbeach]

Are you using any type of "conditioner", or "red slime remover", i.e. Chemiclean, Ultralife, etc.? They will make you're skimmer go nuts until they've been filtered out/removed.

 

[newreefer92]

Are you using any type of "conditioner", or "red slime remover", i.e. Chemiclean, Ultralife, etc.? They will make you're skimmer go nuts until they've been filtered out/removed.

No sir

 

[moondoggy4]

Did you use PVC glue to install your UV unit?

 

[davidgnome]

I had a problem with my nac6 that was similar sounding. I would check where the cord exits the plate the skimmer set on? If its similar build to my old Nac then the U shape cut out to fit the pump cord is allowing water to leave before it should. Or are air bubbles being sucked into intake?

 

[newreefer92]

Did you use PVC glue to install your UV unit?

My uv is soft plumbed....

 

[usmc121581]

What I learned is dont follow there water depth. My NAC9 will not tolerate anything above 6", runs perfect at 5.75" below water line.

 

[newreefer92]

What I learned is dont follow there water depth. My NAC9 will not tolerate anything above 6", runs perfect at 5.75" below water line.

Funny thing is mine just started running well at 5 inches. It's amazing how simple the machine is but how long it takes for it to run correctly.

 

[usmc121581]

I kept trying to run it at the preferred water depth and it flooded 3x if not more, So I just moved it up until it stopped.

 

[downbeach]

Have you tried turning off the UV for a while, to see if it makes any difference.

 

[newreefer92]

Have you tried turning off the UV for a while, to see if it makes any difference.

No I have not I wonder if that may have been the case!

 

[lighthouze08]

have you checked your venturi to see if it's clogged with salt?