skimmer problems

[Nabob89]

I've had a CSS-65 protein skimmer hooked up on my 55 gallon reef for over 6 months now, but over the past few weeks, i've been having alot of trouble with it. I will walk into the room and find that very few to no bubbles at all are being made inside the chamber. When I suck on the small plastic "air filter" ( I think that's what its called), water will run up the hose which connects it to the pump, drain back out, then it works again. I don't know why this happens, but I need to do it everyday since it stops working at least once a day. I'm going on vacation in 2 weeks so I need to fix it soon. Any suggestions? Thanks,
Matt

 

[newreef25]

Try replacing the hose, i had the same problem and i replaced the hose ran it dry for about 5 sec to make sure no water was in the air way. Also while the skimmer is out clean out the pump, there is probably a solid build up in there. Thats the only thing i could think of.

 

[socalreefer73]

I've had the air intakes of protein skimmers encrust with salt creep and reduce efficacy. I would suspect this to be the problem... take the hose off and soak it, possibly reverse it, then stick it back on.. that should suck out the salt... You may even try sticking the hose in the water to get some water to suck through there and clear it...

If you suppliment Ca and Alk to high levels, you probably have some Ca buildup in the pump... as mentioned prior... better to just clean the skimmer now before your trip...

 

[socalreefer73]

I think what you're sucking on is a muffler for the sound... They often double as air intake control valves...