skimmer pump not getting air

[Butterz]

I'm setting up my protein skimmer now. I know a little late. But the powerhead isn't sucking in the air. There's water the bottom inch or so in the air line and I took the valve off so it could pull the whole line in. I'll blow in the air line to try to get it jump started and it'll last a few seconds and quit again.

It's a seaclone. None of the hoses are kinked.

 

[mfinn]

Hate to say this, but you wasted your money with the sea clone.

 

[lockekeyy]

yeah, I destroyed my seaclone when I tried to mod it, but some people have had decent results with the mods. Just google seaclone mods and it may/may not help you out. Personally, just upgrade to a dif PS. I upgraded to a Bermuda PS, works great. Rated up to 200g.

 

[Tswifty]

I'd pull of the pump, take it apart, scrub it down, run HOT water through the airline, dry everything well, and give it another shot.

 

[Jay180reef]

Hmm, even tho you can blow air into it, the air flow might still be slightly blocked. Ya, take it apart and check the air intake area.

 

[crvz]

how long have you had it? some routine maintenance may be all you need, but a new skimmer would surely fix the problem. an upgrade may be well deserved.

 

[royaldude]

Hi, Check the air hose where it enters the pump. Perhaps it is cracked or has gone hard and the pump is sucking water in through there. If it is not soft and pliable, cut the hard part off and reattach it to the pump. Or replace the airhose.

 

[Jay180reef]

That location is where I've had the most problem on my skimmer. The surgical tubing hose is so cruddy, I'm going to change the air hose to 1/4" pvc.