Skimmer question

[gdavis17]

I have a CSS 65 running on my system with the pvc T mod shown in the link below.
http://www.tylermerrick.com/content/css_notes.php
Recently, the skimmer stops producing microbubbles; I fix this by slightly sucking on the tubing connected to the venturi. However, after about 4 hours or so it quits again. I took the skimmer apart and gave it a deep cleaning, but this still happens. Any ideas? Do I need a new pump? Thanks in advance for the help and comments.

 

[landlord]

I have had similar issues with the veturi getting "clogged". I've got a del-tec that quite often stops producing bubbles. I used to blow into the darn tube as well to get thing rolling again. Never figured out what the deal was but assumed it was clogged.

I recently got another skimmer (lifereef) for a different tank and it is setup with the air intake pulling from within the upper part of the collection cup (above the area of collection for skimmate so as not to pull in the waste). The idea behind this design was to have moist / humid air being pulled into the venturi. This moistness "self-cleans" the salt reside / dust / whatever that builds up in the intake and keeps the bubbles coming.

I retrofitted my del-tec to do the same and haven't had the issue since.

FWIW --landlord

 

[msn711]

Good luck. I had a similar issue with my CSS 125. It would work for a while, then stop; I'd clean it, and repeat the process. I gave up and trashed it.

 

[Brian24]

I have the same issue with my skimmer. The skimmer works great until it stops working.

I hooked up a air pump to the intake but it eventually stops as well.

 

[gdavis17]

Thanks for the advice landlord, I'll give that a try. There has to be a solution to this problem. It seems like a lot of people have had this same issue.

 

[Roy G. Biv]

I take a little cup of vinegar and let the hose suck it through the skimmer. I have had luck with this. Expect the pH to drop. A little goes a long way.