Skimmer

[Zenmaster]

Hi, my tank has been up around 4 months. Inside the skimmer it's a nice espresso brown/black but the cup is clear. Is this normal or should I be seeing this in the cup as well? I have my ozone cranked at %100 because my tang has a mild case of the itchies (ick) could this be effecting the skimmer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zenmaster]

anyone?

 

[PatMayo]

Sounds like you have a problem with your skimmer. The goo should be in the cup not on the inside of the skimmer.

Also I don't think the ozone up to 100% will do anything to cure ick if it is in fact what your fish have. There are much more effective ways to cure ick. If you do have it they fish need to be put into quarantine.

Here is link that can help.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/sp/index.php

Regards,

Pat

 

[demonsp]

Is it produceing any bubbles ? Where is it located ? Whene was the last time you cleaned the bowl out ? Also dont think you run ozone everyday.

 

[Drix]

Uhh... Pics would help because I'm not sure what you mean.

The skimmer should be clear water with little bubbles in it till the top where the bubbles should be making foam that will travel up that pipe onto the top into the cup.

The foam when it pops should leave a brownish green sludge in the cup... Is that what you mean?

 

[Zenmaster]

Unfortunately I don't have my camera until Thursday night. I will try and explain it better. My skimmer is bubbling ok (white bubbles) and at the top of the skimmer (not in the cup) there is a sludge like residue (espresso colored) My cup which I cleaned about 10 days ago has condensation in it but it's clear. By reading your reply's maybe that's because I cleaned it ten days ago? I'm asking this because it was fairly dirty before it was cleaned out. I assumed it would become dirty again soon after it was cleaned.

As for the ozone, my local retailer has instructed me to crank it up to %100 while soaking my food in garlic until the ich goes away. I asked him if I needed to set up a quarantine tank and he said no. I have read the equivalent of War and Peace in here telling me the opposite. Next purchase a fishy hospital.

 

[jest]

what kind of skimmer?

sounds like you may have your water level set to low.

 

[Zenmaster]

euroreef skimmer..

 

[PatMayo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10041203#post10041203 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zenmaster
Unfortunately I don't have my camera until Thursday night. I will try and explain it better. My skimmer is bubbling ok (white bubbles) and at the top of the skimmer (not in the cup) there is a sludge like residue (espresso colored) My cup which I cleaned about 10 days ago has condensation in it but it's clear. By reading your reply's maybe that's because I cleaned it ten days ago? I'm asking this because it was fairly dirty before it was cleaned out. I assumed it would become dirty again soon after it was cleaned.

As for the ozone, my local retailer has instructed me to crank it up to %100 while soaking my food in garlic until the ich goes away. I asked him if I needed to set up a quarantine tank and he said no. I have read the equivalent of War and Peace in here telling me the opposite. Next purchase a fishy hospital.

I can only assume that you did not read the article that I gave you above. Garlic is not a cure for ick. It's use for this purpose is purely anecdotal with no basis in fact.

If your fish have ick the only way to rid them of it is by physical isolation and treatment. If your fish are not showing typical signs of ick then I would wait.

As for your skimmer it sounds as if it is not adjusted properly. Stuff in the neck and not in the cup sounds as if the foam is not filling the skimmer high enough. It may need adjusted.

The advice typical of a local retailer is probably not the best advice. I would try to limit your advice to a good reputable specailty reef store if there is one in your area. You might also try the fish forum on this website. It's like anything else you have to do your due dilligence.

Regards,

Pat

 

[plawrence5]

I agree on the skimmer adjustment. My skimmer has an airline with a bleed valve on the end of the air line. I usually as a rule of thumb turn the bleed completely off after cleaning the cup, then back the bleed valve back open about 1 turn. This keeps my water level high enough so the air bubbles will reach the cup. I have a hang on skimmer Instant Ocean Sea Clone Model 100 for tanks up to 100gal. Hope this helps.

 

[Zenmaster]

I'll give that a try! Thanks Plawerence.

Pat, I did read the article hence my response "time to buy a fishy hospital" quarantine tank. Thanks for the help.

 

[PatMayo]

I'm with you now. Sorry.

Good luck.

Pat