Protein skimmer problem

K

khmerspec

WanaBAhReefer
May 17, 2008
193
0
0
38
Sacramento, Ca
www.5linx.net
Real Name
Van
Simply my protien skimmer isnt bubbling anymore and getting rid of the bad stuff.

I noticed that there's a bunch fo stuff growing inside the canister, like tube worms and other such filter feeders. (more then half my snails are in there too).
This bad?

Should I clean out the skimmer?
Or could something else be teh problem preventing the skimmer form working properly.
 
Yes, you should clean it. Many skimmers see a decrease in performance when stuff grows in the chamber--it creates turbulence which can destroy stable foam production. The snails can't be terribly happy in there, either. That isn't what is causing it not to created bubbles, however--the above just decrease performance. You'll want to examine the airline tube as well as the venturi to make sure they aren't clogged (soak them in vinegar when you clean the rest). Also be sure to thoroughly clean the pump with vinegar. It may also help to make sure nothing is wedged in the venturi or airline.
 
What brand of skimmer is it? I clean my AcquaC Ramora at least once a week and dump the cup and clean it every day. Put the feather dusters and snails in your sump.
 
coralife 65g hang-on skimmer

after cleaning, althought its working just fine now, bubbles are getting into the tank.

not just a little bit, but amounts so plenty as to cause my kenya trees to not open up all the way.
 
It could be that after cleaning it has to break in a again. I would rather have the bubbles right now. Last night before I turned the lights out he water was as clear as crystal and this morning it's cloudy.
 
GregAW said:
It could be that after cleaning it has to break in a again. I would rather have the bubbles right now. Last night before I turned the lights out he water was as clear as crystal and this morning it's cloudy.
Click to expand...

That is precisely what it is. The inside column has to reacquire a film so that there is little reaction with the sides of the skimmer. Until it breaks in again, it will release quite a bit of bubbles.
 
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