skimmer not skimming

[rusty shackleford]

your right, this is the first skimmer iv had.
the pump is as far up as it can be, theres a vinyl tube acting as a coupler to connect it to the inlet.

i posted a couple pictures earlyer and it looks to be functioning the same as it did when i first had it skimming correctly - same head hight and airflow

do you think its at all possible that leaching chemicals could have somthing to do with it ???

[rusty shackleford]

and if the water level ever does change can you just correct it with the valve attached to the pump ???

[chris121277]

Originally Posted by rusty shackleford

and if the water level ever does change can you just correct it with the valve attached to the pump ???

It's been a wile....but I believe that the optimal depth for the pump is 5" to the inlet on it, if you can't go any shorter I would get a hold of some more tubing and try a little lower.

The reason for this is depending on the depth the venturi will pull more or less air into the needle wheel.

One more thing to check is that the inside of the venturi is squeaky clean....if there is any kind of build up what so ever it won't function properly.

[chris121277]

Originally Posted by rusty shackleford

your right, this is the first skimmer iv had.


do you think its at all possible that leaching chemicals could have somthing to do with it ???

I suppose it's possible.....but coming from someone who had spent years fighting with a coralife skimmer......I'd bet it' the skimmer it's self

[rusty shackleford]

[quote=chris121277;705629]It's been a wile....but I believe that the optimal depth for the pump is 5" to the inlet on it, if you can't go any shorter I would get a hold of some more tubing and try a little lower.


thats a fine idea, seems to be the only variable
ill go grab some tube and give it a cleaning and see if that does the trick

thanks

[rusty shackleford]

the problem was that the micro bubble trap was completly clogged with crap, thus resticting the power i could set my pump at.

cleaned out the sponges and cranked the pump up and now she works!!

also putting out less micro bubbles, because before it was cleaned the water was just overflowing the trap and comming out of the top

thanks for every ones input, problem solved

[tim the toolman]

Hooray for skimming. Keep her clean and she will do the rest.