Skimmer crapped out....where to start troubleshooting

[Coleus]

most of the time, the pump is the main problem with skimmer. So if you can take the pump out without the whole skimmer body then do that first, and then see if it is the pump that is making the noise. If it is then open it up and see if the impeller still working. Good luck

[gregzz4]

Good advice and is where I'd start
Pull the pump, or at least the impeller, inspect for damage/wear/magnetic coating swelling etc
Some of the older impellers were poor quality and were coated with plastic. The metal would swell while rotting and cause big issues
Also, your impeller housing could be getting a buildup of calcium
So, try your best to pull the pump and clean stuff out

Could be you get lucky and find something simple, but whatever it is you'll most likely see something amiss

[gregzz4]

And once you get it fixed ...

You've brought up a topic we all will want an answer to;
Why do you have to dismantle your sump to pull your skimmer ?

[gregzz4]

K, nevermind
I just perused your build thread and think I understand what you meant
You have to slide your sump sideways to pull the skimmer ? ACK

Good luck with the cleaning

[Coralgurl]

Thanks everyone.

I had planned on a water change tomorrow anyway so hopefully I can get at it with the water out.

It's a super reef octopus SSS 5000 int skimmer.

[Coralgurl]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

K, nevermind
I just perused your build thread and think I understand what you meant
You have to slide your sump sideways to pull the skimmer ? ACK

Good luck with the cleaning

It has to come out the end. We have 2 ft on each side to push, did it once before. I should be able to get the base out with the pump with the body off. Either way is awkward but doable.

[Coralgurl]

I got the skimmer apart last night and thankfully it was just a snail that got stuck in the intake. Does not appear to be any damage to the teeth (wrong terminology...) inside the pump but will test it before putting it all back together. Since I had it apart, decided it may as well get a cleaning, so soaked the pump and bubbly tray in a vinegar bath. Will still do a water change as it will be easier to put it back together without water.

[gregzz4]

Nice to hear some good news