Skimmer crapped out....where to start troubleshooting

[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

[Coralgurl]

Is it normal after cleaning out the skimmer - vinegar bath - for it to overflow? It's been running for almost 2 days and it won't settle back down. I've pulled the plug on the cup so it's just dumping back into the sump but no matter what, it keeps over flowing. I couldnt rinse it after, just soaked in plain water, I've done a water change but no difference. I'm leaving for a week tomorrow, the tank and inhabitants are all fine, but I don't like leaving it like this....

[gregzz4]

After cleaning your skimmer you can expect some adjustments

Have you checked your air intake, and your impeller ?

Most times, skimmer problems are with blocked air flow/inlet/intake stuff

[Coralgurl]

Everything looked good when I had it turned off, but will check again. Thanks