skimmer issue

[kurens]

looks like my skimmer not skimming.Precision marine RL175(up to 175g) with theirs sump/refuge R30.
tank is running for 4 months now and i got 8 fishes,some big snails and crabs.
i didnt cleaned it from first day!,there is no foam in cup or milky water in chamber,its all clear.sits 9 inch in water like they recommended on website.
any suggestions?

 

[poidog]

is the airline blocked? if it's clear in the chamber then air isn't getting sucked in.

 

[ColaAddict]

+1 on checking if air is being mixed with the water. The air is what creates the bubbles and skimming action.

 

[mlreef]

with out the air you have nothing

 

[gig]

also does it have a waste line from the collection cup? if that gets blocked, it can cause the skimmer to stop working as well.

 

[kurens]

thanks guys for replies.i checked air line and nothing blocked it i didnt see and air bubbles in chamber from day one,will take it out today to inspect it.no waste line from cup.

 

[BADGUS]

Do you have a video to have a look?

 

[poidog]

are you getting any air suction? put your finger on the silencer hole and see if you feel anything.

 

[kurens]

nope,cant feel anything,no suction.i can make video but i dont think you gonna see anything.

 

[poidog]

no video needed. something is blocking your air intake. Check your tubing, pump, impeller, venturi.

 

[MMreef]

check your venturi intake,it is usually blocked by salt creep.

 

[ColaAddict]

Try blowing into the air line while the skimmer is on, that usually clears most clogs.

 

[kurens]

i got it.hole was blocked when air tube is connected with venturi(that how its called i believe) but it wasnt from salt or dirt,i need to use screwdriver to make it through.i never seen bubbles before in chamber and i tested it before in bathtub for 2 hours.Now i got lot of bubbles in chamber.
i can hear air in silencer(need to find other piece to close it together)
Man i feel stupid!thanks Guys i really appreciate it!

 

[poidog]

keep the valve all the way open (to prevent overflow) as I'm sure it'll need to break in

 

[BADGUS]

Lol,no bubbles in skimmer for that long,yeah stop posting and get some rest.