Skimmer stopped skimming?

tkh

tkh

New member
So, I've got a ProClear Skimmer, nothing fantastic, but it's what came with the tank when I bought the used tank. For the first two weeks it was skimming decently - I think. Dark colored skimmate, so I was fairly content. Ever since I last emptied the cup, it hasn't really skimmed anything - in fact it has not even been frothing. I have adjusted the airflow, but I haven't been able to get froth anymore. Now, I do know that I should have a decent bioload since I have overfed the tank a decent amount lately (apparently my fish do not like pellets...), but nonetheless I get nothing out of the skimmer - the collection cup is now bone-dry. Is this normal, or should I be concerned? Apart from over-feeding the tank, all that would really contribute to gunk would be 4 fish in a 90 gallon, so not too much really...
 
Check airline for blockage and maybe adjust the foam a bit higher. If those don't work disassemble your pump to look for a broken impeller. If you took the Skimmer out and cleaned it you may have to wait a bit for the slime to build back up. Like a mini break in.

Another reefer mentioned having trapped air in the pump. Could be possible.
 
Thank you for the tips! I'll try it out. I think it is seated in the water / water level is fine, as that much has not changed from when it was functioning properly.

It does sound like I need to dismantle the thing to figure out what's not working though. Bummer - well, I'm on a business trip this weekend, so if when I get back I have no skimmate, than I know for sure that something is wrong! Might be a slime issue, I did wipe off all the slime from the collection cup... Since I'm out for a week, we'll see whether a slime build-up helps.
 
Thanks for all of the replies guys! I did a weekly cleaning / water change last night since I'm out of town for the weekend, and when I turned everything back on it was skimming again! Well, frothing at least, and I found a bit of skimmate in the morning. Too liquids, but I'm just happy it's skimming - I'll tune it properly when I get back. I'm thinking it was clogged somewhere along the line, but who knows.. Just glad I can focus on other upgrades first!
 
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