skimmer keeps overflowing

[ml708]

after I feed, the skimmer will start to froth up and overflow. it gets really annoying and even if I shut off the skimmer, it will overflow when I switch it on like about an hour or two later.

any ways to prevent this?

[tofubox]

Hmm, Is your skimmer sitting at the correct water level? Any airflow or water output adjustments? I cant say for sure, but my guess is the water level where your skimmer is sitted is incorrect. Might wanna check out the specs for it.

[ml708]

yeah I adjusted the water output level to the highest level as well as the lowest level.

of course with the highest level we get the fastest water outflow, but with the lowest level, it takes awhile for the container to fill, but it does overflow if I leave it for about an hour.

air flow is as per normal, nothing unusual in the amount.

the cup itself is way above water level.

[tofubox]

i see. In that case, have u checked if the skimmer is sitting at the correct water level? I had the same issue with my Bubble magus. its rated to sit at 8 to 10 inches. I had it at 6 inches and kept overflowing even at the lowest water output.

[thomas_lim]

another thing you might look at is the type of food u r feeding your fishes.

Some of the frozen food in the market can be a little more "potent" and thus the skimmer might overwork after feeding.

So far, i have not come across dry food which does that.

[SunkistC]

another thing you might look at is the type of food u r feeding your fishes.

Some of the frozen food in the market can be a little more "potent" and thus the skimmer might overwork after feeding.

So far, i have not come across dry food which does that.

Agree.. high possibility due to the type of food..

Whenever i feed dry pellets my skimmer stops foaming for a few hours then resume normal operation, opposite to your situation..

Maybe you can show a photo of your skimmer water level during normal operation?

[ASHWIN]

what Are You Feeding?

Differ food changes the density of water cauaing overflow

Mysis etc will cause overflowing if you do feed mysis makesure to run the cube under FW..to clear off..best is pellet..but some type of pellet also can cause..Different types of supplements too..

..the Best Thing you can Avoid That Food

Cheers!

[hammy]

What kinda skimmer are u using?

[ml708]

mine is a deltec skimmer, most of the food I feed is frozen, such as reef gels for filefish and mysis for flashlight fish. I wish I could find alternative food sources but they have shown no interest in other types of food

[ASHWIN]

mine is a deltec skimmer, most of the food I feed is frozen, such as reef gels for filefish and mysis for flashlight fish. I wish I could find alternative food sources but they have shown no interest in other types of food

One Tip For You..Wash Mysis cube under FW for 3 minutes maybe into a Strainer..Then feed..your skimmer water level drop forawhile Only Wont Overflow..

Cheers!

[Sengreef]

usually when feeding frozen food or pellet food, skimmer will stop skimming for a while & not overflow, this is something different ... reef gels or mysis make your skimmer overflow?

[ml708]

usually when feeding frozen food or pellet food, skimmer will stop skimming for a while & not overflow, this is something different ... reef gels or mysis make your skimmer overflow?

yeah mine overflows like crazy!

[blusafe]

If the cup is overflowing with dry foam (not water), then the skimmer is doing its job of cleaning the tank. Need a bigger skimmer cup, automatic dump, or other methods of nutrient export.

[ml708]

What if the foam is watery? What would that mean

[kraken]

if watery, means not skimming well, raise the skimmer a little and let it sit in 1" less water

[james72]

Let your skimmer sit below a container to raise the height and readjust your water level to neck of skimmer body.

[Jamie @ Vertex]

There are a variety or reasons a skimmer may overflow. The first is simply because it is new! They need a week or two to break in. We recommend one let our skimmers actaully overflow without the cup for a day or two to break them in.

Then, the water depth in which the skimmer stands is a factor, as well as the air/water mix being pumped through the skimmer and its flow rate. Depending on the skimmer, there are a variety of methods to adjust these parameters and they will need occaisional re-adjusting.

As an example, the Vertex Omega skimmers have a volute at the pump head to fine tune the water-air mix, which creates finer or coarser foam. Bigger bubbles create a dryer skim, while finer tend to create a wet skim. Too much air draw and the pump will cavitate. This is when the air amount is so large that the pump starts to pulse due to lack of water flow!

Adjusting the flow-rate through the skimmer is done from the stand pipe. This gives the basic flow rate of water and is the first item to adjust when setting up a new skimmer.

Assuming a skimmer is properly adjusted, the next variable is the organic load. In new tanks it is typical for the skimmer to foam very little. This is due to there being little to skim! On the other hand, sudden loads of cleaning agents will cause large bubbles that overflow the skimmer. This often happens when one changes out the filter sock or accidentally gets a bit of window cleaner into the system. The resulting overflow is sudden and strong, with large bubbles. If the bubbles are fine, instead of coarse, then this is a sign of something protein-like, such as foods. Dry foods are often suspect, but any oily food may cause this. Fish eggs, etc. are very oily.

That said, frozen foods are really low on the list of overflow- causing culprits. Most of the time it is a case of adjusting the skimmer properly, or simply having the correct skimmer for the tank.

Hope this helps you find a solution,

Jamie

[tofubox]

Very good read jamie, Thanks for sharing I had an issue with my skimmer too, end of the day, i feel tuning is the most important in any skimmer.

[markymarcus]

My skimmer goes a little crazy after I change my filter sock. Any idea why?

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[Jamie @ Vertex]

My skimmer goes a little crazy after I change my filter sock. Any idea why?

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Was it new or just freshly laundered? I take it you are seeing rather large bubbles suddenly and the overflow is very wet, open foam. Typical from detergents in the sock. I always give my sox a good rinse in clear water before using them. This minimises the effect or removes it completely.

Jamie

[liquidnoise]

wat is the skimmate like? It happen when the water level is too high. there should be optimal level. we raised the skimmer and it stopped over folowing. normally overflow means like the main tank water. if so its not skimming. if overflowing means very very formy until fill up the cup. its doing its job. too much protein. At least tats wat we think in our house