Skimmer Q&A Thread

[kkgaskin90]

I run a Coral Box D700 on my 75g DT + 20g sump. Lately I can't raise the water level to the normal level therefore I'm not getting any skimmate. Air vents are clear & I dismantled to clean it last weekend when I noticed it would start then stop then start again. I'm not handy at all... any advice?

 

[mcarroll]

Try a more thorough cleaning. Use vinegar if you didn't. Soak if you only scrubbed. Probe the air-intake with a toothpick to make sure it's clear on the inside. Etc.

Examine the impeller magnet very closely for any sign of damage, buildup or deformation.

Same for the impeller well of the pump....use a flashlight if necessary.

If you find nothing and the behavior doesn't improve, I would suggest trying a replacement impeller.

 

[kkgaskin90]

It was the Venturi. It's working perfectly now-thank you!

 

[jboone82590]

We have a skimz skimmer that's an external skimmer. It has 2 ES5000 pumps. It is a new skimmer and we can not figure out what model it is. We also need to know how to dial it in. Any help would be nice.

 

[mcarroll]

Pic? Have you contacted the manufacturer yet? (phone or email, etc?)

 

[moseley75]

I have a BioCube 16 with the Coralife skimmer made to fit. The skimmer works well but the bubble Stone clogs rather quickly. Is there any way to recondition these bubble stones?

 

[Isaac Alves]

Question about my NYOS 160:
It's been, and is, skimming amazingly. But recently mine does not want to restart after the APEX shuts it down during a program, but found that if I blow into the airline, it starts right up. Otherwise, it just tries and tries to pull air in but won't. Is there any information on this? This issue is frustrating because I like to throw the system into feed mode right before leaving work, but now I can't do that.

 

[Khh27]

Question about my NYOS 160:
It's been, and is, skimming amazingly. But recently mine does not want to restart after the APEX shuts it down during a program, but found that if I blow into the airline, it starts right up. Otherwise, it just tries and tries to pull air in but won't. Is there any information on this? This issue is frustrating because I like to throw the system into feed mode right before leaving work, but now I can't do that.

Probably because your force spinning it to start. Make sure the impeller is good and not dirty or clogged

 

[Isaac Alves]

Thank you @Khh27 -- I haven't cleaned it since it was put into operation nearly a year ago. . I'll clean it this weekend. I'm assuming I take her offline and just run her in a vinegar bath for a couple hours? What's the best method to clean a skimmer and not keep it offline for too long?

 

[Khh27]

Thank you @Khh27 -- I haven't cleaned it since it was put into operation nearly a year ago. . I'll clean it this weekend. I'm assuming I take her offline and just run her in a vinegar bath for a couple hours? What's the best method to clean a skimmer and not keep it offline for too long?

I would just take the pump off clean the pump really good make sure you take the impeller out and take a toothbrush the inside of the impeller hole I wouldn't say you need a full-blown cleaning right now if you don't need to. Look for our of roundness and cracks or swelling of impeller. Should be no more then a few hours tops. Take me like 30m if I don't viniger bath

 

[D_Nyholm]

I have a BioCube 16 with the Coralife skimmer made to fit. The skimmer works well but the bubble Stone clogs rather quickly. Is there any way to recondition these bubble stones?

I just buy a cheap 2 pack from Amazon and change mine monthly. I think the 2 pack is $5 or so. It isn't the Coralife brand, just another wood airstone.

 

[mcarroll]

Question about my NYOS 160:
It's been, and is, skimming amazingly. But recently mine does not want to restart after the APEX shuts it down during a program, but found that if I blow into the airline, it starts right up. Otherwise, it just tries and tries to pull air in but won't. Is there any information on this? This issue is frustrating because I like to throw the system into feed mode right before leaving work, but now I can't do that.

Check out post #1805

 

[pdiehm]

my aquamaxx EM200 silencer broke off, and it's loud as all get out now. I have some money saved, and am looking at the Reef Octopus Classic 150 INT or the Aquamaxx ConeS Q-2 skimmer.

Tank is about 120-125 system volume, right now lightly stocked, but the plan is softy/lps with future plans some sps. 10-12 fish, 2 tangs, and a fox face, with the rest of the fish small.

 

[mcarroll]

Didn't like the EM200? ...or just can't find a replacement silencer? Maybe DIY a silencer?

If you switch, I'd suggest either an AquaC EV120 (uses a standard pump) or a Tunze 9410 (needlewheel).

2¢

 

[pdiehm]

i love the EM200, but can't figure out how to fix the silencer. both acrylic tubes broke. Not a really handy DIY kind of guy.

I may look at the Tunze 9410, or the Reef Octopus Classic 150 more. If i can find a used Q-2 that may be an option.

 

[Khh27]

i love the EM200, but can't figure out how to fix the silencer. both acrylic tubes broke. Not a really handy DIY kind of guy.

I may look at the Tunze 9410, or the Reef Octopus Classic 150 more. If i can find a used Q-2 that may be an option.

Replacement silencer 16$

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...otein_Skimmers-AquaMaxx-UJ1331-FIPSAC-vi.html

 

[pdiehm]

do not think that will fit or even attach to my skimmer.

 

[Khh27]

do not think that will fit or even attach to my skimmer.

Call aquamaxx they should help you

 

[jason2459]

i love the EM200, but can't figure out how to fix the silencer. both acrylic tubes broke. Not a really handy DIY kind of guy.

I may look at the Tunze 9410, or the Reef Octopus Classic 150 more. If i can find a used Q-2 that may be an option.

Pretty easy fix. Just need a bottle of just about any size, something to make a hole like a drill or a punch, and some tubing to shove in it.

Someone making one out of a prescription container.

 

[pdiehm]

Aquamaxx is sending me a cap from a Q series as it essentially replaced the EM series.

$5 fix.

Now I can use those funds to get a T5....at some point.