What am I doing wrong?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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spryandspringy

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 7, 2005
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The Lone Star State!
I just don't understand my protein skimmer. I set it up per the directions, and it constantly overflows. I've heard here (Thanks, bluedempsey!) that using Stress Coat can make it overflow, but this is crazy. It fills up completely with water in a few minutes. I currently have a crimp in the airline to keep the thing from exploding -- O.K. that's a little bit of an exaggeration. With a crimp in it I can KIND OF get it to work, but the bubbles don't go all the way to the top, and nothing gets collected.

How is this thing supposed to be set up? How much air is supposed to go through it? Do I just have too strong an air pump (Profile 2900) hooked up? Since this is a new tank, and still cycling for the first time, is this expected?

I'm starting to wonder about this contraption. :screwy:
 
You should be able to get a valve in which you can slightly adjust the air output. Some airpumps come with a dial in which you can choose the amount of air you would like to put out. The 'gang valves' that almost all fish stores offer, which split 1 line into 2 or 3 should work as well.

Ever thought about getting a powerhead driven skimmer? You can get some decent ones off eBay for around $50 w/pump included. Look for Jebo or Odyssea brand. I use it, takes some tweaking and maintenance, but its effecient for the cost.

Miles
 
Good idea with the splitter. I might even have one tucked away somewhere and not in use. What's the difference between the air hose and the powerhead type? Advantages/disadvantages...?
 
if your tank is cycleing then the skimmer shouldn't even be on. It's interfearing with the cycle
 
Strees coat gives the skimmer bubbles a higher surface viscocity so insteadof the surface tension of the bubbles just collecting protiens they can start emulsifying your water, like weak shaving cream the volume of trapped air can be a problem.
 
Yes, any type of treatment you add to the water will show in the skimmer. I would see some of my larger ones jump up and down even after something simple occuring in the water- like feeding or even spawning. And I would also reccomend not running it while you cycle the tank.
 
Fish Finder mentioned leaving the skimmer off before, but I thought that was just for the fishless cycle. Misinterpretation.

What should this thing be acting like when it's on, though?
 
DeLgAdO said:
i dont think thats nessesarily true
Click to expand...
:WHOA: i hate to say it dude but you need to do some more research. In runing the skimmer your removing proteen that is needed to make your cycle happen. With out it you will never do a full cycle and the system will crash.
 
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