Can someone explain why my skimmer overflows?

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by Ballgame, Mar 30, 2014.

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  1. Ballgame

    Ballgame Millepora

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    946
    Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
    It makes sense. The instructions say can leave on but becareful for overflow. LFS said its unusual to overflow that fast. I can’t even run it now because it won’t stop overflowing. I can control the air intake but that’s it. It’s a hang on the back skimmer. I’ll be doing a partial water change tonight so that should help
    Thanks guys!
     
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  3. zesty

    zesty Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2013
    Messages:
    1,715
    Location:
    Greenfield, WI
    From what I read, there's two camps with chemiclean. Turn the skimmer off and add an airstone, the chemiclean will cause your skimmer to go spazzy big time. The second camp is to remove your collection cup, but leave your skimmer on and let it overflow back into your sump (if you have one). This takes care of the depletion of oxygen problem.

    However, I've never used chemiclean. I heard from a fellow club member on how well it worked for him. Then I decided to google around and found quite a bit of info out there.

    oh, I just saw that it's HOB. I'd turn it off and add an airstone. But that's just from what I've read.
     
  4. Mhayes462

    Mhayes462 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2013
    Messages:
    86
    It's normal, it does that. You HAVE to have an airstone in the tank if you have ANY livestock because the chemiclean will deplete the oxygen in the tank. Just turn the skimmer off if it still overflows even when all the way open. Wait 48 hrs and do a 25-35% water change. Then skimmer back on