Swc 180 skimmer

[myblock175]

This skimmer is starting to give me problems and I can't figure out why. At times i plug it in and i hear the pump but doesnt skim. Then at other times it skims too much even when I put the valve on the lowest setting. Anyon know what the problem is?

 

[Trainwreck]

Strip down the pump, check all o-rings/impeller shaft/impeller make sure all the other seals are ok, clean the venturi and especially make sure that the airline to the venturi is completely clean.....then soak all the parts in a 5 gallon bucket in pure vinegar (the cheap stuff you can get at any grocery store for about $4 a gallon, usually around 5% acidity). If all the parts are in tact, all o-rings are in good shape (no gashes, chunks missing, cracks) and everything is clean, the pumps motor itself is probably shot.

 

[myblock175]

I just did that but its still doing the same thing. It's not the pump though because i just bought it brand new. I tested the pump in a bucket of water and its working perfectly. I checked everything but idk whats going on with this thing

 

[rebelson]

How deep is the water in your sump where the skimmer sits?

 

[strgazr27]

Verify that the pump is not at times starting backwards.

 

[myblock175]

Well it's definitely not running "backwards" whatever that means. But my refugium is a 40 gallon breeder and I have it sitting about 2 to 3 inches off the ground inside the sump. Right now I put a ball valve over the outlet near the control valve that shoots out ait and it appears to be working. But now it's sending alot of bubbles into the 1st chamber of my refugium

 

[rebelson]

SWC skimmers run best between 6 and 10 inches of water.

 

[rbtwo4]

SWC skimmers run best between 6 and 10 inches of water.

i agree with the above statement. it says "works best in 9in of water" at least for the 120 that i have but it was skimming so wet that i had to raise it to 6in and its working fine now.

 

[myblock175]

I have a 155 bow front so I don't have that much space to raise it without the cup touching the tank. The most I can raise it is maybe 4 to 5 inches. Right now I'm able to control it better now that i put a ball vavle on it. I have it raised to about 2 to 3 inches right now, but it's giving up to much bubble in my fuge

 

[Wolverine57]

I had my SWC Extreme 180 water depth 7-9 inches , then adjust just before the waste cap

 

[Trainwreck]

So is this skimmer rocking yet or what??

 

[myblock175]

lol. yea its good money now. finally