Replacing Pumps for a Skimmer

[Muerten]

I have the infamous Seaclone Skimmer, and recently, the Maxi-Jet 1000 pump that was running it kicked out. It's either really clogged, which I can fix, or it's just worn out. I needed to get a replacement, and the only one available was a Rio 800. I put it in, and everything seems to be working fine- I got a cup full of dark green... err, stuff after the first day, and another cup two days after that, albeit a little lighter. The skimmer's been foaming much better than before, although there are too many bubbles coming back into the tank. Is this alright? Or should I try and revive the old pump?

I haven't seen any problems with the new pump, unless the bubbles coming back into the tank are a problem, or unless there's some secret problem I am unaware of. If you are aware of a potential problem, please let me know before it's too late!

Oh- by the way, the tank is 37 gallons, a clown, 2 damsels, 6 snails, some caluerpa, and a Mushroom. (Just to give any info you might want)


Thank y'all.

[ February 13, 2002: Message edited by: Muerten ]</p>

 

[fish esq.]

The bubbles are visually annoying and I recall reading somewhere that they may injure your fish if they attach to the skin.

If the Rio's working well, I wouldn't worry too much. My bro-in-law changed from the Maxijet to a Hagen 802(?), and that resulted in much better performance.

Also, if you're using a slime coat or chlorine neutralizer, make sure your using the proper amount. My CPR BakPak II starts spewing the bubbles if I add even a slight amount of water conditioner to the top-off.

 

[Scottis24]

IS that a HOT skimmer or in sump? If it is an in sump and is in the return compartment, try moving it to the first compartment where the drain comes in, then overflows to the center section. That's how I have my skimmer setup. The only way I get bubles that way is if I don't watch my sumps water level and the rio gets air near the impeller (oops). If it is a HOT try retro fitting a bubble trap for the remora series from aqua c or the trap for a cpr back back. HTH

 

[Muerten]

Bubble trap? I've never heard of one. What do they look like, and where could I get one? Someone once suggested putting a sponge (not a live one) where the water comes out of the skimmer, but that didn't really help. Oh, and the skimmer is right on the back of my tank, so I guess that means it's "hot." I don't have a sump.

 

[Scottis24]

check out the links below. A bubble trap fits on your output and is a sponge. The units I was talking of go with certian skimmers. You could probably build one for your skimmer pretty easily

http://www.inlandreef.net/aquac.html

http://www.cprusa.com/products/bakpak.html

 

[Scottis24]

These are some mods/trouble shooting tips with a quick web search. Might help you get the most out of your skimmer

http://www.reefcentral.com/diy/seaclone_modifications.htm

http://www.reefsuk.org/Marine%20Aquariums/Articles/Seaclone.htm

http://www.aquariumsystems.com/skimnote.htm

 

[Muerten]

Please excuse my ignorance, but how do these work? Do the bubble traps connect to the pump, and have the water pumped through them before it reaches the skimmer, or does it collect them before it exits the skimmer into the tank?

 

[Mike and Donna]

"Bubble traps" are no more than a sponge filter on the outflow of your skimmmer. Water flows through, most bubbles get trapped and make bigger bubbles that float to the surface. If you keep the intake to your return low, and the output of your skimmer high, the bubbles will tend to float on the surface and not be reintroduced to the tank.


I'd try to avoid mechanical filters/sponges anywhere in your system. They trap all kinds of detritus, concentrate it, and generally ensure that all your water gets filtered through all the stuff you really want to get out of your tank! (Especially if you are not diligent about cleaning it.)

JMO