trouble with Berlin Protein Skimmer

[rmenkes]

Can anyone help me trouble shoot the problem with my skimmer? I've cleaned it making sure that air could pass etc but still no foam. Actually. all I get is the funnel in the center with very few bubbles. The skimmer tube used to turn white with bubbles. Help please!

 

[danmhippo]

Check your pump flow rate. Does the flow rate seems to be decreasing? Insufficient flow rate could cause the venturi not taking air in.

 

[rmenkes]

I cleaned the pump and it seems to be working fine. When I first turn the skimmer on there are bubbles foor maybe three to five seconds and then just the funnel.

 

[Wilson1]

If I remember correctly, there is a key that comes with your skimmer, use it to open the bottom of the skimmer and clean the the tiny hole inside that could be clog.

 

[cardinalfanrc]

Wilson-

I had the exact same thing happen to my Berlin several months ago. In my case the cause took a week to figure out but was very simple. There is a small (approx 2 inch by 2 inch) black plastic piece that wedges into the the very beginning of the cylinder where the water should be foaming. This piece in my skimmer had fallen out of the cylinder and was ratteling around in the bottom of my skimmer. There's a simple way to see if this is the case with your. Unplug in, empty out the water and shake it. If you here a loose piece then your in business. From your description I wouldn't be surprised if you have the same problem. Good luck.

 

[rmenkes]

I heard something rattle but I couldn't figure out what it was. Can you explain a little more about how I get it out and where it goes...thanks

 

[rmenkes]

well, I almost gave up but tonight I added buffer to the sump and my skimmer started foaming like crazy. I guess it works but is it working correctly?

 

[beerbaron]

if there is a cyclone type funnel in the center, it is not working. there is a square piece of plastic like was said. it needs to be taken apart from the top. shake the piece out, and then slide it in the center cilinderat the bottom side. this piece acts as a baffel which keeps the water frommoving in a circular motion. if you still have your manual check it out. it shows exactly what im talkin about if not goto the red sea web page and you can get one there free. -a must have-

 

[rmenkes]

Yes, still a cyclone. I took it apart and shook it upside down but didn't hear a rattle this time. The plastic tube doesn't come all the way out...right? I could take most of it out but the top keeps me from removing completly. I need to get the manual b/c I'm still not grasping where the plastic piece goes. Also, side note the Red Sea site doesn't have the manual.

 

[rmenkes]

okay I found the platic square after much shaking but I can't figure out where it goes. I can't get the center cylinder completely out to be able to slide something in the bottom.
thanks

 

[Anonymous]

The small center tube does come out but it takes some ummph and some twisting. When you get it out you must wedge that small piece into the bottom of the center tube. Just make sure it is tight and secure. That small piece breaks up the tornado. A piece like that would probably help out the Seaclone.

 

[rmenkes]

How, the base of the center tube is definetly too big to fit?

 

[rmenkes]

Looks like WE finally did it. The skimmer is producing bubbles. I really appreciate the help.

 

[reefsRcool]

why is this in the sump??

 

[Anonymous]

It's not in the sump, it's weird - when things get moved, sometimes they leave a duplicate and creat a worm hole.