aquafoammaster #1 help please

[drywallguy29]

This skimmer (aquafoammaster #1 made by Emporer Aquatics) came with the used system I purchased awhile back.The problem is it just does not seem to genrate enough bubbles.Also it does not seem to produce much skim.Is this my pump rio 2500? I swaped it with another 2500 I had laying around and no change.One site I found mentioned running a mag 7 would this work any better than the rio. I was jazzed when I saw this skimmer because it really seemed well made. The other delima,it seems this product is no longer manufactured there is not much info on the net and the manufactures site no longer lists it. How old is this guy?Anyhow any help would be appreciated.

 

[Len]

These skimmers were around in the early 90's. I've never owned one but have seen many in operation.

Have you checked the Venturi? It sounds like it may be clogged.

 

[drywallguy29]

It does seem to be sucking air . However if you have a suggested method of cleaning the air line please let me know. I know in the past hot water did the trick it's just this skimmer is a pain to get out of the stand. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Len]

Soaking the venturi in vinegar will work nicely, but if you can't get it out, you may want to pump some freshwater throw the air intake to try to unclog anything that likely built up in there over time. A toothpick through the air intake sometimes is all you need too

 

[drywallguy29]

First thanks Len you always seem to come through in a pinch. Cleaned the venturi line with fresh water ro di heated up. Unfortunatley did not change.Could this be my pump perhaps not creating enough push to create the reqiured suction? Would a new pump change this? I hate to waste the money if the pump is not the culpret.Any help appreciated

 

[da colts1]

it is probably the pump. rios are not very good at pumping pressure. while mags pump pressure very well. it may be even better to go with a mag 9.5. my berlin suggested a rio 2500 but it never really took off like i thought it should. i replaced it with a surge 6000 i had around the house(870 gph) and it made a very big difference i have since purchased a mag 9.5 that will replace the surge when it goes.

 

[drywallguy29]

Thanks I was also leaning towards the pump.
thanks a lot