Coralife Skimmer Problem

[Kasey]

I recently got rid of my Seaclone and got a Coralife Super Skimmer installe din my sump:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=13924

(The smallest one)

The problem is the air silencer. When connected, I get no bubbles. Disconnected and the air rushes in and bubbles are to be had.

So for now I've got a towel wrapped around the end of the tube to muffle the sound. I guess I need to call Coralife...?

There are two tube connections on the silencer. One I can stick a small drill bit all the way in, the other hits something 1/4 of the way down. The instructions don't specify which one to use, but I can't suck or blow air through either.

I would assume that there is a defect inside the piece? I followed all installation instructions and had the pump on for 48 hours, with no change (no bubbles). I adjusted according to the "after the break in period" and removed the air silencer - ten minutes later and I've already got green froth!

Anyone have any help/hints? Is Coralife customer service good?

 

[Anonymous]

Is the silencer has air flow? Maybe it is clogged?

I once replaced a silencer with a cheap airstone, and it work relative well for a while.

Put the silencer at the end of an air pump and see if air will come out (or just blow it with your mouth.)

 

[Kasey]

I already stated that I tried blowing into each hole, with no luck.

I don't really want to break it by trying to fix it as I intend on trying to get a free replacement, unless I'm just dumb and am missing something....

 

[Anonymous]

Try cleaning the silencer, in hot water or water and vinegar.

 

[Anonymous]

If you can't clean it, try to get a replacement. Use the airstone as temporary, or you can DIY one if you are handy.

 

[Kasey]

I called them, described the problem and three day slater I have a free replacement air silencer.

I can manually suck and blow air through both holes, so the original one was clearly plugged - I could probably just drill it out.

So now the skimmer works perfect!

I can't believe the difference between a "real" skimmer and my old Seaclone....