Euro Reef RS 80 Skimmer Overflowing

[E.intheC]

Hello All.

My ER RS 80 is overflowing like crazy.. the collection cup will fill up in a matter of seconds. it's been doing that for the past few days. I have tried adjusting the grey tubing so it's completely closed, completely open, and everything in between. The airline intake has been adjusted so that it's creating the least amount of bubbles (actually.. if I adjust it any further in that direction, it creates a cloud of white in the sump water... weird.)

The height of the skimmer itself is in the suggested 6.5-7 inches of water, and I have tried manually raising it up further. However, when i do that, it overflows even worse.

No epoxy or any chemicals have been added lately. There's enough in the water to skim out, for sure.

 

[D1J8Z]

have you recently changed your filter socks?

 

[marrone]

Actually instead of raising the skimmer you should lower it, make it deep in the water. Also you want to add on the gate valve, this will let you control the skimmer better.

As for it overflowing, you must have gotten something in the tank, or something in the tank, is causing a problem. You should do a water change and run some carbon.

 

[E.intheC]

have you recently changed your filter socks?

I actually don't have filter socks on my sump.

Also, the skimmer was bought used so it shouldn't really need too much time to break in.

As I'm thinking about this more, I had to use some dechlorinator a week or so ago because I needed extra water in an emergency, and the store was closed. (All RO water is store bought right now.. )

I just performed a 2 gallon waterchange, but I'm going to add some more carbon in there.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[marrone]

Breaking in the skimmer has nothing to do with it being new or used. Breaking in has to do with it running on your system and reaching a point where it's working, bubbles are producing skim. You would then reach a point where you get the skimmer "dialed in" and producing the skim you want.

Adding a dechlorinator or stress coat will cause the skimmer to go crazy. I would do a water change and leave the skimmer off for a couple of days. If when you turn it back on it still over flows I would do another water change. Also carbon will help.

 

[2slo4me]

im thinking the pump might be too strong... add a ball valve in between the pump and skimmer so you can control the water flow into your skimmer i had to do this with my skimmer because i was having the same problem.... maybe check what GPH you skimmer is rated for and what GPH your pump is pushing out... if not just buy a ball valve at home depot and put it between your pump and skimmer. good luck!

 

[2slo4me]

Also, the skimmer was bought used so it shouldn't really need too much time to break in.
QUOTE]


how long have you had the skimmer set up??? does the pump match the skimmer gph ratings? hence it was broiught used some ppl tend to switch pumps.

 

[E.intheC]

My skimmer is overflowing!

Hello All.

My ER RS 80 is overflowing like crazy.. the collection cup will fill up in a matter of seconds. it's been doing that for the past few days. I have tried adjusting the grey tubing so it's completely closed, completely open, and everything in between. The airline intake has been adjusted so that it's creating the least amount of bubbles (actually.. if I adjust it any further in that direction, it creates a cloud of white in the sump water... weird.)

The height of the skimmer itself is in the suggested 6.5-7 inches of water, and I have tried manually raising it up further. However, when i do that, it overflows even worse.

No epoxy or any chemicals have been added lately. There's enough in the water to skim out, for sure.

any ideas?

Thanks!


Here are some pictures:

 

[E.intheC]

(Please disregard the messy room.. we're starting to get in the process of moving so it's a bit of a tornado at the moment.)

 

[NYreefNoob]

is that a gen x pump ? is that the pump that came with it, was it bought new ? are you using filter socks ? how long have u had the skimmer, open valve all the way. and the way the foam looks there is something in the water, u using a ato ? have you ever cleaned the container if you have one ?

 

[E.intheC]

let's see.. I went on the ER website to see if it's the right pump, and matched the description, pictures, and SN.. it goes to the Rs-80 (which I have)

I bought it used, so I'm not sure how old the skimmer is.
Just replaced the stock impellar.

It's never worked for me. Always overflowed like crazy. It will get to the level seen above in 15 seconds or so.. I don't feed oily foods (only NLS pellets at the moment)

I use RO water. There was some water conditioner used about 3 weeks ago, (enough for 5 gallons or so.. we're talking a tablespoon or 2 at most) but I've since changed at least 10-15 gallons of water, and added an extra cup of carbon in my AC filter.

I don't have an ato, and I manually add RO water each day.
As for additives.. only 2 part caclium supplementation. If that's the issue.. then I have a problem because I need to raise the calc and alk up, and I've read/heard/seen many, many systems that dose that without skimmer problems.

 

[E.intheC]

also, no filter socks, and the valve is open all the way.

Thank you for the help!


Side note: if anyone is local and they don't mind letting me borrow one of their extra skimmers for a few days, I'd be super appreciative. I'd like to see if it's my water or my skimmer that's the actual problem.

 

[marrone]

Try a couple of things. Turn the pipe that say Open clockwise all the way. See if that help. Next put the skimmer deep into the water, that will make it hard for the water to rise. Finally, the valve on the intake air tube, play with that and see if it has any effect.

There maybe also be something in the skimmer. You should take it out and soak it in vinegar, then rinse it clean. That will help if there is anything in the skimmer.