Jekyll and Hyde counter current skimmer

[toeside]

Basically new to this sport... I'm working towards a 55g setup, but while I get the cabinet, sump, etc. together, I'm setting up a 10g to learn and shake out equipment. I'm really glad I'm doing it this way because it is amazing what 1) you learn, and 2) what can go wrong.

The 10g has been online for 5 days. Basically cycling and curing some rock/sand. I have an "old school" counter current skimmer, 22" in height, hung on the side, which will eventually move to a tall 18g sump/refugium underneath.

The skimmer has a limewood "airstone" and it foams beautifully. It is fed tank water from a small powerhead positioned just slightly below the surface.

What is curious, though, is how finicky it is to get the foam column to rise to the proper height to skim.

Twice I've dialed it in to where the cup is collecting skimmate just right. However, it has also has a tendency to randomly foam out-of-control. I can't determine why it does this.

This morning when I left for work, it was percolating nicely... when I got home, I had about a gallon of water on the floor from excessive foaming. :x

I hate to chuck this piece of equipment... shoot, my son says it look s "high -tech".

Hoping one of you "reef masters" might know what's happening here. Any input is appreciated...

 

[camaroracer214]

those types of skimmers aren't reliable, that's why you are having problems. air stones (or limewood bubblers) have the tendency to get clogged, break into pieces, degrade, etc and thus are never consistent.

 

[toeside]

Thanks for the reply Brandon.

The bubbler certainly isn't clogged or breaking into pieces, so I don't think that is the source of this particular problem, although I wouldn't mind investing in a new bubbler to see if that fixes it.

When you had one of these skimmers, did you have problems getting it set up the first time?

 

[toeside]

Ah... the solution is simple... turn the air down!

Props to Greg at Optimum Aquarium for the advice.

For the curious, I've posted some pictures of the skimmer that illustrate the problem I was having.