Skimmer not skimming

[bigyankfan]

I just bought a used Reef Octopus XP1000SSS from a MR member a few weeks ago and it stopped skimming - almost no foam at all. Before I rip the whole thing apart and order a replacement impeller (around $90), are there any other (simpler, cheaper) reasons that a skimmer would just conk out - the pump is still working BTW. Thx.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

What is the water level that the skimmer is sitting in?

Also i took apart my pump cleaned it 100% in a vinegar bath and all was well after that.

 

[edd]

i wouldn't order an impeller until you take it apart. disassemble the pump and check impeller, make sure nothing is clogging air intake.

 

[bigyankfan]

What is the water level that the skimmer is sitting in?

Also i took apart my pump cleaned it 100% in a vinegar bath and all was well after that.

6" of water - just about the ideal depth. It pulled out a ton of gunk up until today so I know water depth wasn't the issue.

 

[bigyankfan]

i wouldn't order an impeller until you take it apart. disassemble the pump and check impeller, make sure nothing is clogging air intake.

That's a good idea - I will check that.

 

[rideit6578]

Take it apart and clean it, also make sure nothing blocking air intake. Also make sure there is nothing blocking the impeller.

 

[E.intheC]

I bet something got stuck in there. I would clean out the pump with a brush and then run the pump in a vinegar and warm water mixture.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

And as rideit said make sure nothing is blocking the air intake.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

I had a snail get into my pump once and that was it !! The skimmer cup would only fill up with sump water I went nuts till I opened the pump and cleaned it , and that was that!!

 

[greenstreet.1]

I had a snail get into my pump once and that was it !! The skimmer cup would only fill up with sump water I went nuts till I opened the pump and doin it , and that was that!!

+1 great skimmer

 

[D1J8Z]

Was your hand in the tank right before you noticed it wasn't working properly?

Did you just feed your tank when you noticed the skimmer wasn't foaming ?

 

[bigyankfan]

Was your hand in the tank right before you noticed it wasn't working properly?

Did you just feed your tank when you noticed the skimmer wasn't foaming ?

No to both and it hasn't produced any foam for about a day now. I will try disassembling it this weekend and see what I get. Thx for all of the ideas and suggestions guys.