protein skimmer problems

[painkilla55]

ok my protein skimmer seems to not be working properly i bought a new pump and what not but it still isnt bubbling to the top like it should and no waste is being collected. i cant figure it out. any help would be great. im tired of all this green dust algae and with my skimmer not working its just goin crazy

[Zen Reef]

More info on what skimmer would be helpful. Perhaps a pic too.

[painkilla55]

its got a rio 600 pump brand new its made to do a 60-75 gallon tank its on a 45g

[Zack]

Is it new? Could it be breaking in? Is it in the optimum water level.

[FireWater]

Also check the working water level for that skimmer.

[Zack]

Is it new? Could it be breaking in? Is it in the optimum water level.


Also check the working water level for that skimmer.

Man, we are always on the same page lol :shades:

[painkilla55]

its at the right water level its not new just the pump im really ready to chunk it and get a hob skimmer

[Zack]

I always thought the new pumps had to break in to build a slime layer on them and get the oils from production out.

Patience is a very good trait to have for this hobby.

[Zen Reef]

Is it a needle wheel? Venturi? What skimmer do you have it on?

[Sherita]

A pic would be really helpful. If you aren't getting any air bubbles in the body of the skimmer, then your air intake tube is blocked up somewhere.

[don-n-sa]

Yep, we need more info in order to help. Brand, Type and a pic would help. Is their an air intake?

[painkilla55]

Yes air intake tube is new its an aqua life skimmer bought at aquarium designs uses a rio 600 pump which is brand new20523

[Zack]

Have you checked all connections to make sure the pump is in there? Also is the pump able to get water into the skimmer effectively i.e. is it obstructed by the side of the sump or maybe something else? Is the pump functioning?

[painkilla55]

yes pump is clear of all and functioning brand new in fact

[Big_Pun]

hey buddy i know its a pain but we are trying to do this via the web, but can you take a pic of the whole skimmer and also how deep is the water it sits in a accurate measurement will help. skimmer need to be in certain water level.

[Zack]

I keep looking at that pic and from that angle it looks like the water level is much too low, it also looks like you should deep clean the skimmer. Having that much salt creep or whatever that is could also be hurting performance of the skimmer.

[Zen Reef]

I'm not seeing an air line. Looks like the tubing there is to drain the collection cup. The pump will not work as a skimmer pump without a Venturi and air line. Even then, unless it has a needle wheel impeller, it's not a very effective skimmer pump.

[FireWater]

All the above are correct to me. Manufacturers give recommendations for water height that is optimal, I don't see an air line, show us the needle wheel or impeller.