Reef Octopus skimmer problem

My skimmer has a pump rated at 750 gph. About a week ago I noticed less production from it. I tinkered with it some but its as if the pumps isnt pumping as much water as it used to. I have the ejection tube set at the highest point possible just to get what skim junk I can get. Without the ejection tube set this high the bubbles dont even reach the collection cup. Any ideas on what the problem could be? Thanks Btw I have tried both raising and lowering the water levels. Niether helped.

 

Take the pump off, and soak it in vinegar/water solution to clean it. Rinse it off, hook it back up. Happy skimming.

 

I think I should mention that at one time I had to restrict the flow into the pump because the pump would simply flood the collection cup. I cut it down about 25 percent. I do not restrict it anymore. It was working fine for a while but now its not. What will the vinegar do and how long do I let it soak?

 

It will help clean it. Disassemble it. Soak it for an hour or two, get a brush (toothbrush, scrub brush, etc.), scrub it. Rinse it, with RO/DI if possible, until there is no vinegar smell, reassemble, and try it out. By taking it apart, you might find a problem internally.

 

What do you mean by disassemble? The most I have ever done to this pump is pull out the impeller and scrub it.

 

That would be disassembly. ;D

 

fantastic. I will do that today. Maybe this will fix my issue. I was dreading the thought of dropping a bunch of money on a new skimmer or pump.

 

Mine did that a couple months back.it turned out to be that the air line was cloged right where it enters the pump..took it out soaked it in warm water and vineger and used a small brush..works great now..