Hmmmm ... just came home to an overflowing skimmer

I just came back from the LFS, and heard a funny noise in the sump. (I'm learning to HATE funny noises in the sump.)

My (AquaC EV-120) skimmer was steadily belching out water from the overflow tube. Thank goodness it is located IN the sump, or this would not have been almost kinda funny!

Nothing has changed in the tank; I was only gone a couple hours. I haven't used any additives, epoxy, etc. But now the skimmer is acting entirely differently than it ever did before.

If I open the air injector fully, the foam rises to the top in moments, fills the cup and comes belching out the tube. It never did this before. Up until now, I always left the air wide open, and only needed to dump the cup once a week. Now it (the injector) needs to be nearly CLOSED for the skimmer to work correctly.

Ironically, this is the way I always thought the skimmer would/should act, based on the instructions and what other folks say about their skimmers, but it's definitely new to me.

Okay, I'll shut up now and let somebody enlighten me (hopefully).;D

Thanks!

 

maybe it was clogged before? did you get it new? how often do you take it out and give it a good scrubbin?

 

That's what I was thinking. Mine clogged up with salt. Worked great after I cleaned it.

 

That's what it seems like, but yes, I got it brand new. It has only been in operation about 60 days, so no, no good scrubbins other than the cup.

 

maybe it just finished it's "break in time" and is now a powerhouse haha

 

were your lights on? Could someithg have spawned

 

I was headed in this direction also. Mine is barely open. Salt creep does get into the air line so pull it off at the pump and use a tooth pick or something to make sure the hole is clean. I like using those teeth cleaners that are little brushes on wire.

 

did you dose anything or feed your tank with in the last 24 hours?

 

From his/her post; "Nothing has changed in the tank; I was only gone a couple hours. I haven't used any additives, epoxy, etc. But now the skimmer is acting entirely differently than it ever did before."