Protein skimmer problem

Discussion in 'Protein Skimmers' started by Lionking, Feb 12, 2005.

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  1. Lionking

    Lionking Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2004
    Messages:
    50
    Location:
    Guelph, ON,Ontario
    I set up my Excalibur Protein HV1 (hang on) skimmer 2 weeks ago and it has been working great. The first couple of days it was producing a nice dark brown sludge quickly. After a few days it slowed down where I only had to empty the collection cup every couple of days. Well last night I topped off my water and added some dechlorination solution (1st time doing this). I am almost positive I do not have any chlorine in the water but I was taking the approach better to be safe than sorry. Anyways after this was done the skimmer went crazy and bubbles started overflowing from the collection cup (much to my surprise) I have a Rio 10HF Water Pump with a airline tubing attachment to make the bubbles. The water pump really only has one speed and without the air intake I get no bubbles. Any suggestions? Could it be from the dechlorinate or having my arm in the tank last night?

    Thanks
     
    Lionking, Feb 12, 2005
    Lionking, Feb 12, 2005
    #1

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  2. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    I bet it was from the dechlorinator. I swear I've heard about that happening before.
     
    Matt Rogers, Feb 12, 2005
    Matt Rogers, Feb 12, 2005
    #2
  3. Black_Raven

    Black_Raven Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2004
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    1,220
    Location:
    Woodbury, MN,Minnesota
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    Does you dechlorinator have a slime coat protectant in it? If it does there's you answer. Many things can make a skimmer over skim such as medications and additives.
     
    Black_Raven, Feb 12, 2005
    Black_Raven, Feb 12, 2005
    #3
  4. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
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    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    Ahh.. good point Raven.
     
    Matt Rogers, Feb 12, 2005
    Matt Rogers, Feb 12, 2005
    #4
  5. Black_Raven

    Black_Raven Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2004
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Woodbury, MN,Minnesota
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    Matt, I like your idea of the low impact reef. Some times i feel guilty about removing creatures from the sea. All the reefs around the world are in trouble and we just contribute to the problem.
     
    Black_Raven, Feb 12, 2005
    Black_Raven, Feb 12, 2005
    #5
  6. chris-miranda

    chris-miranda Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2005
    Messages:
    38
    Location:
    clovis, CA,California
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    ravens correct ive seen it happen to my own tank :p ;D
     
    chris-miranda, Feb 12, 2005
    chris-miranda, Feb 12, 2005
    #6

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  7. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2004
    Messages:
    3,531
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    i agree with u raven, thats why all my stuff is aquacultured :)
     
    Bruce, Feb 12, 2005
    Bruce, Feb 12, 2005
    #7
  8. Gresham

    Gresham Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2002
    Messages:
    2,825
    Location:
    SF/Monterey Bay Area, CA
    Re:  Protein skimmer problem

    [quote author=RAVEN link=board=Protein;num=1108220464;start=0#4 date=02/12/05 at 13:48:21]Matt, I like your idea of the low impact reef.  Some times i feel guilty about removing creatures from the sea.  All the reefs around the world are in trouble and we just contribute to the problem.[/quote]

    MO gives a 400% higher value to the reeef over any other activity. We pay on the upwards of $50 a lbs for coral, most other activity is around .13 cents. Remove this from the divers, they will continue to put pressure on the reefs, but now they'll have to take that much more.

    Woops, back to Protein Skimmer problems.
     
    Gresham, Feb 12, 2005
    Gresham, Feb 12, 2005
    #8