Used ASM G-2 Problems

I just bought a 90 gal that came with a ASM g-2 that is used. The body was missing the o-ring (the large o-ring that is below the skimmate cup ring). I siliconed it up for test in the tub. The problem I am having is with the air tube hooked up to the intake of the pump exposed to the atomosphere the pump puts out barely any water and there is no churning of water and bubbles in the lower chamber. When I plug the air tube the pump puts out a ton of water overflowing tons of water out of the outlet tube. What am I doing wrong or is the thing messed up?

 

Make sure the venturi isn't clogged. Is it pulling any air? if so, their isn't a dense microbubble population because you are using freshwater and not tap.

 

It is pulling quite a bit when I put my finger over it. But when I leave it breathing into the atmosphere it doesnt seem to suck a lot of air into the skimmer. There is most definitely no dense amount of bubbles, very few bubbles in fact. And it is just fresh tap water. So throwing it in salt water would make a big difference even if there arent many bubbles now?

 

Salt will affect the amount of bubbles for sure. Reason being that the foam refraction that you are trying to reproduce only happens in saltwater.

Still check the venturi line and the actual venturi itself, it may be pulling in some air but not as much as it should if there is salt creep, or other crap stuck in there.

 

I can throw it in my current dt sump for a second, i dont think it has been cleaned but hasnt been used in a few months so should be good i would think right?

 

Clean everything before you put it in your tank.

 

I dont have any vinegar on hand, do you think there are any problems using bleach?

 

Bleach won't clean out the pump, venturi, shaft, or impeller out as well as vinegar. Use vinegar.

 

I dont see any obstructions, if i posted a video of the bubbles in freshwater would you be able to tell if that was enough?

 

just clean like stated and keep in mind skimmers dont produce bubbles in freshwater only saltwater. I think once you try it in saltwater you will be surprised at the difference.