My protein skimmer was working fine when the salt level was at 1.22, I raised the salt lvl to 1.24~ (suggested for reef tanks), now the skimmer foams over the collection cup, I can't lower the water lvl in the skimmer any lower... is it just time to buy a new skimmer?
Skimmer problem
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Salinity is directly proportionate to "foamyness."
My skimmer is crappin out in much the same way as yours. If the water level stays above the "water level" mark, even though you open the intake all the way, then you likely have a small glog in the air intake.
Takw apart the air intake line and give it a good cleaning, along with the nozzles at the adjustor and the part it connects to at the pump. If air is flowing freely, then the water level should lower when you open the intake valve.
After cleaning my skimmer it stopped foaming at all...I think after a few days it is now breaking itself back in and starting to foam again.
My skimmer is crappin out in much the same way as yours. If the water level stays above the "water level" mark, even though you open the intake all the way, then you likely have a small glog in the air intake.
Takw apart the air intake line and give it a good cleaning, along with the nozzles at the adjustor and the part it connects to at the pump. If air is flowing freely, then the water level should lower when you open the intake valve.
After cleaning my skimmer it stopped foaming at all...I think after a few days it is now breaking itself back in and starting to foam again.
I don't want to be too technical, but as more salt is dissolved in the water, the surface tension decreases. The lowered surface tension of the water enable the existence of smaller bubbles, thereby, make the skimmer to work more efficiently, and more foam is generated.
Could you verify the salinity reading? is it 1.24 or 1.024? It should be the latest as 1.24 is extremely high.
If after performing the cleanning as described by "manny" you still have a problem look for the following:
a) Added chemical to the water that may increase the surface tension. Things like "stress coat" or some clarifiers make the skimmer foam like crazy.
b) Probably not the case but check your skimmer pump size or the return flow (whatever your case). It might be too big for the skimmer.
c) Look for pack pressure generated to the skimmer's output. Elbous, Lenght of pipe, If submerged in the sump the water level in the sump might be too high, etc.
Good Luck.
If after performing the cleanning as described by "manny" you still have a problem look for the following:
a) Added chemical to the water that may increase the surface tension. Things like "stress coat" or some clarifiers make the skimmer foam like crazy.
b) Probably not the case but check your skimmer pump size or the return flow (whatever your case). It might be too big for the skimmer.
c) Look for pack pressure generated to the skimmer's output. Elbous, Lenght of pipe, If submerged in the sump the water level in the sump might be too high, etc.
Good Luck.
Whoops, yes the salinity is 1.024 not 1.24 
The skimmer foams too much. I just did a water change and used some de-clor that had stress coat junk in it so that could be the "surface tension" problem. Looks like it's time for another water change... sure glad I haven't added anything to the tank yet :roll:
The skimmer foams too much. I just did a water change and used some de-clor that had stress coat junk in it so that could be the "surface tension" problem. Looks like it's time for another water change... sure glad I haven't added anything to the tank yet :roll:
If it was stress coat let it foam and collect the waste frequently which will be removing the stuff (The waste will be fairly clear) in about 24 hours it will return to normal. Another water change may help but the stuff will still be there so I recommend keep removing the waste and replace the water removal with newly prepared mix water. Try to use a dechlor that does not have the coat property (Which is mostly Aloe Vera).
Don't know if this affects YOU, but I had the air intake line crossed with the output to the venturi...when I switched where the lines connected to the pump, the air intake actually adjusted the height of the water level and the "foamyness" action....I must have crossed them when I moved the tank a few months ago.
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