Can't get good foam

[Elzabud]

In February I started a new 90 gal tank and started using an aqua c ev-120 skimmer with a pan world 20 w external pump in March. The pump was recommended by the online vender I purchased the skimmer from. After many attempts to get foam I am at a loss. The water level is at the recommended level but still very large bubbles and 1" of skimmate after 2 weeks of operation. I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Anonymous]

What's the bioload in your tank look like? Maybe you aren't collecting much because there isn't much to collect. I am not familiar with that pump, so I can't speak to whether it may or may not be the problem. Perhaps you should contact AquaC directly at the link below...their customer service has always been top notch, imo.

http://www.proteinskimmer.com/contact.htm

 

[Elzabud]

I have 2 tangs, a maroon clown and a six line wrasse with an assorted clean up crew. Thanks for the link to aqua c I'll give them a post.

 

[SnowManSnow]

I run an AQUAC Remora skimmer on my reef and the sutff I collect is always VERY wet skimmate. I move the cup level to aquire what I want. Is it possible to do this on yours? Maybe you need to move it down some. Also, check to make sure the insides of the thing are clean.. I know that algae buildup on the inside can REALLY make these things limp.


B

 

[Anonymous]

You don't constantly putting your hand in the tank, do you?

What type of skimmer?

 

[Elzabud]

The only adjustments that can be made are the air valve and gate valve. The foam tower gets more gunk in it than the cup. I clean that twice a week so I can see if there is any foam. I do put my arm in to feed the coral. Does that make a difference?

 

[flanders]

took me a few weeks for my aqua c to settle in.. says on the directiosn if i recall that it may take awhile due to oils collected in the factory....

might just need a bit more time

cheers

 

[SnowManSnow]

It shouldn't be a LONG period after you handle stuff in the aquarium before it settles down. But it will make a short term differance.... sometimes. Give it another few weeks.

 

[KensReef]

IMO you are better off without the protein skimmer.

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO you are better off without the protein skimmer.

Well, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but that debate is not the topic of this thread. :wink:

I do put my arm in to feed the coral. Does that make a difference?

It can. Many skimmers will go flat for a while after you put your hands/arms in the water (and/or right after feeding too).

 

[Anonymous]

Many skimmers will go flat for a while after you put your hands/arms in the water (and/or right after feeding too).

My EV-240 does this every time. Elzabud, I get a lot of crap in my foam tower, too. I wish I could pop it off the base and clean it!!

 

[Elzabud]

Chris, I contacted Aqua C as you suggested and they were a great help. I feel like a boob. The overflow tube from the collection cup had a very bad krink in it that I didn't think would effect anything. Since is was not putting out foam I was not concerned about overflow. The krink was restricting air flow badly. When I changed out the tubing I got beautiful foam . To think I've been tinkering with this thing for months and afraid to ask for help. Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

 

[Reefer_man]

I got a call from my angry wife this morning saying that there was a wet spot on the carpet. I told her to just shut everythign off and i would be home soon to fix the problem. When I got home, I found my skimmer was producing too much foam. my overflow jug (half gallon sweet and sour mix jug) was overflowing. The water wasn't even thick. It was basically just water. I've been running this skimmer for 4 months now without any problems. It is a AquaClear 75 sump/skimmer combo. I cleaned it and started my syphon again and everything seemed fine, so I went back to work. I called her a few hours later to check on it and she said it was almost full again. So in 3 hours it poured a half gallon out of the tank into the overflow collection. I've never had more than an inch of skimmate in the jug at a time and that was when I neglected it for longer than I should have. Anyone have any thoughts what could be happening? Please help, it might save my marriage