How to troubleshoot a skimmer

[Ginger]

I've had my "new" reef tank for about 3 weeks now. It's 55 gallon (undrilled) with 3-4" sand bed, live rock, soft corals, one blue damsal, and some snails and hermit crabs. Oh, and plenty of aiptasia and cyanobacteria. I bought it used - it was in this condition when i got it.

If my test kits are working properly, the water is fine; no ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates, sg ~ 1.0235. My biggest concern at the moment is the skimmer, a HOB Red Sea Berlin, supposedly rated for up to 250 gallons. I have not had to empty the skimmer's collection cup since it was set up. In fact, there is no measurable skimmate at all. I've tried adjusting the flow, but still i get no gunk. A film has developed on the water surface, but of course, the water intake for the skimmer is halfway down in the tank and is not adjustible.

I have considered a sump to hide the skimmer and heater in, but this won't cure the skimmer's malfunctioning. Which would y'all recommend?

1. create an in-tank overflow to get the surface water to the skimmer
2. a sump to hide the skimmer and heater
3. a new skimmer
4. all of the above
5. try to figure out what's wrong with the skimmer and fix it

 

[Len]

Is your skimmer producing a nice column of bubbles in the reaction chamber? I'm not familiar with the HOB version of the Berlin so unfortunately I can't offer specific help.

The easiest solution would be to get a nicer hang-on skimmer like Remora Pro (with pre-skimmer/overflow attachment) or Deltec MCE600 (very expensive). If you go with a sump, you'll have to use a hang-on overflow box which isn't the most desirable thing to have. Creating an in-tank overflow box will help surface skim, of course, but you will still need to fix whatever is ailing your skimmer's performance. Also, you'll have to get creative with how to attach the overflow box in the tank unless you can drain it.

 

[Ginger]

Yes, it's making bubbles. it's almost as though they don't make it to the top though, or the flow isn't strong enough to keep it going.

 

[Len]

Is there a way to adjust the output of the skimmer (which would consequently raise the water column level)?

New skimmers usually take a while to break in before they start collecting skimmate, but you mentioned yours was used. If the seller washed it with soap and water, it may take awhile to start producing skimmate again.

 

[Ginger]

The skimmer is a couple of years old, and it has not been cleaned that I know of. It was running at the fish store, taken down and brought immediately to my house and started back again immediately.

There is a knob to turn to adjust the air flow, and I have tried adjusting it but it doesn't seem to work.

 

[Anonymous]

I think I agree with Len. You best bet would probably be to get a better HOB skimmer.

 

[fishaddict]

A remora is a high upgrade. You could also soak the skimmer in white vinegar for a day or so and try cleaning it then.

 

[Len]

If you can adjust the water output from the skimmer, it might help. Closing down the water output will usually result in a higher water column in the reaction chamber. Also, make sure the venturi intake and airline are clean so that it's drawing in the maximum amount of air. A toothpick through the venturi hole can do wonders.

 

[LEEB]

Just like to add that aside from our main in wall display, we used to run a 600L reef tank and let me say that the MCE600, although expensive, is absoloutly amazing. If you think this is the way you'll go - don't mess around spending ££ to fix things, just get one of these and be done with it, they are worth the money in the long run IMO! I agree with the simple measures first, checking the air inlet etc can really help but I've not heard too much praise for the HOB Berlins.

Just thought I'd voice that over if you have to buy a new one!

Lee