Protein Skimmer Not Functioning!!

[jmsandy]

Ok, so a few months back I purchased a used (but in seemingly good condition) Cora Life Protein Skimmer (the one w/the needle wheel or whatever). The type I got was for a 100 gallon tank (I believe it was the 150 model or something). This morning I noticed that the "funnel" inside the protein skimmer was not working! The gauge thing which turns works fine but the skimmer is just not producing a foam and is not turning at all. I unplugged it and then plugged it back in to no avail.

Can someone help me troubleshoot this problem?

 

[mr_X]

what do you mean it's not turning? when you plug the pump in, do you hear it hum?
take the pump apart, and look inside at the needle wheel. see if the shaft is broken. you may need to replace that. it's a 20 dollar or so part.
otherwise, if that's in good shape, make sure there is no obstruction in the air line.

 

[Len]

Make sure the needle wheel pump is working. I would also check the air line to make sure it's allowing air to be sucked in. And of course, make sure the air intake is not submerged

You might want to try blowing air into the air line and see if the skimmer kick-starts or produces any air at all when you blow into the tubing. Some needle wheels have been known to break in a very peculiar fashion. I had an Euroreef that had to be started up in this manner after a few years of use.

 

[McTeague]

Have you thoroughly cleaned it since you put it in service? If not break it all down and clean it. Check the venturi for salt creep/clogging. These units are not maintenance free and you have to do more than just clean the skimmer cup...

 

[jmsandy]

Thank you guys, I cleaned it thoroughly and I believe the problem was in the pump wheel, it just needed to be rinsed. It is working well now. I also put in my 9 watt UV sterilizer so we will see if that makes a difference..


Againt thank you all!