Tiny water bubbles from my protein skimmer?

Question

Some bubbles go up into the collection chamber, but a lot go back into the aquarium. I have a Skilter power filter/skimmer. I was under the impression that the bubbles trap harmful stuffs and send it to the collection chamber, but this doesn't help much if the bubbles go back into the aquarium, correct?

Answer 1

You are correct! The bubbles need to go into the collection chamber to remove the organics from the tank (otherwise, they are returned to the tank).

I know I answered a previous question of yours, but just want to make sure of something - you are using this on a saltwater tank, are you not? Protein skimmers won't do anything for freshwater. Since you have small bubbles (what are needed to remove the organics and only achievable in higher density of saltwater) I'd think so, but just want to double check.

I got a Skilter for a hospital tank when they first came out, but was never impressed with them. For one thing, they tend to leak from where the motor connects to the filter body - others I know have experienced this as well - so if you haven't had this experience yet, you may want to watch for it. I even had problems after I wrapped it (on more than one occassion) with silicon tape.

Another reason I don't like them is that they're not that effective. How much organics are removed is related to the height of the bubble column (the more bubbles the organics pass through, the more likely they are to adhere to a bubble's surface to be removed). Good skimmers are at least the height of the tank they maintain. Compare that with the height of the column of a Skilter - 1/2 to 1/3 of the tank height at best, depending on what you're using it on).

Answer 2

I found this to be typical with many so called skimmers and filter combo's. (No matter how expensive)

My first question would be, how high is the volume turned up on your skimmer? A skimmer does not need to be turned up full force to work properly and it needs to be higher than just a slight flow.

Yes, the bubbles are to go into the collection. Your intake pipe with air supply should force the air thru and allow the bubbles to rise into the collection chamber. Bubbles won't sink. There should only be one place for them to go. Remember not all the air that is passed thru the skimmer collect matter. Which is why our skimmer should be on a medium setting.

I run a backpack which does not allow the bubbles to reenter the tank, it is divided. Once in the chamber they have no where else to go.

I would be sure the hose is clear from salt residue and adjust the flow. Try turning it up then down to see what is working best for your tank.

Answer 3

Sounds fishy to me - the only place it is going to be producing bubbles is into the protein skimmer cup - i could advise you to bypass to the save you bought it from and tell them what's happening and that they might desire to examine it ot for you in the event that they seem to be a competent save.

Answer 4

nothing is wrong with that