Why is my protien skimmer overflowing?

Question

I just installed a new protien skimmer about a week ago. Its been running just fine. I added some chemicals to my tank and all of the sudden the skimmer is overflowing even on its lowest setting. Are the two related? Whats going on?

Also, I had previously posted a question about an UGF with sand. I had gravel, live sand, fine sand, crushed coral, gravel, and course gravel. It wouldn't pump though. The fine sand was just too much. I also reduced the layer of live sand down to about 1/4" and mixed it in with some gravel. Works great now.

I added some EasyBalance w/ Nitraban. I have it shut off now. If I reduce the flow ALL THE WAY DOWN it still overflows.

OK I removed the air supply and turned it back on. It is slightly above min flow now and ok. But kind of pointless w/o the air supply, isnt it? I am new to protien skimmers. How common is it for them to overflow? I dont want to ruin my flooring!

Answer 1

Some chemicals (especially some medications and algicides) change the surface tension of the water, so these don't allow the bubbles to burst as easily. They act like detergents - with out them in the water, bubbles burst almost immediately, but with them, the bubbles last much longer.

So when these are in your tank, the skimmer bubbles last longer and more bubbles are produced and these don't burst until they are all the way into the collection cup. More bubbles = more liquid, so the cup fills quicker. Unfortunately, some of the chemicals you add also get removed. So depending on what you added and why, you may need to adjust the flow in the skimmer (or turn it off completely) or do a series of water changes to remove it from the tank.

ADDITION: It's not common for them to overflow. The only time it's happened to me is when I've had medications in the tank. I don't buy into the nitrogen "absorbing" or "detoxifying" products - depsite their claims, the bacteria don't seem to be able to use the ammonia and nitrite as well as they can in the original forms. Also, using the products doesn't remove these from the tank, and they'll still show up on water tests. The only thing is, the tests don't distinuish between the bound and unbound forms, so you may not know what form(s) you have in the tank and in what concentrations untill your fish start dying.

About the only things necessary to use is a contitioner to remove chlorine/chloramine, salt mix, and kalkwasswer if needed to adjust the pH to 8.2-8.4. All the other nutrients and trace elements come in the form of food for your animals and regular water changes to remove wastes.

Answer 2

Stop adding stuff to your tank.its unnecessary and expensive.I only add calcium,magnesium,and baking soda to keep the levels up.Adding chemicals and magic potions to your tank will activate your skimmer more.Depending on what type of skimmer you have you can adjust the level of water in the body/neck.The higher the water level in your skimmer the wetter it will skim and the more skimmate it will produce.If you have a valve on your return pipe on your skimmer try turning it down to lower your water level.Telling us what type of skimmer you have may help.

Answer 3

Chemicals, conditioners, and even certain foods can cause your skimmer to overflow. I would leave your skimmer settings like you had them, and simply turn it off for an hour or so after you dose anything in your tank.

Answer 4

I had the same problem with mine. We had to turn it down. It was sucking up too much water. Also, the break in time is awhile. Mine actually started working properly just the other day and I've had mine for almost a month. Finally, no microbubbles. Just keep turning it down until you noticing it working right.