Protein skimmer problems, need suggestions!

[iwnltom]

Hi, I’ve been keeping a Red Sea 350 litre G2 for about a year now. I’ve been using the Red Sea skimmer that’s recommended to come with it. I didn’t know very much when I begun this journey or else I wouldn’t have bought it knowing the terrible credibility they have. My skimmed worked fine for the first 6 months, but now EVERYTIME i do any maintenance with my tank (water changes, ect) my skimmer stops bubbling. I take it out usually, soak it in vinegar and take it apart if I have to, this resolves the issues until the next water change. Thing basically only works when you first get it working, then don’t touch it or change anything in its environment even a bit. I’m over it. Was wondering what protein skimmer is the best as I just want to upgrade to something that’s simply amazing and everyone agrees on being the best or ones of the best! Please let me know, thank you! And if you know which size of it will fit in my sump and save me some measuring I’d REALLY appreciate it as my sump is the one that comes with the Red Sea 350 g2+ kit. Thank you !

 

[Peace River]

Often there is a break-in period for skimmers and every time they are completely cleaned then this can reset the break-in period. There may be another issue, but over cleaning may not be helping in the mean time. There have been some issues with RS tanks, but most of their gear is solid. The G2 tanks and stands are solid and the front inside corner protectors are a nice extra that is not available on many tanks.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Is your nitrate level even high enough to need a skimmer?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi, I’ve been keeping a Red Sea 350 litre G2 for about a year now. I’ve been using the Red Sea skimmer that’s recommended to come with it. I didn’t know very much when I begun this journey or else I wouldn’t have bought it knowing the terrible credibility they have. My skimmed worked fine for the first 6 months, but now EVERYTIME i do any maintenance with my tank (water changes, ect) my skimmer stops bubbling. I take it out usually, soak it in vinegar and take it apart if I have to, this resolves the issues until the next water change. Thing basically only works when you first get it working, then don’t touch it or change anything in its environment even a bit. I’m over it. Was wondering what protein skimmer is the best as I just want to upgrade to something that’s simply amazing and everyone agrees on being the best or ones of the best! Please let me know, thank you! And if you know which size of it will fit in my sump and save me some measuring I’d REALLY appreciate it as my sump is the one that comes with the Red Sea 350 g2+ kit. Thank you !

Raise the sump water level slightly and assure the muffler tube is Not blocked by blowing through the tube.
I assume you clean the skimmer pump periodically ?

 

[Peace River]

Raise the sump water level slightly and assure the muffler tube is Not blocked by blowing through the tube.
I assume you clean the skimmer pump periodically ?

Good call on the muffler tube. Also pouring hot water through the tube can also be helpful.

 

[iwnltom]

Raise the sump water level slightly and assure the muffler tube is Not blocked by blowing through the tube.
I assume you clean the skimmer pump periodically ?

No, I cleaned it once when it was not working and wasn’t even dirty, didn’t notice anything. I’ve pulled it apart once in the last year and have soaked in vinegar for 24 hours multiple times. The way the intake tube is on the Red Sea is a bit odd, so I should remove the tube from the side that connects to the float and blow into the skimmer ?

 

[iwnltom]

Good call on the muffler tube. Also pouring hot water through the tube can also be helpful.

Perfect thank you, also I checked the air valve the thing that people say can get blocked and to clean with a tooth pick, but it seems very very clean as well. I Will try the blowing

 

[iwnltom]

Raise the sump water level slightly and assure the muffler tube is Not blocked by blowing through the tube.
I assume you clean the skimmer pump periodically ?

I clean it by soaking it in vinegar, I took it apart once a while ago when I thought the blades may be the problem but everybting was fine and haven’t taken it apart since then, I figured the soaking and running it in vinegar was the same thing cleaning wise ? Or am I stupid and should pull it apart

 

[iwnltom]

Is your nitrate level even high enough to need a skimmer?

Yes, well now it probably isn’t, but trust me there is an issue with the skimmer, because even with VERY low nitrates there is still a sort of throth st the top of the water to let you know the skimmer is functioning which I don’t have

 

[iwnltom]

Often there is a break-in period for skimmers and every time they are completely cleaned then this can reset the break-in period. There may be another issue, but over cleaning may not be helping in the mean time. There have been some issues with RS tanks, but most of their gear is solid. The G2 tanks and stands are solid and the front inside corner protectors are a nice extra that is not available on many tanks.

There have been issues with RS tanks ? Or RS skimmers ? When I got in the hobbie I was told the new G2 lines of Red Sea were top of the line? Was I bafooned by basically everyone around me and they r not top of the line lol

 

[Peace River]

IMO, the G2 tanks that I have seen and have setup have been impressive. Some of the large RS tanks have had issues in the past.

 

[vetteguy53081]

No, I cleaned it once when it was not working and wasn’t even dirty, didn’t notice anything. I’ve pulled it apart once in the last year and have soaked in vinegar for 24 hours multiple times. The way the intake tube is on the Red Sea is a bit odd, so I should remove the tube from the side that connects to the float and blow into the skimmer ?

Blow through the hose that connects to the muffler piece

 

[iwnltom]

Blow through the hose that connects to the muffler piece

Thank you ! I Will try this and update here, appreciate it

 

[iwnltom]

IMO, the G2 tanks that I have seen and have setup have been impressive. Some of the large RS tanks have had issues in the past.

Hopefully… and yes I’ve read some horror stories too…