Nothing to skim??

[microman2k]

ok, i bought a brand new skimmer for my 29 gallon reef about a month ago, it is a red sea prizm deluxe...and for the first week or two, it did great pulling stuff out, but now it doesnt pull anything out, i'm just getting clear liquid, is it possible that there really isn't anything to skim left? my bio load isnt that large, just two b&w clowns, my water clarity is perfect, and my tank is healthy :notsure:

 

[chris57]

something is wrong with it if foam isn't comming out it.

 

[microman2k]

foam is coming out, but it just winds up being saltwater, in the collection cup, its clear, no matter how low i put the flow/setting on

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by microman2k
foam is coming out, but it just winds up being saltwater, in the collection cup, its clear, no matter how low i put the flow/setting on
That is very possible that your water is polished well enough aready, any you bioload does seem low! If you ARE getting foam then YOU ARE getting skim of some sort of disloved nutrients, And i bet that your skim isnt completly white, maybe off-white?

 

[microman2k]

nope, its clear just like the water in the tank, i have another question too, how often should you change carbon? the skimmer came with carbon, but how often do i change it?

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by microman2k
nope, its clear just like the water in the tank, i have another question too, how often should you change carbon? the skimmer came with carbon, but how often do i change it?
I have never seen a skimmer with carbon, thats strange to me, i wasnt aware that the RED SEA skimmer had carbon? Anyway if so i would assume it would be consistent with the carbon in your tank, which is monthly!

 

[microman2k]

ok that is what i thought, but yes it did come with carbon, it was a special feature with the "deluxe edition"

 

[acrylic51]

Doubt very seriously the water is polished enough that there's nothing to skim.....Those skimmers are so finicky, and they aren't a skimmer that you just set and forget you almost have to tinker with them daily to get them to skim......If your getting just water try dialing back the water height in the skimmer.......

 

[bang guy]

The major difference between a good skimmer and a mediocre skimmer is that the good skimmer will work even when the water isn't overloaded with DOCs.

 

[microman2k]

i've tried dialing back the water but after awhile, the skimmer just goes dry, and i have to reprime it and start all over...what are DOC's?

 

[tboy]

i have three different skimmer in three different tanks. all three of them collect nothing but clear water no matter what i try over the past year or two. same thing like microman only the first couple months it works fine and thats it.
microman if u ever find out why please let post so i could find out too.
thank you

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by Tboy
i have three different skimmer in three different tanks. all three of them collect nothing but clear water no matter what i try over the past year or two. same thing like microman only the first couple months it works fine and thats it.
microman if u ever find out why please let post so i could find out too.
thank you
GUYS, this is what you should be pulling out of ur tank!

 

[microman2k]

haha, i got that, for like the first week, and then it kept getting less and less, and more saltwater water as the days went on...and that stuff sure did stink too :scared:

 

[acrylic51]

Does this count????? That's not after a week that's around 4hrs......

 

[microman2k]

i think that does, i wonder if this means i get to add more fish

 

[acrylic51]

I wouldn't go that far.....still don't think the skimmer is dialed.....I'd put my G1 on it and guarantee I'd pull.....

 

[microman2k]

no, i really wouldnt add anymore fish to my 29, my b&w percs are a pair, and iwouldnt want to add an intruder...but i put the skimmer on my 55 gallon...it only has a tomato clown and a chromis, and some live rock, and i'm trying to see what its gonna pull from there, its been set up for about 2 years, but i've never done anything with it...i've been trying to mess with the dial all night to get it just right :jumping:

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by microman2k
what are DOC's?
Dissolved Organic Carbons. This is what a Protein Skimmer removes.

 

[tboy]

do u guys think i should try to get another skimmer if so what kind?