protein skimmer filling up fast

jw0934

jw0934

Member
So my filter for my protein skimmer was clogged and I don't think it has been running properly for the last 2 weeks.
I had a green algae break out so I did a 25 percent water change today and cleaned all filters and glass. After getting everything up and running again and the protein skimmer ran for about 2 hours it filled up the cup. I emptied the cup and 1 hour later its already half full again. Could it be that since it hadnt been running properly that it is now working double time skimming out nitrates?
 
nordy

nordy

Active Member
What is the color of the skimmate in the collection cup? If it's dark, then yes it is pulling out more of the bad stuff. I don't think that is what's happening though. Water changes and cleaning the tank can change how your skimmer works so I would lean towards adjusting your skimmers air valve (if equipped). Skimmers can take awhile to A) start working B) respond to major changes in tank water parameters and C) require adjustments on a periodic basis. My experience with skimmers is that when they are working properly, the bad stuff is the foam that then condenses and falls into the collection cup and it takes awhile to fill up a cup with just foam in a properly adjusted and functioning skimmer.
It takes my skimmer a couple of days or more to produce an inch or so of dark concentrated skimmate.
 
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