skimmer blowing tiny bubbles!!

[monalisa]

We are trying to get my skimmer to work properly, so we went step by step accordinig to the (really crappy ) directions that came with it. We can not get it to stop blowing tiny bubbles. We can get them to slow down a bit, but not stop.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Lisa :happyfish

 

[drew2005]

I have the same problem. Ive tried everything. Looks like im gonna have to put a small filter over the end of the return.

 

[monalisa]

Drew, what kind of filter would you get for that?
Another question, how far from the bottom should the output tube be? I'm just wondering if I need to cut the tube or what?
Thanks again,
Lisa :happyfish

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
Drew, what kind of filter would you get for that?
Another question, how far from the bottom should the output tube be? I'm just wondering if I need to cut the tube or what?
Thanks again,
Lisa :happyfish
I guess a microfilter or something. Maybe like a pre-filter. Like the one in the overflow box. My return pipe is about halfway in the top of the water. Thats reminds me i have to clean the collection cup out. Its loaded with stinky stuff.

 

[monalisa]

I did a search on this subject, and some people posted that their skimmers just needed a "break in" period. If so, how long of a period could this be, and are all those tiny bubbles going to be harmful to my little fish? :needhelp:
Drew, do you mean that white cottony stuff that is used in fresh water filters? I would be afraid of that becoming a breeding ground for icky stuff...don't know.
All suggestions definitely appreciated.
Thanks, Lisa :happyfish

 

[xjayx]

This problem comes up a lot...
Mine does it too.
But putting a piece of nylon filter at the water return could help catch the bubbles before they come out...
If not, you could go out and get some PVC to make your water return pipe longer so the bubbles don't reach all the way to the bottom and float back up the tube instead.
What kind of skimmer do you have?

 

[monalisa]

Actually xjayx, I have a cheapo visi jet skimmer in my 37 gal tank (deep). I've been searching on this board to find other posts and suggestions. I did find your post about the exact same problem. Any suggestions on the kind of filter I need for the skimmer? Is this going to be an ongoing thing, and is that filter going to be something we need to worry about holding all kinds of yucky stuff to make our water levels go crazy? Also, another question...I did read that skimmers sometimes just need a break in period for a little while. Any idea how long, and what I'm really concerned about is my fish (just 2 clowns, and my clean up crew), are all those bubbles going to harm them?
Thanks for your help.
Lisa :happyfish

 

[drew2005]

Thats it! A nylon filter. Thats what i meant to say. I have a Marine Technical Concepts skimmer. Its been setup for about 6 weeks and the same thing. Im going to try and clean the impeller on the powerhead and see if that helps any. Maybe theres an air bubble somewhere i cant see. :notsure:

 

[monalisa]

Advice on my fishies appreciated!! Just don't wanna hurt anybody...
Thanks... anyone?
Lisa :happyfish

 

[dmitry]

Yeah, I've been having the same problem with my AquaC. I've tried filter foam inserts, nylon bags, fiberglass window screen. It not only didn't help, but stopped my skimmer from skimming!! I think one of them pre-filter boxes is the only solution at this point.

 

[monalisa]

I just made a couple of adjustments on the air intake and on the valenti valve...I think I might have it. It's still spilling a little bit of the bubbles, but not near what it was. I'm going to check it out before I go to bed tonight. If it still looks questionable, I'll turn the skimmer off. Whoo, what a hassle.
Lisa :happyfish

 

[monalisa]

Xjayx,
With my last adjustments, I think, I THINK I might have my skimmer working properly. It's still spilling out more bubbles than I want to see, but much better. I'll let you know how this works. I did some surfing on other threads on this site, and I'm hoping that i just need to let the skimmer go through a break-in period.
Anyone else, if my skimmer doesn't improve bubble-wise, is that something that I need to worry about for my clowns (2 false percs). If this is going to hurt my clowns, I'll turn the darn thing off. Everybody else seems to be just going with the flow, so to speak, well OK so do the clowns. I really just don't want to compromise anbody.
suggestions, please!!
Lisa :happyfish

 

[airforceb2]

Lisa, try putting a piece of foam (like the filter for a powerhead) over the output. Or see if you can make a overflow box. In my setup, my skimmer return goes into a box and then flows over a baffle and is put into the tank out the bottom of the overflow where it passes through a small filter. Not too sure if you can picture this or not but it is an idea.

 

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
Xjayx,
With my last adjustments, I think, I THINK I might have my skimmer working properly. It's still spilling out more bubbles than I want to see, but much better. I'll let you know how this works. I did some surfing on other threads on this site, and I'm hoping that i just need to let the skimmer go through a break-in period.
Anyone else, if my skimmer doesn't improve bubble-wise, is that something that I need to worry about for my clowns (2 false percs). If this is going to hurt my clowns, I'll turn the darn thing off. Everybody else seems to be just going with the flow, so to speak, well OK so do the clowns. I really just don't want to compromise anbody.
suggestions, please!!
Lisa :happyfish
It takes one-two weeks for a new skimmer to breakin. It is not uncommon during this time for the skimmer to produce bubbles. After two weeks if you continue to see the bubbles you may want to explore options.
I beleive your skimmer will require constant adjusting....hope I am wrong.

 

[monalisa]

Scubadoo,
I guess my biggest concern is for my clowns, will they be ok during this "break in" period? The bubbles aren't going to bother them? What do you think?
Thanks again,
Lisa :happyfish by the way scuba, I'm probably diving this weekend :jumping:

 

[scubadoo]

no worries...they will be fine

 

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by Dmitry
Yeah, I've been having the same problem with my AquaC. I've tried filter foam inserts, nylon bags, fiberglass window screen. It not only didn't help, but stopped my skimmer from skimming!! I think one of them pre-filter boxes is the only solution at this point.
Contact aquac and tell them your problem at technicalsupport@proteinskimmer.com
They can probably give you some advice regarding your problem. I beleive Jason is the person that can help you.

 

[monalisa]

Scuba,
Thanks LOADS. I'll just keep it running then and monitor it.
Lisa :happyfish

 

[snipe]

This comes up "ALOT" with hang on skimmers. As for the break in period it can take hours or a couple of months depending how old your tank is. The best way to get the bubbles to go away is to turn the water flow up alittle the more water going through the less air there is. I cut a peice of foam I had to shape that stopped most of the bubbles not all but most. Once it breaks in there will be minimal bubble output.
For the fish the bubbles shouldnt hurt the fish most of the time they wont stick to them. If a bubble does form on the fish it can dry the skin out that would cause problems but usually that dont happen. The bubbles will stick to Live Rock and stuff. The only thing the bubbles will cause problems with is corals. It will do the same as it would to a fish but since a fish is moving and coral isnt it "will" stick to corals.

 

[yacobito]

I had the same problem with my skimmer when I first got it. When I opened up the air in-take valve on the pump all the bubbles coming into the tank went away. :cheer: This might not be the same solution for you, but I thought I would put it out there. Good luck!