Protein Skimmer not working?

[AChilton]

THe venturi is on and air is definitely going through it but for some reason nothing is being collected in chamber up top. it normally does its thing where it bubbles and turns it to the gross looking greenish water but isn't doing anything right now. any ideas?

 

[Phyl]

Did you try taking the pump out and cleaning it really well with vinegar? Maybe the pump isn't performing properly? I ran a venturi skimmer for a bit and never could get it to work well unfortunately... so apart from that I'm out of advice!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Have you cleaned the "venturi" parts. If you are not getting an increase in velocity in the venturi part of the skimmer, you will not get a good draw of air into the unit.

 

[steamman]

What kind of skimmer is it?

 

[AChilton]

It's by Aquarium Systems. The venturi/pump is definitely pumping water into it but i'll try cleaning it out to see if that helps at all.

 

[Brian]

Is it not reaching the collection cup possibly? I know on my old venturi skimmer you could slide the outlet pipe up and down to raise the water level in the skimmer itself. Maybe you just need to raise the level in the skimmer. I also used to submerge the suction hose in freshwater while it was running, it helps with any clogging.

 

[steamman]

Is your model the Seaclone 100?

 

[AChilton]

No. ilooked up pictures of aquarium systems protein skimmers and can't find mine anywhere. It doesn't have a specific model number or anything.

 

[Brian]

I also used to submerge the suction hose in freshwater while it was running, it helps with any clogging.

After reading this, I realized I should have added that I did this once a week.

 

[MadReefer]

I agree on cleaning the venturi part. I had a Berlin and this clogged with salt. I cleaned it monthly with a toothpick and hot water.

 

[steamman]

Some pumps with magnetic drives will occasionally run backwards when they start and that reduces efficiency. I don't know if this would pertain to your skimmer or not.