Reef Octopus SRO XP1000 Space Saver Protein Skimmer

[joeb558]

I was having issues with my skimmer where suddenly I had to start adjusting the flow valve. I did reach out to Coralvue on RC but we never figured out the issue. Thanks to Mike over at Captivating Coral. He advised there was calcium build up in the section where the air hose goes into the fitting. It was full of white porous calcium. I soaked it in vinegar as Mike suggested and then poked it out with a toothpick. Thought I would share this as its not something one would typically look for or it could be overlooked. The arrow marks where the clog took place. Thanks Mike.

 

[kschweer]

This can be a common problem with the Venturi on any skimmer. I recommend cleaning all pumps about 2 times per year to keep them functioning properly. I will usually run my skimmer pump in a bucket of vinegar and hot water for 1/2 hour to an hour and then disassemble and clean. I do this for my return pump as well. Glad you solved your problem.

 

[lefkonj]

I had the exact same thing on my Trigger Systems Bursa skimmer. I had to actually thread a screw into the air inlet to solve it. Annoying but very educational problem.

 

[joeb558]

I figured that many others had the same problem. It was a new learning experience for me so I thought I would share. I like the idea of running both the skimmer and the return pump in vinegar. Probably not a bad idea to run the power heads in vinegar as well. Live and learn.