Skimmer driving me crazy!!!

[fahadahmed]

I have recently bought the Euro Reef 180 about 2 months ago. The problem I have with it is I can never find the perfect setting for it. either the water level is low and nothing goes in the container for days or if i raise it where the froth or bubbles are flowing in the container, then couple hours later it starts over flowing the container. I keep the water level between 6 - 9 inches as suggested. I can't say that I am getting a good use out of my skimmer.

[emoore]

Are you keeping it at a constant water level and not varying between 6 and 9 inches? I have a ER 135 and it works great. I keep it in about 8" of water.

[down and outman]

I use a small plastic aquarium, that my overflow runs into, in my sump for my skimmer pump to keep a consistent level. Another idea is a 5 gal bucket cut off works good.

[drillsar]

Do you dose? the pump could have some calcium deposits

[mouscacha]

I used to have a lot of those problems.
#1. Water Level - You can't have an in sump skimmer that varies in depth. The skimmer is finiky as it is, you don't want to give it another reason.

#2. Food - If you make your own, use marine snow, or basically something that causes a lot of buildup and bubbles, this will make your skimmer overflow.

#3. Exhaust - Make sure the pvc output is just above the water line, and not in or at. I had it almost exactly at the waterline and apparently (per research) caused back pressure within the skimmer.

If you can cancel out all 3, I have NO idea what the problem is...

[mwmp5]

When you are setting the skimmer it may take a day to let the froth (just on top of the bubbles) begin depositing into the cup. Set the water level 3-4" below and wait a day to see it it begind dropping a "dry foam" into the cup.

[fahadahmed]

My biggest problem is maintaining the water level in the sump.

[emoore]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11989221#post11989221 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fahadahmed
My biggest problem is maintaining the water level in the sump.

I believe that is your problem. A skimmer needs a constant water level to operate properly. Try to get the water level in the sump or at least in the skimmer section if you sump is sectioned, to be constant. That will probably solve your problem.

[mouscacha]

^^ What emoore said. Get some baffles to lock the water at 8".

[magic028]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11993630#post11993630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mouscacha
^^ What emoore said. Get some baffles to lock the water at 8".
You definately need to slow the flow baffles will work

[fahadahmed]

what is baffles? My skimmer is in the All Glass Mega Flow 4 sump with seperators in the middle.

[mouscacha]

the separators are the baffles. You may need one or two more. Try this:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Baffles/baffles.htm

[Leafer]

wow this is a great link! I am planning to convert my 55g into a basement sump for a new 180g. Deciding on the baffle setup has been plaguing me. This is such a nice solution allowing me adjust as my need change. thanks

[mouscacha]

I would not do this one on bigger tanks as the plexi bends quite a bit. I tried this on a 40 breeder and it didn't hold due to the weight of the water. Went with glass baffles in my glass tank with some $5 silicone from home depot. Should've done it this way from the start, but I had the hopes as you did by moving my baffles when needed. Still a wish of mine.

By the way, I suggested this because his sump is small, which therefore means not a lot of weight behind the baffle.