List Factors for Protein Skimmer to Overflow

markable · 06/26/2014, 04:32 PM

Hi All,

I'd like to compile a list of factors that can cause a protein skimmer to basically overflow. This is AFTER the protein skimmer has been broken-in.

Here's a couple that I've experienced:

Water change (even with as little as a 10% change, and took about 4 hours before I could turn the skimmer back on)
Addition of 2 part alkalinity

m0nkie · 06/26/2014, 04:35 PM

Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to over produce foamate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are, red slime remover, medications, reef/frag putties (epoxy Putty) frag glues, water conditioners, dechlorinators, stress coat, fresh filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria (seeding) additives as well as other dosing medias.

I got personal experience with epoxy.. skimmer went nuts until I did major water change

ca1ore · 06/26/2014, 04:36 PM

Neither of those things have ever caused my skimmer to overflow. Typically it is the addition of anything that causes excess foaming - prazipro is the king in this regard, though some of the coral vitamin additives can do it also. I also have had issues with my skimmer overflowing when turning it back on again. The 2 part epoxy can do it also.

moondoggy4 · 06/27/2014, 08:15 PM

Dropping a half used Crazy Glue tube in the tank.

Accidentally dosing Revive in the tank.

Indymann99 · 06/29/2014, 06:50 AM

+1 on new filter sock... I now always wash new ones in the washing machine prior to use.

06/26/2014, 04:32 PM	#1
markable Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 18	List Factors for Protein Skimmer to Overflow Hi All, I'd like to compile a list of factors that can cause a protein skimmer to basically overflow. This is AFTER the protein skimmer has been broken-in. Here's a couple that I've experienced: Water change (even with as little as a 10% change, and took about 4 hours before I could turn the skimmer back on) Addition of 2 part alkalinity

06/26/2014, 04:35 PM	#2
m0nkie Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: LA Posts: 6,264	Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to over produce foamate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are, red slime remover, medications, reef/frag putties (epoxy Putty) frag glues, water conditioners, dechlorinators, stress coat, fresh filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria (seeding) additives as well as other dosing medias. I got personal experience with epoxy.. skimmer went nuts until I did major water change __________________ 560gal in the making

06/26/2014, 04:36 PM	#3
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Neither of those things have ever caused my skimmer to overflow. Typically it is the addition of anything that causes excess foaming - prazipro is the king in this regard, though some of the coral vitamin additives can do it also. I also have had issues with my skimmer overflowing when turning it back on again. The 2 part epoxy can do it also. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

06/29/2014, 06:50 AM	#5
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	+1 on new filter sock... I now always wash new ones in the washing machine prior to use. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

06/27/2014, 08:15 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	Dropping a half used Crazy Glue tube in the tank. Accidentally dosing Revive in the tank.