Why do skimmers overflow whenever you change your filter socks?

OARrocks · 12/10/2008, 08:07 PM

This is really bothering me. I have several accounts where i have all the skimmers dialed in and whenever the filter sock is changed (this is done by the owners) the skimmer cup overflows with tank water. Trying to teach them how to dial down the skimmer then back again with each sock change just isnt working.

Any suggestions

SaltyDr · 12/10/2008, 08:16 PM

I have an in sump skimmer and I don't immediately put the top back on when I change the filter sock and just let itoverflow back in to the sump for like 15 minutes until it calms down. That way I don't have to mess with re-dialing it in. I clean my filter socks in the washing machine without soap and just assume that there is a little residue that causes the skimmer to go a little nuts for a while.

Percula9 · 12/10/2008, 08:17 PM

If they are using a dechlorinating chemical on the sock that could cause it. Wash the sock again before putting it back into the sump.

Percula9 · 12/10/2008, 08:26 PM

If they are using a dechlorinating chemical on the sock that could cause it. Wash the sock again before putting it back into the sump.

OARrocks · 12/11/2008, 10:26 AM

Some pressure wash with a hose, some in the washer first rinse with bleach the next without, and others just run it through the washer with no cleaning agent. Same result with all.

Taking off the skimmer cup is a good idea but unfortunately they are all hang on skimmers.

GSMguy · 12/11/2008, 12:09 PM

washing machines= detergent.

Pheeshes · 12/11/2008, 12:38 PM

GSMguy is right, there is probably some residual detergent left in the machine and some of it gets absorbed into the sock.

GSMguy · 12/11/2008, 01:08 PM

I cant think of something more horrible that you could add to your tank than fabric softener and detergent, i would not be willing to take that risk.

12/10/2008, 08:07 PM	#1
OARrocks Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 393	Why do skimmers overflow whenever you change your filter socks? This is really bothering me. I have several accounts where i have all the skimmers dialed in and whenever the filter sock is changed (this is done by the owners) the skimmer cup overflows with tank water. Trying to teach them how to dial down the skimmer then back again with each sock change just isnt working. Any suggestions __________________ You reap what you sow Current Tank Info: About 30

12/11/2008, 10:26 AM	#5
OARrocks Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 393	Some pressure wash with a hose, some in the washer first rinse with bleach the next without, and others just run it through the washer with no cleaning agent. Same result with all. Taking off the skimmer cup is a good idea but unfortunately they are all hang on skimmers. __________________ You reap what you sow Current Tank Info: About 30

12/11/2008, 12:09 PM	#6
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	washing machines= detergent. __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

12/11/2008, 01:08 PM	#8
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	I cant think of something more horrible that you could add to your tank than fabric softener and detergent, i would not be willing to take that risk. __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

12/10/2008, 08:16 PM	#2
SaltyDr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 1,191	I have an in sump skimmer and I don't immediately put the top back on when I change the filter sock and just let itoverflow back in to the sump for like 15 minutes until it calms down. That way I don't have to mess with re-dialing it in. I clean my filter socks in the washing machine without soap and just assume that there is a little residue that causes the skimmer to go a little nuts for a while.

12/10/2008, 08:17 PM	#3
Percula9 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 3,819	If they are using a dechlorinating chemical on the sock that could cause it. Wash the sock again before putting it back into the sump.

12/10/2008, 08:26 PM	#4
Percula9 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Orange County CA Posts: 3,819	If they are using a dechlorinating chemical on the sock that could cause it. Wash the sock again before putting it back into the sump.

12/11/2008, 12:38 PM	#7
Pheeshes Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 181	GSMguy is right, there is probably some residual detergent left in the machine and some of it gets absorbed into the sock.