Skimmer problem? Maybe?

[six-line]

Hi all

My skimmer is doing something it's never done, the skimate is very weak looking but the inside of the neck and the lid looks like this.

This is about 4 days? I am running bio plettes could they cause the increased solids? Thanks.

[zygote2k]

don't complain. most people would be happy with that. scrape it out and keep running it.

[STEVE]

X2, Clean it out. How often are you cleaning it. Dont wait until it gets like that...I clean mine about once every 5 days. A clean skimmer is a more effecient skimmer.

[monkiboy]

that's great. clean it off and it'll run more efficiently, too. i picked up an avast swabbie and skimmate locker a while ago to help with this and can't believe i waited so long. they are great products!

Edited December 13, 2012 by monkiboy

[Origami]

I get this when skimming a little dry. Just clean it and keep running it. It may take a few hours before production resumes, but it will.

[Integral9]

If cleaning the neck doesn't work you might also want to check the skimmer pump and air line to be sure nothing is blocking it. sometimes a snail shell or pebble or something will get sucked into the pump and clog it. Also, calcium & salt can build up in air line where the air line enters the intake. RO water will clear the air line, but stubborn calcium build up near the bottom requires a little flick of the finger nail to break it off.

 

fwiw: If you haven't cleaned the skimmer body and any plumbing it has in a while, it might be a good time to pull the whole thing out and give a good once over in the tub or outside w/ the hose.

[Steve175]

My Deltec works much more reliably if I dump a bit of RODI into the air intakes weekly. Agree with above: soak the pump in muriatic or vinegar and give the body a good cleaning.

[mr.x-ray]

I get this when skimming a little dry. Just clean it and keep running it. It may take a few hours before production resumes, but it will.

 

+1