New AquaC EV-180 not skimming after 5 days

[eakatank]

just checked the injector and it looks clean. I pulled off the teflon tape around the injector threads only because that step wasn't in the manual. I don't think that would do it but it's the only thing i can come up with. I aslo tightened the air valve a little. I'm out of ideas at this point. Perhaps i'll give AquaC a call tonight.

[sasquatch]

try lowering the water to just even with the splash plate, this will dry it up some

[eakatank]

OK. So I invested in a $400 skimmer setup to help improve the water quality. I figured jumping from a Berlin Classic to an AquaC could make a noticeable difference in the overall health of my tank. The tank wasn’t in the greatest shape before the skimmer went in, and now that it has gone a week without skimming anything, things are going downhill fast. Three fourths of my brain coral is now bleached, frogs spawn is in hiding, and my mandarin goby is now suffering from fin rot(he’s new so it may not be a result of changes in the tank, but sucks either way). I’ve done 15% water changes in the last 2 days and plan to do another tomorrow. The skimmer has now been running for a week without producing any foam. I don’t have a lot of experience and need to develop a plan of action. I’ve already setup a quarantine/hospital tank for the mandarin and will try to catch him tonight. How the heck do I lure him out of the rocks and into my net? Any other ideas for what I should do, test for, or change? I’m getting close to throwing in the towel because it seems like no matter how hard I work, or how much I spend nothing improves. What am I doing wrong?

Ammonia = 0
Nitrates ~ 5mg/l
Nitrites = 0
Phosphates = 0.1ppm
PH = 8.3
Alkalinity = 3.5mEq/L
Calcium = 350ppm
What else should I test?

Thanks,

A Dejected Reefkeeper/killer

[Stevenmi]

Ideas:
Try taking the top of the skimmer cup off this evening.
Dont feed the tank
Wipe the inside of the riser pipe with warm water
Check in pump inlet for obstructions
Open mag and clean/check impeller(new or used mag 7?)
Run some carbon (cant explain it but it worked for me when I was runing a remora w/1200) Perhaps removal of oils?

Did you wash down the entire skimmer with warm water before hooking it up?

Steve

[eakatank]

I'll try all of your ideas. Inlet is clean. Mag in new. Carbon went in 2 days ago. Yes the skimmer was washed with warm water before it went in.

[Stevenmi]

ohhh yeah...And don't smoke, or cook greasy food....Sigh, I am feelin for ya


Steve

[sasquatch]

Change Water, if your not skimming out the crud, dilution is your best option, not too sure but maybe shortening your photo period or screening it a bit might help, sorry for your trouble, I checked your gallery but only one pic, how big is the tank, and more pics of the skimmer please. Steve

[Craig Lambert]

I run the same skimmer on a 75G w/the same pump. How far is your gate valve open? Mine is open about 1/2 turn. My air valve is positioned just like yours. My skimmer did the same thing when first purchased. The problem is that the acrylic is coated with oil and it needs time for the saltwater to strip it off. One suggestion would be to remove the skimmer and soak it in a tub of 1/2 white vinigar and 1/2 water for 24 hours, and then thoroughly rinse it.

[burning2nd]

im leaning twards oil/ hands in the water


every time you put your hand in the water it will take 1-4 hours to restart...

its a new mag? and new skimmer?

doesnts sound like the aqua c i know... somethings must be up..

sure everything is plumb'd the right way?

[jackfrost]

Aqua Cs are "known" to be a pain to deal with. I have a EV-180 I keep as a backup for emergencies !

I use to joke with friends about the fact that every time I stuck my hand in the tank it would stop skimming !

I can relate to your state of mind and frustration right now.

If you can sell it and get an ASM or Euro Reef you will be much happier, (and will see skimmate !)

[reefman420]

my aqua -c never had a problem..of course i use the hang on one!