Skimmer problems :(

[Gietz]

I've got the swc 150, which I find to be a great skimmer for the price.  Yesterday I was looking it and seen the water lvl really high up in the neck and thought, oh God my skimmer is overflowing again :$
But to my surprise it wasn't.  The problem is when I adjust the air intake nothing on the skimmer changes (water lvl or bubbles) which makes me think that the air intake is blocked :/. Anyone have any ideas how to fix this?

 

[TORX]

This would be good to know, I have not had the problem, but who knows what will.

 

[teebone110]

I would assume its been running for several months.

I have the 160cone and try to do some extensive cleaning every 6 months. Try taking it apart to clean all pieced, including the pump and impeller. Then run it overnight in a 5gallon bucket of water and vinegar. It will run like new.

Just be careful about taking the impeller assembly apart.

 

[copperkills]

from my experience Ive only ever had issues with calium buildup, salt creep or one of them PITA tiny snails blocking my air intakes....ur gunna have to take er out and clean er up....

 

[phi delt reefer]

remove the white volute attached to the pump and clean it out with a q-tip, toothpick and vinegar. Also rinse the air line (NOT THE SILENCER) in really hot water and that should remove the salt buildup. You should do that maintenance 4 times a year.

 

[Gietz]

Ok, I'll have to try to remove the skimmer out of my sump this weekend but it's going to be tough lol.  What I was doing was putting freshwater down the air intake but even that doesn't get rid of the blockage

 

[phi delt reefer]

yeah dont put it in the silencer or it will just fill with water and gurgle non stop.

you can remove the volute by just pulling on it. you dont need to remove your skimmer. It's just pushed on with a small red rubber ring to act as a seal.

you probably have salt creep build up right in the volute which will need a little hand work on your end. Just make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.