Coralife Protein Skimmer

[40galreef]

I got my first protein skimmer for a reef tank I am setting up. It is a coralife 65. I got it on f&s for less than $100. It was too good of a deal to pass up. Well, I tested it in a 10 gallon tank yesterday and it would barely produce any bubbles. I could not figure out what is wrong with my set up, so I thought I would ask you guys! I took a few pictures, let me know what you think! Could the freshwater mess it up?

 

[mr_X]

You get what you pay for in this hobby in many cases, and this is one of those cases. That said, I would first inspect the Impeller, to make sure it's seated properly, and it's not broken. Then make sure that that airline is not obstructed.

 

[Nosaj81]

i had one and i really didnt like it it flooded my living room a couple times. was it fresh water or salt you tested it in

 

[blert]

... Could the freshwater mess it up?

Skimmers don't work in freshwater.

 

[40galreef]

i had one and i really didnt like it it flooded my living room a couple times. was it fresh water or salt you tested it in

It was in freshwater

 

[manbeast]

Some skimmers also have a break I'm period, whether it is from mould release used when they make the plastic pieces or a chemical they use to clean it before assembly I'm not sure, but many skimmers take a while to start producing skim mate, however if your getting no bubbles whatsoever try pulling the air intake muffler off, it's not difficult to get a little water in there and have it not want to work

 

[40galreef]

This is what it looks like in freshwater. Normal?

 

[manbeast]

Never tried putting freshwater through one so its hard to say, my coralife came with the set up I bought off CL, hasn't been the best piece of equipment, but not the worst either

 

[blert]

This is what it looks like in freshwater. Normal?

Yes. Put it in salt water.

 

[Rpbustillo]

I have the exact same skimmer I've never tried it in freshwater, but after I clean it normally takes a few days for it to start skimming again.

 

[Dav3]

I had one of these on my tank before. It's now scrap in the garage. Will never get one again.