Getting protein skimmer to work

[sumbudy]

Hello everyone.

I've had my tank up for ~ 2 months. It's ~ 150 gallons(display tank + sump). I have an AquaC EV 180 protein skimmer with Rio 3100 pump in the sump.

Ive had a HOB protein skimmer before and I had lots of green foamy waste. So far, there's only water coming into the column above the base of the protein skimmer. I thought the skimmer needed to be raised, so I raised it as much as I could and still be able to remove the collection cup. Still only water in the column just before the collection cup on top. No foam.

Salinity 35, temp 75 degrees, nitrates 10, phos 0.25, calcium 500, alkalinity 7.
Since there's nitrates and phos, I would think there would be ample waste for the skimmer to do is job. Recently changed from making my own saltwater with tap water and dechlorinator to making own saltwater with RO/DI water.


I'm thinking I need a shorter skimmer to fit under the stand. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.

[cshplumber]

Find out which model skimmer you have and then make sure the pump you have has enough flow for that unit. My understanding of the AquaC EV skimmers is they don't use a venturi or air pump for air but instead build foam based on the turbulence inside.

[pirate2876]

Let's see some pics. Might help us diagnose a problem

[sumbudy]

Update info.
I'll check it out, thanks cshplumber.
I just removed the skimmer from the sump because I thought I would just try a new skimmer. I'll set it up again and take some pictures. Good point, pictures would help. Pirate, good idea.

[sumbudy]

Since I took the protein skimmer out of the sump, I decided to give it a vinegar bath. Turns out the air valve was clogged. Protein skimmer is up and running now. Thank you to everyone that helped with input!