Can't run skimmer right after a water change
 

Is that normal?
It's a prizim HOB skimmer with the deluxe upgrade(skimming basked and media inster), I've also done the mod by adding a 2 inch section or riser tube.
I find that if I run the pump right after a 5 gallon (out of 40) change, the collector cup just fills with water and no skimmate. It usually takes a day or so to be able run properly again.

yes that is normal,,,


not to worry

Same proplem here
 

I have the same skimmer and gave up on it. Sometimes it runs like a dream and others its a nightmare! I am running carbon and ecosystem frequent water changes. The skimmer is now off the tank and sitting around here somewhere.

I'm using ro/di for changes with no problem on the skimmer. When I was using treated tap water, would have problems like yours.

Water conditioner caused the skimmer to go crazy. Must be some sort of oil or compound in it that causes this.

RO/DI Water
 

I use RO/DI water for my tank also. That was some of the best advice I got from a friend with a tank. Because I have limitless amount of RO/DI water I do water changes 2 a week. It helps my tank is only 27gal!

I'd love to get an ro/di unit, but in an appartment where I have no water valve to turn off while plumbing it in, I'm stuck using the tap water conditioner and my aquarium pharm tap water filert/de ionizer.

You can always get an R/O unit with a faucet adapter so it just screws onto the faucet in your kitchen. When you are done with the RO unit, just unhook it a put it aside...

No shut off value between the wall and the kitchen faucet, strange.

Just received a ro/di unit but waiting for the new house to hook it up. What I have been doing though, is using store bought water.

I may try that. I'm only changing 5 gallons at a time, so it's not like the 3 bucks is going to kill me.