Sponge filter causing over-active skimmer
 

My skimmer started overactivating as soon as I added two sponge filters to my sump. The skimmer is producing too many bubbles and is overflowing the collection cup in minutes despite all adjustments. Adding the sponges does not affect the water level around the skimmer.

1. add sponges
2. overactivated skimmer
3. remove sponge
4. skimmer working normally
5. remove lead weight, rinse and re-add sponge to sump
6. overactived skimmer within minutes

These are poret sponge filters meant for fishkeeping: http://shop.riftlakeaquatics.net/LAR...-FLTL001SP.htm

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Brian

It's perfectly normal, filter socks will do the exact same thing. Rinse them as much as possible prior to adding, how often are you replacing them? Sponges tend to accumulate detritus which can attribute to high nitrates.

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How long will it overactivate the skimmer? Days or weeks?

The sponges are seeding for a quarantine tank. Thanks.

Soaking the sponge filters with Aquavitiro Alpha (a dechlorinator) overnight solved the problem.