WC causes skimmer to overflow for days

[e46er]

So i got a new used skimmer a vertex in280 a few days after the new year I got it dialed in i have a hose with a ball valve coming out of the cup drain. and then did a WC and then it goes nuts and its a constant flow out the drain for days until I readjust the skimmer and its working properly.
Do another WC and same thing it goes nuts and runs for days overflowing.


what would possibly cause this?

the skimmer shuts off with the return pump so the change in sump water level height when the return is off doesnt matter and it stays constant when operating.

[Reef Pilot]

I have an In-280 and it needs a very precise setting and consistent water level. Too low and you don't get much skim, too high and it overflows. I keep the skimmer inside water level right at the base of the neck. The sump level is at 6.5" and kept constant by a float.

[The Guy]

I found with my Deltec skimmer the water level really affected it. When I first put it into the sump it was working okish but would go crazy wet skimming after WC's and I was always having to play with it, very frustrating so I lowered the sump level an inch and now it works better than ever. Weird but it did the trick for me.

[gregzz4]

Do you use any chlorine remover chemicals in your new salt water?
Do you let the chamber level settle down before turning the skimmer back on?

[Myka]

What's your source water? RO/DI or dechlorinated tap water?

[e46er]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I have an In-280 and it needs a very precise setting and consistent water level. Too low and you don't get much skim, too high and it overflows. I keep the skimmer inside water level right at the base of the neck. The sump level is at 6.5" and kept constant by a float.

water level is consistant via baffles

Originally Posted by The Guy

I found with my Deltec skimmer the water level really affected it. When I first put it into the sump it was working okish but would go crazy wet skimming after WC's and I was always having to play with it, very frustrating so I lowered the sump level an inch and now it works better than ever. Weird but it did the trick for me.

water level doesnt change

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Do you use any chlorine remover chemicals in your new salt water?
Do you let the chamber level settle down before turning the skimmer back on?

the return and skimmer turn on at the same time but its leveled out long before the skimmer bubbles hit the neck of the skimmer, and surely its leveled out before a couple days.

Originally Posted by Myka

What's your source water? RO/DI or dechlorinated tap water?

currently tap water since its quite good in the lower mainland. my RODI unit is in my laundry room and Ive overflowed it enough times I just got ****ed off with it since I didn't notice a difference using it or tap water

[Myka]

Originally Posted by e46er

currently tap water since its quite good in the lower mainland. my RODI unit is in my laundry room and Ive overflowed it enough times I just got ****ed off with it since I didn't notice a difference using it or tap water

Do you use a dechlorinator when you use tap water? If so, which one? If not, what else besides salt are you adding to the tank or the new saltwater? What type of salt mixing container are you using?

[e46er]

Originally Posted by Myka

Do you use a dechlorinator when you use tap water? If so, which one? If not, what else besides salt are you adding to the tank or the new saltwater? What type of salt mixing container are you using?

nothing has changed in the last 4-5 years apart from the skimmer. i use prime
just salt and i test the first batch and adjust the ca/alk / mg as needed. i roll the bucket first to mix it up, same chems Ive been using for years. last time I ordered a batch was probably a year ago but i use them in my dosing and nothing is out of wack. 55Gal plastic drum Ive had for 6-8 years, clean it out id say every 6 months.
my vertex in180 never had this issue. im just dumbfounded what would cause this. the skimmer neck is also clean.

it runs just fine for weeks i shut it off do a WC and 15-20 min later it wont stop overflowing

[e46er]

i usually do a WC fill up the mixing bucket and have the salt mixing until i do another change and turn the heater on the day or 2 before and exactly match the SG

[Myka]

Originally Posted by e46er

nothing has changed in the last 4-5 years apart from the skimmer.

Which skimmer? Have you measured water depth?