I have a AquaMaxx Cone S-1, pictured here http://aquamaxxaquariums.com/protein-skimmer/cones-co-series/ . I am finding that where the tube and venturi section of pump meet, salt collects in the tube opening. Eventually, it creeps to the point of closure. It is fairly easy to unclog by allowing the skimmer air intake to suck hot water. Notwithstanding, it creates inconsistency as the air flow changes by the slow closing of the intake and then is unclogged by me. Prior to this skimmer, I had a Euroreef and an hob remora. I never had to clean this opening on either skimmer. The skimmer is about 2 years old.
My research didn't reveal a reason or permanent solution to this issue. The advice was to simply add hot water, which does work. I don't know whether it is caused by salty humid air being sucked in the skimmer, or whether the creep part is starting on the water-injection side and traveling up the tube (this seems most likely to me).
I am curious if anyone has a solution to stop this from happening on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
Idea 1 - move the air intake outside the tank so the air it takes up will be substantially less humid.
Idea 2 - put some kind of substance on the inside of the venturi section nipple that connects with the air tube that discourages buildup, e.g. a non-stick or water repelant substance. Looking for ideas on what that would be, however.
- vasoline (bad adding oil to a skimmer)
- something like spray silicon lubricant?
- wax from a candle. A birthday candle is probably small enough.
- car wax, which is probably silicon anyway.
I obviously don't want to pollute my tank or destroy the skimmer, but a small amount of vasoline on the air side shouldn't be a problem long term. Wax sounds promising too.
Ideas?
DAG
My research didn't reveal a reason or permanent solution to this issue. The advice was to simply add hot water, which does work. I don't know whether it is caused by salty humid air being sucked in the skimmer, or whether the creep part is starting on the water-injection side and traveling up the tube (this seems most likely to me).
I am curious if anyone has a solution to stop this from happening on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
Idea 1 - move the air intake outside the tank so the air it takes up will be substantially less humid.
Idea 2 - put some kind of substance on the inside of the venturi section nipple that connects with the air tube that discourages buildup, e.g. a non-stick or water repelant substance. Looking for ideas on what that would be, however.
- vasoline (bad adding oil to a skimmer)
- something like spray silicon lubricant?
- wax from a candle. A birthday candle is probably small enough.
- car wax, which is probably silicon anyway.
I obviously don't want to pollute my tank or destroy the skimmer, but a small amount of vasoline on the air side shouldn't be a problem long term. Wax sounds promising too.
Ideas?
DAG