Tmc V2 400 Skimmer Loosing Power...

[N1z]

Ok 1st query topic from me in a while but, my skimmer has lost more and more "umph" recently there are much less bubbles coming out and im having to practically close the whole exit pipe valve to keep the bubbling high enough in the collection cup.

When it was new i had to use the pump tap to turn it right down cos it used to just overflow in seconds but now complete opposite.
Ive cleaned the whle pump( impeller also) it was fine,
clean the pipes
Cleaned the whole skimmer.

So is it just me or do i need a new pump...

 

[SkiFletch]

Does the pump have inlet foam, or is it just a bare tube leading to the inlet?

 

[N1z]

strainer pipe, to stop fish being sucked in. Cleaned that also..

 

[SkiFletch]

Did you try running it without the strainer pipe?

 

[N1z]

nope, ill give it ago, plus im going to the LFS today so ill ask them also cos they are stockists of em.

 

[rhysiboy]

hey ive just bought the TMC v2 400 is it good at skimming? just thought id ask and also does the LPH from the pump get reduced greatly after its done all the 'skimming crap in the cylinder? Just im running a 90 liter and the 2100 rio pump says 2400lph and that would be pretty much DB circulation. In adition im also gonna use the stok 750lph powerhead (goes through a trikle filter) so woudl that put me at the magical 10x or 20x lph?

 

[SkiFletch]

I dont use the TMC skimmer, but every skimmer I have ever used knocks down the flowrate of the powerhead quite a bit. The pump is prolly functioning somewhere around 50-75% of max range. Since you're going HOB, it'll prolly be closer to 50%

 

[rhysiboy]

okay skifletch thanks yous also another question (sorry to hijack thread) but the stock filter meadia in my hood is actvated carbon, filter wool, sponge and ceramic rings what should i keep and what should i not use?

 

[SkiFletch]

Keep the carbon, ditch the rest.

 

[mantis147]

My V2 400 works great ive had no problems, I would think if it is turned right down it would eventually damage the pump because its just building pressure.