How do we know when its time to replace the powerhead pump on a cpr protien skimmer?

Question

having a little problems with my skimmer. the return pipe recently staretd giving out microbubbles after a year back into the tank. i tried a net, doesnt help. i tried wrapping a foam filter around the return pipe but the water starts to back up in the skimmer which overflows then. so will a new powerhead pump fix this microbubble problem or do I need spend all that money again and by a new skimmer.

Answer 1

By the "return pipe," I'm not sure if you mean the skimmer's water return to the tank or the tube that connects the powerhead to the skimmer. If it's the latter, turn the unit off, measure the diameter of the tube, and go to a hardware store to buy a new tube and new clamps.

Otherwise, if it's been a year, the impeller probably needs to be cleaned off (if the powerhead sounds like it's "humming," this is almost definitely the case). Disassemble the unit and clean the impeller.

Sometimes, impellers wear down. If you contact the manufacturer, you can usually order a new impeller for pretty cheap.

Answer 2

have you taken the power head out took it apart and cleaned the impeller and the other parts? if that doesnt help it just may be time to replace the power head they dont last forever and do wear out.