why is my HOT-1 doing this?

[Anonymous]

Four days ago I replaced my Bakpak 2R with a PM HoT-1. It seemed to be working fine all night and into the next day.

At some time on day 2 the skimmer started acting up by sucking up nothing but water and filling the collection cup full as well as the overflow container and then shutting down. I turned it off, emptied the collection and restarted it and it worked fine again (for about 24 hours)

Day 3 = same thing.

Day 4 it did it again but I caught it in time to prevent the overflow.

This happens no matter how open or closed I keep the ball valve that adjusts the water level in the skimmer.

The tank is a 50 gallon with not a very big load at all and has been up set up for almost a year now. All water parameters are fine.

I'm using the Rio 800 powerhead that came with it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Don

[ December 28, 2001: Message edited by: yancey ]</p>

 

[Lunchbucket]

u using any slime coat products? that will cause it to go nutz? epoxy?

is the airline getting into the water some how??

later
Lunchbucket

 

[Anonymous]

no, no, and no. i'm stumped.

 

[MIKE NY1]

yancey, first get rid of the Rio and replace it with an MJ 1200 or better pump you'll thank me later. Second whats probably happening is the air valve is not working right, getting clogged or something. I would replace the air valve with a better one so you get a constant flow of air into the pump and skimmer. Then the only adjustment to make is on the exhaust ball valve. It will take a day or two for the skimmer to break in.

Good Luck
Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I was planning on eventually replacing the rio anyway. I'll order one with the venturi tonight.

 

[Barry]

I replaced the rio on mine after it crapped out on me..You will like the Maxi Jet better anyway.

I think that your other problem will disappear when the new pump arrives..

Barry

 

[FMarini]

Hi:
if the rio is just pushng water and NOT making bubbles then your air intake or air inlet or air mixing inlet is clogged. The rio sucks air in thru that black tube and it should be outside the tank.if any of the air mixing plastic peices are clogged or salt encrusted the pump no longer sucks in air. These pumps push enuf water that w/o the air mixed in it will easily overflow tyhe colection cup.
Clean the rio, clean, the RVT, and ensure the black tube is outside the tank and not wet
frank

 

[JeremyR]

As this is a new skimmer, you might want to check the bottom of the rio where the 90 degree airline thingies snap on, and the 90 degree thingies themselves... sometimes in the manufacturing process, a bit of plastic is left over the hole making a flap that can cut off the air making it overflow. If that's the case, poking it out with a paper clip will solve the problem. Also, as other people have mentioned, the maxijet with a venturi will drive the skimmer as well if you want a more reliable pump.