Ugh.. SeaClone 100 help?

Mr Fishy

Okay, I've read a lot about the mods and issues with this skimmer, but I bought it and I can't return it because Marineland had me cut the J tube a little because that would fix the issue of millions of bubbles being injected into the tank.

Well, it's still happening. I changed the air control valve to a needle valve and that doesn't help either.

Here's thing thing.. I can adjust it so that it's skimming properly but it's injecting bubbles like mad. If I adjust it so that there aren't any bubbles injected the skimming doesn't happen because the foam never makes it to the top of the collector tube.

Any tips that can help me out here?

Mr Fishy

I just got off of the phone with Marineland and they are aware of the issue and are shipping parts to fix the skimmer. It must be some kind of secret thing because they wouldn't even tell me what the parts are.

I'll let you all know what they sent and if it fixes the issue or not.

Pasfur

You might also consider adding a wooden air stone to the skimmer. I personally used a Tetra Luft pump to power a wooden air stone, inserting the air line tubing through a hole cut into the lid of the collection cup. This drastically improves the performance.

Mr Fishy

I tried that, but it still results in massive amounts of micro bubbles being injected into the tank, which in my opinion looks like hell. :(

Pasfur

Try cutting a small strip of women's pantie hose and placing it over the output. You can use a rubber band to hold it on.

Mr Fishy

I'll try that. I tried an Aquaclear sponge but the bubbles just fire right through.

And I got my parts yesterday. A new J tube, O ring, air line and the same crappy air adjustment valve, so no clue how that's going to fix anything.

Mr Fishy

Problem solved. I bought a used Octopus HOB skimmer and it's working like a champ. The SeaClone is going back to the store tomorrow.