bakpak dilema (second time it happened)

[FishKid]

I decided to start using the skimmer again, and it was doing such a great job for a couple of days, that i thought it would be ok to take out alot of sargassum, which wouldnt be needed any more. 3 days ago, the skimmer stopped producing a froath of bubbles, just like last time, how do i get it to start producing a froath again? the problem has nothing to do witht the powerhead as it is sending out millions of micro bubbles.

how do i fix this? since i removed the macroalgae, and the skimmer decided to be crap, its like im going through another cycle, i tested nitrates at around 40, everything else was 0. i just did a 10% water change.

the nitrates have brought around hairalgae again *NNOOOOOO!!!* its not bad yetk, but still its presents is annoying (goodthing i have a lawnmower blenny and a mandarin blenny, who i noticed likes algea)

man my tank is a piece of ****

mark

[FishDaddy]

Mark,
One possibility is the airline for the venturi. They will clog with salt buildup from time to time and stop the "good bubble" action. Take the airline off the powerhead, clean it out, and see if this helps.
Dick

[Green Mariner]

Are you using the rio 600 it came with?

If you are, replace it with a rio 800, the venturi kit that is on the 600 will fit the 800. You will see a nice difference.

HTH

[Northman_with_reef]

I've had the same problems as you...

Fill a syringe with hot water and squirt it into you airline.
If it doesent work, you should upgrade...

I'd recommend a Maxijet 1200 with a venturi.

Tomas

[Northman_with_reef]

Before you upgrade, check that all you equipment is working...
Why buy new, when you can improve...?

[FishDaddy]

I run a Bak Pak2R on a 38 semi-reef with the MJ1200 upgrade. It does perform far better than the supplied Rio 600. I've had 3 different Rio's; 2 800's and the 600, and the longest any of them ran was about 6 months!!! I've also got a MJ1200 on the Remora on my 55 reef.
You will need the venturi kit with the MJ1200, available at Premium Aquatics.
Even with the 1200, I still have to periodically clean the venturi.
Dick

[CaptainK]

Make sure that everything is nice and clean. I know that like every two weeks I have to do a good cleaning of the Rio pump. I get some white buildup inside the Rio that inhibits the amount of bubbles I get.
Maybe even try this, this is from CPR themselves.
The two elbows that are on the pump that attach to the two pieces of air tubing, take them off. Then attach the airline tubing to were the elbows used to be.

FWIW,
CaptK