Skimmer question!

[pandora32]

Haha, you all thought i was going to ask "whats the best skimmer for...". Nope, not this time. I have a question regarding barometric pressure and the effects it has on a skimmer.So whats everybodys. 02? Does a skimmer act differently along with the changes in barometric pressure?

 

[Peppie]

Great question!
Maybe Boomer will be able to chime in.
You may have to post this Q in the chemistry section.

Skimmy may have some thoughts on this also

 

[colin779]

That's a great question, never even occurred to me. My skimmer is always productive but sometimes more productive then others. Never thought that could have any impact on it?

 

[pandora32]

My lfs came up with the question a week or 2 back but i havent been able to post or check the forums for a bit. I was talking with him about my skimmer freaking out, at that time it happened 2 times. Its happened 2 more times since so 4 times in all in the last month! Not happy bout it but stuff happens...right? Thats almost 30 gallons of saltwater on the floor. Just dont tell the landlords...lol. After talking to the lfs, i realized that once i got my skimmer adjusted in may, i never readjusted itto and i had my overflows once the weather started changing to the cooler temps and more overcasty weather. I now have to adjust my skimmer every couple days. I know that skimmers skim when there is stuff to skim and dont skim when there isnt enough to push out, but im talking GALLONS and not a qurter gallon. 3 of the times it happened while i was gone, the last time happened a couple days ago. In the worst way...i woke up at 3am to an air sucking sound. Wasnt a good start to my day! Skimmer isnt plugged up or anything, just "freaks" out.

 

[Skimmy]

when the weather changes the barometric pressure, i've seen this cause a skimmer to overflow,
honestly i thought it was just another anecdotal observation, but there may be something to it.
ie, if you have the windows closed and then you open the windows to a different barometric pressure,
then the skimmer can overflow.
also, i think this may just have something to the amount of carbon dioxide in the air too...
ie, alot of people in a room breathing will drive the ph of a reef tank down a bit.
it may be that both pressure and co2 amount effect the skimmer... but I have no scientific evidence to back that up.

 

[kpiotrowski]

have you been feeding anything different that could cause it to freak?

 

[pandora32]

No. I have been feeding the same food for about a year now. Me and my wife always air the house out. Open all the windows and doors atleast once a day, mainly to just exchange the air in the house, but also because of the moisture from the evaporated water. Even if its snowing!...lol. Thanks for the feedback. I wonder if there's a way to test this question. Without having to breathe in co2.