New to skimming

Okay well I got my first skimmer today. I set it up according to the directions, but idk what to adjust the bubble level to...I set the water (bubble) level to the bottom of the collection cup (where the top of the chamber meets the collection cup). Is this correct? Also do I just open the air valve thing all the way?

 

Hey taylor - glad to see you've made the leap to skimming - i doubt you'll turn back!

Every skimmer is different and even every tank is different so you may have to find what works for you . . .

but what has worked for me - I find that he bubbles should come up to within a few inches of the top of the bubble column @ the collection chamber.

if it is right at the top of the collection chamber it tends to skim a little too wet for me.

But see what works for you - what I can tell you is to make a small adjustment then see how your skimmer reacts.

Also the water level in the sump/skimmer can also be tinkered with to produce better skimmate.

 

Which model skimmer do you have? That will help with a little better specific advice.

Keep in mind it will take a fair amount of monitoring and adjusting at first until things get broken in.

 

Thanks! so what your saying is to raise the water level in the skimmer to about 2 inches from where the "gunk" falls in the cup. When emptying the cup do you just lower the water level and then just raise it back up?

 

I just unplug mine so my air intake dosent change.

 

^^^ +1 unplug the quickest and easiest way.

 

HAHA i wouldve never thought to do that, sometimes I think I always tend do things much difficult than its intended to be.

 

You will quickly learn that it works best to never have to readjust the air. I got mine to it's special place and taped it so it couldn't be adjusted.

 

Glad to help.

I keep mine about 2" from where the "gunk" falls in the cup as well - but again - everyone's system/skimmer is different so see what works best for you.

I agree with all the other posters that the easiest way to clean the cup/neck is to remove it after unplugging the skimmer.

I remove mine at least once a week and clean it inside and out with vinegar (inside and out of the collection cup and NECK as well). Every few weeks when I'm cleaning the cup I'll also run a specially-saved-for-my-tank sponge around the inside of the skimmer body which remains behind after you remove the collection cup.

Some have their skimmer set up with remotely connected collection cups - but I find this to be a bit risky for me because if you are not careful/have catastrophic failure, unless you have a sensor which will shut off your skimmer when the remote vessel becomes full, you run the risk of emptying your tank out in this fashion. But I digress - for now - you sound like you are on the right track!