ETSS skimmer issue

Hello all, i have a skimmer problem. I recently upgraded to a 125 tank, i have 4" sand bed and currentlt there is 60lbs of LR, more on the way. I have an ETSS 800, been runniing about a week. I get tons of micro bubbles in the sump from the return, ok so i called ETSS and was told that i need 22 bio balls in each tower and the water level should be 1 " up the tube... i can't get it up that high as i close down the return valve it spews water out the air holes.... can anyone help me?

 

Dumb question, I know, but I assume you have the properly rated pump?

I don't know much about these skimmers other than they need powerful pumps to run them. I don't think a mag9.5 would be strong enough, even tho rated at 950 gph...so just a question ;D

The return valve you are referring to, did it come with the unit? If not, did you get a ball or gate valve? Sometimes that can make a big difference...

and BTW...

Welcome to 3 Reef!!! ;D

 

Thanks for the reply.... i have a 55 iwaki feeding the skimmer. The valve came with the skimmer and it is a gate valve. I am not sure what it means when they ssay the skimmer has to get broken in? Everyone tells me tells me once it's broken in things will work fine....

 

That just mean the tubes get a protien or slime build up and will run more efficiently...perhaps that is the current situation...hopefully some one else here will know a bit more about these skimmers than me