Marineland 100; cannot get broke in

I have a new Marineland 100.... primarily because of the small footprint. I have read some negative reviews on this skimmer, but I want to give it a try.

I have tons of bubbles... just no foam/no skimate. I've tried keeping the bubbles low and also high, still no results. It has been 8 days now. Instructions say it takes a week but others say 2-3 weeks.

It is frustrating because I know there is junk in there that needs to come out.

Anysuggestion..... btwit is sitting in the proper water level.

 

Just give it some more time.My last skimmer took about 2 and a half weeks to start getting skimate.

 

Thanks.... That is what I figured. I guess some things (like protein skimmers) cannot be rushed along

 

yeah from my research they can take some time. I bought the 300 gallon one used off craigslist for a hundred bucks. it was used so worked instantly and great. try and take it apart once a month for cleaning and it'll run great.

 

Update

2.5 weeks later it is working like a champ. I'm well pleased with the performance now. It just took a really long time to break in.

 

Just found this thread, thanks for the info. I just bought one yesterday and was a little worried about it. What did you find was the best place to keep the water height during break in?

 

I keep mine right at or just below the gray tube thing in the front of the skimmer. As far as the bubbles, mine seems to work best if the crest of the bubbles is right at the base of the collection cup.

Anxious to hear how yours is doing. Mine is still really sensitive to water level changes.

Sorry it took a few days to reply. I haven't looked at this thread in a few days.

 

Have you taken it apart to make sure there's not a kink in the air hose feeding into the pump? I picked up on that tip from another post on here. I replaced the air hose and it works much better now.

I agree with others... these skimmers are really sensitive to water level changes. You can go from no bubbles to overflow. I check mine daily now to dial it in properly. I have an ATO and still have issues.

Overall, I wouldn't buy this product again if I had a choice. However, I'm looking to build a new sump/fuge in the summer, and I'll upgrade then.

 

Thanks, I've been keeping my bubbles a little higher than yours, and have been getting a lot of dark tea looking liquid. I'll try dialing it bak a bit. A few days ago, I had the bubbles pretty low, and was getting some good black stuff, but it was all staying in the top of the neck, not making it over into the cup.

It does seem like it is a little sensitive to water level changes, but my fugue stays pretty level. I'll keep you updated on how its doing.

 

No, haven't checked the air hose yet. I'll do that when I take it out to clean it either today or tomorrow.

I also have to check mine everyday. I'd like to have bought another skimmer, but I was limited to a footprint of only about 6"x7". This was the only skimmer I found that would fit.

Thanks for the air hose tip.