Skimmer Break-In period

I have a Suncoast 125 skimmer (needle wheel, built locally, so it's not a common brand).

So far it's been going for 3 days and I'm not getting any foam or skimmate. Lots of bubbles, though. Some folks say it takes around a week for them to start skimming..

What do people here on average see for skimmer break -in times?

Thanks

Z

 

Mine took about 72 hrs for my Bullet to break in. Is your water level let right??

 

No owners manual came with the thing, unfortunately. It's definitely pulling air, as there are many bubbles. Water output is above the water level in the sump. Water level in the chamber is roughly an inch below the top of the chamber (it then narrows down, and the skimmate cup slides down over the chamber).

 

Did you clean it with vinegar first? This helps remove any oils from the body.
It is not to uncommon to take up to a couple of weeks to fully break in

 

No vinegar... just washed thoroughly with fresh water and then rinsed with saltwater and put in the sump. You can clearly tell where the water line is, as there are no bubbles or anything rising up into the cup.

 

Look on the internet for a manual. How big is your bioload and aquarium?
All I had in my tank for a while was one fish.. If there's no poop there's not much to skim. I could make it wet foam early on , but to start getting a steady flow of dry foam took me a couple of weeks after I got my tangs.

 

Only a 30 gallon. Skimmer is rated for a 120.

I have a medium green BTA, 1 small purple tip Haitian anemone, medium size patch of Xenia, rock with around 40+ zoas, plus 3 very small mushrooms.

2 yellow tail damsels, 1 coral beauty, 1 lawnmower blenny, and 1 maroon clown.

9 hermits, 2 trochus snails, 2 turbo snails, and 3 fighting conch.

I have everything flowing through a 100 micron berlin sock, then to the skimmer, then back into the tank.