skimmer has 1/4 inch of gunk...thats all

Protien Skimmer seems to be functioning correctly now, no MB and it is collecting protien...but, it has collected about 1/4 inch and now that is all? It has been on for a couple of weeks. Tank is clean ..livestock happy and healthy, test results all good....just dont seem to want to collect any more protein? I have adjusted the flow up and down with no new results...is there always protein available? I have a friend who is colecting alot of protein off of a tank that is cycleing? hmmmm I'm a bit confused here. tanks alot for your help.

 

At some point the side walls and the cup decrease the efficiency to a point where the skimmer can not skim any more. You just need to clean it

J

 

Thank you. I'm on it. : )
I got my avatar up...now its time to get my gallery going. cool.

 

After cleaning, expect little collection, until skimmer has run awhile...

You and it are doing fine.

What species of skimmer?

 

Thanx.
It is a Odyssea, back mount, typical tube shaped affair.
You are corrrect... It was a bit frustrating, not having it function after cleaning..But as you say "nothing happens fast ..that is good" But now, after about 10 hours...starting to do its thing once more....bravo.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n187/tlcteck/DSCF1391.jpg

 

I empty my collection cup about once a week. I do a full cleaning of the upper chamber at that point. Seems to collect fairly well. I use a prizm hang-on skimmer and when the water surface looks a little dirty I adjust the flow so the skimmer cup is half full of tank water. So the surface water cascades into the inlet. Sort of like an over flow box does. Within 15 to 20 minutes the surface is sparkling. You need to play with the valve to get the right balance. Too much and you break siphon, too little and inlet fills up. Once clear I turn it down to a moderate flow.