Skimmer question-breakin in an Octo 110

Hey guys, i put a new Octo 110 NWB in my sump on Sunday and while there's tons and tons of bubbles being produced they are still not rising up through the neck. Does anyone know how long it's going to take to break this in?

Also, during this break in period, do i need to keep doing water changes? I do have an algae issue that shows up on my walls like the day after a scrub down and water change. Last change was last Wednesday (10%-15% or so). I need this skimmer to help w/ the algae issue asap.

bioload is really light (3 sm fish, 1 hermit, 6-9 snails). maybe 50-60lbs of rock, thin layer of sand.

Thanks!

 

It could take anywhere from a few days to a week to get good skimate. Some people like to run them with vinegar water for 24 hours before putting in their sump. Give it time.

 

the skimmer isnt going to cure your algae problem...

 

I know it won't cure it, but absent the UV sterilizer possibility, i'm out of ideas to get the stuff off the front and side walls.
i've been doing water changes, keeping my bioload down (until I can get the Octo running), and also run a reactor w/ phosban in it. my parameters look pretty good.

so i'm thinking it's a matter of something consuming the algae (like the snails, which by the way are kickin butt on the rocks) or killing the cells that seem to keep multiplying.

here's a thought: I have a really strong powerhead (too strong and will be replaced) blowing away from the back wall to the front wall and while the front pane is basically covered in a film of algae, the back wall has only spots of it. I think the the direction of the powerhead could be the problem.

of course, i don't expect any tank to be algae free.