ugly skimmer

i cant seem to get it right i have the skimmer working wonderfully but it shoots out lots of air bubbles making the tank look like one big storm of air bubbles then i have those bubbles gone but the skimmer is doing nothing but pumping in and out theres no reason to have a tank if i cant see whats in it

 

Please give us some details - what kind of skimmer, how new is it, is it in the sump or hang on the back, etc. and we can help you out.

 

it is a superskimmer rated for 65 gallons it is hanging on the back of my 20 gallon tank that is 3months old

 

Is the skimmer 3 months old, or is the tank? New skimmers will often produce tons-o-bubbles. Let it operate for 10 days at a minimum setting (low enough throughput so that bubbles don't appear).
Many additives and supplements will increase bubble output. In my experience, putting your hands in the tank will also change the amount of bubbles -- either up or down.
An easy, temporary way to reduce bubbles is to place a cloth at the outlet of the skimmer to catch the bubbles and let the water pass through. You can also try attaching a small plastic sleeve (made from a plastic bag like the one your newspaper comes in) to the skimmer outlet. Water passes through the sleeve and into the tank, but the bubbles should stay in the sleeve.

 

you may need to play with the water output rate and the air intake it took me a while to get my setting right also if you water level lower then it will make a diff in your skimmer as well hope that helps a little

 

ive tryed the bag idea it has taken most of the bubbles right out but im still a little concerned it will not be a long term adjustment

 

The bag is not a long term solution. Next week, or after the new year (after the skimmer has broken in) you'll need to follow Hitman's advice and fiddle with the settings for water output and air input. Too much water, and it forces the bubbles out and into your tank. Too much air, and the collection cup will be full of water. Too little water or air, and the skimmer doesn't skim.