Re: Protein skimmer - what SHOULD I be seeing in the waste cup?

Big Habeeb wrote:

Well, the skimmer I have is an oceanic, though I dunno what model. It
has an adjustable air hose, a hose on the side that I can raise or
lower to raise or lower the level of the bubbles in the skimmer
etc...but no matter how high and wide open I set the thing, I can't
seem to get it to bubble over into the cup. It's still pulling a
decent amount of scumminess out, so I'm not terribly concerned, but
I'd like to get it up and running in its intended way before my
bioload DOES get higher.

Sounds like it's working correctly and your water is pretty clean. The level of the top of the foam is not important - what's important is the level of the top of the water column. The water level should be about 1/2" below the base of the column at the top of the skimmer. The range on this should be between 1/4" to 3/4" below the base.

If the water level is lower, either the water pump (usually a powerhead) is undersized or it's malfunctioning for some reason.

Also make sure that the airstone is still ok - they wear out. As long as it's producing a fair amount of tiny bubbles, it's ok. When they wear out, the bubbles get bigger and fewer. Mine last no more than 6 months.

If the pump keeps the water level ok, and the airstone is putting out well, you just don't have a lot of waste products to remove.

One last thing. The air powered skimmers such as you and I have don't produce as much foamate as the venturi models. I would say not to worry about it. The venturi models are noisier, which is why I stay with the air-driven skimmers.

George Patterson
Worry doesn't improve the future; it just ruins the present.
.

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