Protein Skimmer Help :)

BigBen14 · 03/12/2010, 01:13 PM

OK I have a 29 gallon Biocube and with it I went ahead and got a Biocube Protein Skimmer(Thinking now that this was a bad idea) I am having a hard time understanding where the bubbles should stop at. Should I already be collecting protein in a brand new tank? I think I may have it set up wrong with the air valve to low any tips would be nice.

Ive read some saying to cut my losses with this one and get a better one. Should I do that?

Thanks

sage_commander · 03/12/2010, 02:10 PM

I would say run what you brung. If the actual cup is adjustable, you would set it lower to skim wetter and higher to skim dryer. Hope that makes sense. Or, if it's the water level that's adjustable, you would set the water level higher to skim wetter and lower to skim dryer.

Also keep in mind that a skimmer needs time to break in. Just keep an eye on it for a week or so. And a brand new tank will have very little to skim.

BigBen14 · 03/12/2010, 02:29 PM

The biocube skimmer is very simple I think only thing I can adjust is the amount of air that comes to the skimmer. What I dont understand

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...0L._SS500_.jpg

That the skimer should the buble becoming out into the top chamber or be in the main part

thetonyage · 03/12/2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBen14

The biocube skimmer is very simple I think only thing I can adjust is the amount of air that comes to the skimmer. What I dont understand

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...0L._SS500_.jpg

That the skimer should the buble becoming out into the top chamber or be in the main part

the bubbles would build up into the top chamber and overflow into the collection cup. the bubbles are what catch all the nasty stuff, so they have to make it into the collection cup to collect the skimmate.

sage_commander · 03/12/2010, 02:34 PM

Hmm, that isn't the best picture. Is this it:

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...0&pcatid=20710

The bubbles rise up in that cone in the middle. After a bit the gunk will start riding those bubbles into the collection cup. How fast the cup fills up is a function of how high you set the water level. If all you do is adjust the air supply, then that's how you adjust it. On mine (I don't have that model) all I can adjust is the air level too. If it's too high or low the water level will drop. So I just shoot for the middle.

BigBen14 · 03/12/2010, 02:41 PM

Sorry but that was the best one I could find. But I think I see what I need to do now. The Bubble should not come out into the collection chamber but be right on level with the opening...Im thinking at least

03/12/2010, 01:13 PM	#1
BigBen14 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 160	Protein Skimmer Help :) OK I have a 29 gallon Biocube and with it I went ahead and got a Biocube Protein Skimmer(Thinking now that this was a bad idea) I am having a hard time understanding where the bubbles should stop at. Should I already be collecting protein in a brand new tank? I think I may have it set up wrong with the air valve to low any tips would be nice. Ive read some saying to cut my losses with this one and get a better one. Should I do that? Thanks

03/12/2010, 02:10 PM	#2
sage_commander Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Poulsbo WA Posts: 646	I would say run what you brung. If the actual cup is adjustable, you would set it lower to skim wetter and higher to skim dryer. Hope that makes sense. Or, if it's the water level that's adjustable, you would set the water level higher to skim wetter and lower to skim dryer. Also keep in mind that a skimmer needs time to break in. Just keep an eye on it for a week or so. And a brand new tank will have very little to skim.

03/12/2010, 02:29 PM	#3
BigBen14 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 160	The biocube skimmer is very simple I think only thing I can adjust is the amount of air that comes to the skimmer. What I dont understand http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...0L._SS500_.jpg That the skimer should the buble becoming out into the top chamber or be in the main part

03/12/2010, 02:34 PM	#5
sage_commander Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Poulsbo WA Posts: 646	Hmm, that isn't the best picture. Is this it: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...0&pcatid=20710 The bubbles rise up in that cone in the middle. After a bit the gunk will start riding those bubbles into the collection cup. How fast the cup fills up is a function of how high you set the water level. If all you do is adjust the air supply, then that's how you adjust it. On mine (I don't have that model) all I can adjust is the air level too. If it's too high or low the water level will drop. So I just shoot for the middle.

03/12/2010, 02:41 PM	#6
BigBen14 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 160	Sorry but that was the best one I could find. But I think I see what I need to do now. The Bubble should not come out into the collection chamber but be right on level with the opening...Im thinking at least