Is my Protein Skimmer running properly?

[cd77]

I'm not even sure if I want this to be in dry skimming mode or wet skimming mode; but wet skimming sure wouldn't allow me to take a week vacation (skimmer hangs off of sump tank) --

Two questions:

1. What do you prefer? Wet skimming or dry? Which is better, advantages, disadvantages?

2. From a picture (sorry, it's a bit large) would someone be able to tell me if everything seems to be in order? The picture just shows the main collection area where I would presume the micro-bubbles should be. The picture is at http://www.christopherandlena.com/ga...serialNumber=1

Another thank you to all of you who've made me feel welcome and have helped me with my infinite questions about this new hobby

[Percula9]

I like the bubbles to start just below the funnel. I like a dry stable foam. More gunk less water. You will have to tune it to your specifications. From the pic it looks okay. I see you have a coralife, i've heard people on the forum complain about water overflowing the cup. Has this been your experience?

[cd77]

Yep -- happened last night -- and I don't know why or how, I'm either going to have to figure out a way to immerse the whole damn thing in the sump (not much area in that compartment) or permanently keep a towel underneath it or replace it -- perhaps it has to do with evaporation or added water or the overflow system.. don't have a clue.

Recommend a top-of-the-line skimmer for a 70 gallon tank from the pic you've seen that would fit?

I use a sharpy (in this compartment of my sump) to indicate where the maximum water level can be just in case my pump/skimmer goes out -- also helps to tell me where to top off at from evaporation. I live in the midwest. Temporary power outages aren't exactly uncommon especially during the spring. I wish I had room underneath that tank for a UPS system -- though I doubt it would like the humidity

[synyst3rshadows]

I have the same skimmer and never had a problem.I have the bubbles right above the start of the funnel and pulls out maple-like colored water.

[cd77]

The water seems to be leaking from the red screw on lid that attaches the collector -- I think a better gasket would fix all of the problems; either way I figured out a way to immerse it in the sump compartment so leaks shouldn't be a problem anymore if they do occur again.

Thanks for taking the time to look and see if it was functionting properly, guys Much appreciated as always!

[snulma1]

Here are some hints to help make the CSS (Coralife SuperSkimmer) hum!

1. Make sure you tighten the collection cup well. That may be where you are getting a leak from.

2. Make sure the pump is only 3" below the water surface, this allows for better bubble production.

3. In the beginning (break in period and after cleanings) run the water level in the skimmer lower, this allows for the occasional overflow (mine only did it when it was breaking in or I just cleaned it!)

4. Buy pipe cleaners and use them to clean the are silencers input (that little grey thing at the end of the air tube). This makes sure that you get a good amount of air. Some people have even cut the nipple off to allow more air to enter.

If you want and are handy, you can drill the cup and run a hose to a collection container (gallon milk jug is what I use) and then you won't have to worry too much about over flows.

[cd77]

Collection cup is on very tight -- to the point I have to really struggle to get the cup off when I need it -- it still seems to be the source of the leak.

Pump is about 3" below, and it's well past it's break in period (I followed the instructions and it worked well)

Great idea on the cleaning the silencer input --- hadn't considered that. Thank you!!

[down and outman]

Put some vaseline on the O Ring to solve your leak and make it easy to remove. I drilled a hole in the side and ran a tube to a 2.5 gal jug. I wet skim as it's not big enough for my tank. Been there done that with it overflowing. When I used it as a HOB I kept a bucket under it. They are very dependant on water level to run consistently. I can't wait until I have the bucks for a Turboflotor or an Aqua C.