Just what happens

the_blue_tuna_2 · 03/17/2009, 10:05 PM

to a protien skimmer to make it "broke in" ? If its a slime coat or something similiar , then does a skimmer need to re-break in after rountie cleaning/maintanance?

125G Reefer · 03/17/2009, 10:59 PM

The break in period is the time you will spend adjusting the crap out of it, until it settles into normal day to day output. And, no, for some reason, after its intial break in time, the routine maintenance does not bother it, at least that I've ever been able to tell. It may differ with others though.

the_blue_tuna_2 · 03/18/2009, 08:49 AM

Morning bump

Waylander · 03/18/2009, 09:57 AM

As I understand it, new acrylic (extruded more so) actually absorbs water for the first few days. Depending on all the usual load/water quality variables, I have had newly built skimmers take several days to achieve a stable foam head. Cleaning only seems to retard the head for a few hours.

CHOMPERS MFK · 03/18/2009, 12:03 PM

Yep, acrylic absorbs water. It may seem insignificant at only .003% but on the molecular level, it is a lot. It is especially important in flat panels where warpage is a concern. When a panel is in an environment where one side is more humid than the other, the acrylic will warp in the direction of the higher humidity.

03/17/2009, 10:05 PM	#1
the_blue_tuna_2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: s.w.colorado Posts: 79	Just what happens to a protien skimmer to make it "broke in" ? If its a slime coat or something similiar , then does a skimmer need to re-break in after rountie cleaning/maintanance?

03/18/2009, 09:57 AM	#4
Waylander Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Here...sometimes there Posts: 273	As I understand it, new acrylic (extruded more so) actually absorbs water for the first few days. Depending on all the usual load/water quality variables, I have had newly built skimmers take several days to achieve a stable foam head. Cleaning only seems to retard the head for a few hours. __________________ Peace is our business... War is just a hobby. Current Tank Info: 110 planted, 75 & 125 Zoa, LPS, softies.

03/17/2009, 10:59 PM	#2
125G Reefer Moved On Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Glendale,AZ Posts: 913	The break in period is the time you will spend adjusting the crap out of it, until it settles into normal day to day output. And, no, for some reason, after its intial break in time, the routine maintenance does not bother it, at least that I've ever been able to tell. It may differ with others though.

03/18/2009, 08:49 AM	#3
the_blue_tuna_2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: s.w.colorado Posts: 79	Morning bump

03/18/2009, 12:03 PM	#5
CHOMPERS MFK Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In the shadow of the MOUSE. Posts: 189	Yep, acrylic absorbs water. It may seem insignificant at only .003% but on the molecular level, it is a lot. It is especially important in flat panels where warpage is a concern. When a panel is in an environment where one side is more humid than the other, the acrylic will warp in the direction of the higher humidity.