SWC 160 need help

[zmattie]

So I just ordered the SWC 160 and it should be here early next week. I have some questions regarding the "break in" period. Is there something I need to be doing differently with the skimmer, pump or water level? And, what water level seems to be the best? The website says 6-9" and I can barley fit the skimmer in at 6" with how much room I have in my stand (would have to remove the skimmer stand to remove the collection cup lol). Also, any over suggestions on the skimmer (mods, etc..) or advise please chime in! If theres already a thread on this skimmer, I would greatly appreciate a link..!
Thanks,
Zach

[gldnegle76]

Originally Posted by zmattie

So I just ordered the SWC 160 and it should be here early next week. I have some questions regarding the "break in" period. Is there something I need to be doing differently with the skimmer, pump or water level? And, what water level seems to be the best? The website says 6-9" and I can barley fit the skimmer in at 6" with how much room I have in my stand (would have to remove the skimmer stand to remove the collection cup lol). Also, any over suggestions on the skimmer (mods, etc..) or advise please chime in! If theres already a thread on this skimmer, I would greatly appreciate a link..!
Thanks,
Zach

I'm assuming this is the 160 "cone" you refer to. There's a thread "SWC Extreme Cone Skimmers Club", lots of 120, 160, 180 and larger cone owners. Check it out.
Having followed this thread since it's beginning, the average water level for members with the 160 is about 9". When you get the skimmer set up, open the air all the way, set the water level in the skimmer about an inch below the white ring that supports the standpipe. Let it run this way for several days and then you can begin to increase the water level gradually. Most folks are seeing a foam head developing fairly quickly....week or less, mostly less. After it breaks in, look at the bubbles in the cone body...you want the really small bubbles changing into larger bubbles/foam right about the white ring. That's a good starting point. You can tweak it from there.