Adjusting my skimmer

cdc84 · 06/02/2011, 06:05 PM

I just picked up my first saltwater tank but I am having a few problems with the skimmer. I have tried to find a name on the skimmer so I could research it but there is no name.

The skimmer has an adjustment valve to regulate how much air it intakes, I have tried to adjust it so it foams up and slowly overflows into the collection cup. However just when I think I have it setup correctly it will stop producing the same amount of bubbles and foam it was a few hours earlier.

Also when I do empty the collection cup the liquid is light brown and not dark as I have read it should be. The tank is a 90g corner with a 12" lionfish, 18" yellow head moray and a 4" Foxface.

campos · 06/02/2011, 06:48 PM

the foam bubbles will always fluctuate, depending on waste in the water column, what is important is that the water in your sump stays at the same level, or at least as close to the same as possible. The consistency of your skimmate is up to you if you want it thick or more watery.

ct_vol · 06/02/2011, 07:43 PM

Maintaining a constant water level in your sump is key as campos said... When you add stuff (food and additives) to your tank your foam head will rise and fall too... Try and keep track of what you are doing when you are seeing the fluctuation... It sounds like you are skimming wet if you have a light brown skimmate... Lower your foam head a bit so that it isn't quite spilling over and you will produce the darker skimmate you are looking for...

Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it after a while...

cdc84 · 06/02/2011, 11:30 PM

Is it better to have the skimmate thick or more watery. As long as it works the best I don't care.

pentrix2 · 06/03/2011, 04:45 AM

IMO it's best for it to be thick than watery. If it's watery I think you are taking out unecessary water. I'm no expert, hopefully someone else can comment on this.

06/02/2011, 06:05 PM	#1
cdc84 Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 89	Adjusting my skimmer I just picked up my first saltwater tank but I am having a few problems with the skimmer. I have tried to find a name on the skimmer so I could research it but there is no name. The skimmer has an adjustment valve to regulate how much air it intakes, I have tried to adjust it so it foams up and slowly overflows into the collection cup. However just when I think I have it setup correctly it will stop producing the same amount of bubbles and foam it was a few hours earlier. Also when I do empty the collection cup the liquid is light brown and not dark as I have read it should be. The tank is a 90g corner with a 12" lionfish, 18" yellow head moray and a 4" Foxface.

06/02/2011, 07:43 PM	#3
ct_vol Reefing On My Mind Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kempton, IL Posts: 8,083	Maintaining a constant water level in your sump is key as campos said... When you add stuff (food and additives) to your tank your foam head will rise and fall too... Try and keep track of what you are doing when you are seeing the fluctuation... It sounds like you are skimming wet if you have a light brown skimmate... Lower your foam head a bit so that it isn't quite spilling over and you will produce the darker skimmate you are looking for... Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it after a while... __________________ Randy Volunteers, Blackhawks, Titans, Cubs!!!! Current Tank Info: 185g waiting to be built, 120g SPS/Anemone Reef, 120g SCA in the works, 58g mixed reef w/ 6x39w T5, 125g grow out w/ Reef Breeders

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06/02/2011, 06:48 PM	#2
campos Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bay Area/San Ramon Posts: 546	the foam bubbles will always fluctuate, depending on waste in the water column, what is important is that the water in your sump stays at the same level, or at least as close to the same as possible. The consistency of your skimmate is up to you if you want it thick or more watery.

06/02/2011, 11:30 PM	#4
cdc84 Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 89	Is it better to have the skimmate thick or more watery. As long as it works the best I don't care.

06/03/2011, 04:45 AM	#5
pentrix2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 557	IMO it's best for it to be thick than watery. If it's watery I think you are taking out unecessary water. I'm no expert, hopefully someone else can comment on this.