Skimmer Tips: Share your tips for someone struggling to fine tune their protein skimmer!

[revhtree]

Tuning a protein skimmer can be frustrating at times. One day it will be overflowing the cup and the other day it will not be pulling any gunk at all! But usually there are good reasons for that!

It may be overflowing because you got some chemical in your tank.
It might not be removing any detritus (foaming) because your water level is too low.

There are so many way variables when it comes to skimming and skimming well!

Seasoned reefers that's why we need you!

Share your tips for someone struggling to fine tune their protein skimmer!
image via @ducati1212

 

[smitten with ocean life]

following!

 

[Formulator]

I find its one of those things you have to take a step back from and ask yourself what you are really trying to accomplish by fidgeting with every day or multiple times/day. I just skim at a medium-dry level and it ebbs and flows between wetter and dryer states, but never overflowing. If you strive for perfect consistency, you will just drive yourself insane with little benefit to achieving such a state.

I have also seen posts from new reefers expecting heavy foam from a brand new tank and its just not going to happen. Skimmers need a break-in period and the foam will come as the tank becomes more established with organic material to skim.

Ensure consistent and proper water level for internal skimmers.

Don’t adjust the skimmer water valve too quickly. Make small adjustments and watch the skimmer for at least 5 minutes before adjusting again. Repeat until you get dialed in where you want it. Then come back in an hour and repeat a small adjustment if needed.

Repeat adjustment process after cleaning the neck, unless you clean it daily and don’t have any build-up.

 

[Doctorgori]

I gave up on trying to figure out the causes of skimmer overflow…
I caved in and shelled out the $900 a Red Sea ReefRun Skimmer and sensor/controller

Following anyway

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Yeah, I'm following this one as well!

 

[Snoopy 67]

I have found - not running the air @ max capacity to be better, even @ 1/2 open on my new skimmer.

 

[revhtree]

I can honestly say that the skimmer brand and model have a lot to do with it. I've seen some skimmers that wouldn't work no matter what you do and those that will start pulling foam as soon as you fire it up!

 

[anesdoc]

I am brand new to this hobby, and have just added two clown fish last week. How long does it normally take until you actually need a protein skimmer to work correctly? I currently have my running but without the plug so it's just draining right back into my sump. If I actually have the plug in the cup fills very quickly no matter how I adjust the gate valve.

 

[Formulator]

I am brand new to this hobby, and have just added two clown fish last week. How long does it normally take until you actually need a protein skimmer to work correctly? I currently have my running but without the plug so it's just draining right back into my sump. If I actually have the plug in the cup fills very quickly no matter how I adjust the gate valve.

This sounds like you have the skimmer in too deep of water. You may need to put it on a stand. With the gate valve wide open, you should not be collecting anything in the cup.

 

[anesdoc]

How often should I be emptying my skimmer/ having my skimmer full? My total system is about 85-90 gallons with a skimmer rated for appropriate size. I have it better tuned in now that it's on a stand, but am having to clean it out every other day. My bio load is currently two clowns, one small blue hippo tang, and one hermit crab.