Protein Skimmer Foam?

[cwugigi]

How high should the bubbles be coming up in the collection cup before it spills over into the cup? The tank is cycled, but this is going on day 2 with the protein skimmer. I expect to have to change it frequently in the beginning. I was just curious about where to set the "bar" on the bubbles? Thanks!!

 

[spike]

Is the skimmer new? If so it may take awhile for the skimmer to break in.

 

[skriz]

The skimmer will need to break in AND you will need some bioload. If there's nothing to skim, the skimmer won't do anything.

What kind of skimmer is it?

 

[derek_s]

I initially put mine where the bubbles sat about 1/2 way up the collection cup inner tube. Depending on skimmer type, you can overflow it if you set them too high so start a little low and work it up.

 

[cwugigi]

It's a brand new, only out of the box and running for 2 days now coralife 125. So I should let it just run for a few days before putting fish into the tank, or it's ok to start adding? The tank has been cycled for quite some time (like 2 or 3 weeks), but the sump is just starting to run.

 

[cwugigi]

Also, should I start out by adding a clean-up crew, or should I go straight for the clownfish? I should wait until the tank is established before adding the anemone, correct?

 

[cwugigi]

One more thing: Does anyone know of a good resource for reef-safe fish? I have a TON of fish that I have my eye on, but it would be so much easier if I could just have an outright list of reef-safe fish. Anybody know of that resource? Thanks in advance!

 

[spike]

liveaquaria.com has a chart of what fish play well with others, also I think it also will specify reef safe . Anemone needs to be in a well established aquarium. This is a very important time for your reef tank. Mistakes, like we all make are costly, not for just you but your tank inhabitants. Read, read, read, patience, patience, patience. My first book was from the library, it was a dummies book, title was something like "saltwater aquariums for dummies".

 

[skriz]

add your cleanup crew first

 

[cwugigi]

Sounds great! Thanks ramone!

 

[FutureInterest]

I find that if you run the skimmer in a tub with vinegar/fresh water you will have no "break in" period with the skimmer. The vinegar helps to remove the oils from the surfaces of the skimmer.

As for foam... this is really up to you. Some people skim wet and so have the foam head a lil higher and some skim dry with the foam a lil lower. Play around with it and you'll figure it out. Undoubtedly you'll overflow the skimmer in the learning process but soon enough you'll get it tuned in just right.

G'luck.

 

[cwugigi]

Haha, I just overflowed the thing! Glad I could get that out of the way early!! Thanks Barbara, clean-up crew it is. I'm sure that's way more fun to watch than the algae spreading!