Skim Level Help for a Newb

[rk4435]

I've had my skimmer running for about ten days now. It took a few days to break in as I expected, then seemingly started to form bubbles.

Nothing really bubbled over so I am thinking that I have it adjusted at the wrong level.

I just took the collection cup off despite nothing flowing over and found some incredibly gross green scum on the neck of the collection cup. For lack of a better description it look like Yoda after a blender ride. I cleaned it all off and reinstalled the collection cup, after three minutes of watching massive bubbles enter the tank I unplugged it out of fear and ignorance.

Can anyone tell based on the bubble level in the picture if I have something set wrong? It is at the bottom of the filler cup. The massive bubbles in the tank did not exist before I cleaned the cup. Sadly the directions that came with the unit have not helped much as far as understanding the problem.
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[heathlindner25]

to be frank it's a crappy skimmer, it makes very little bubbles to begin with. you can try to tweak it here there and raise the bubbles a little, but its not going to perform well regardless...

 

[rk4435]

Thanks. I think I discover the massive bubble in the water column issue. When I took the collection cup off to clean it I left the skimmer running. I plugged it back up after I created the post and it is no longer shooting bubbles galore into the tank, I guess it was a back pressure problem or something like that.

Despite being a crappy skimmer, it is the best I can do for now and I do intend to get a better one when I can, perhaps when the IRS gets off its dead *** of gives me my tax refund that went to a fraudulent filer. They say call back in six months, I say OK Coralife skimmer.

As far as the bubble level, does anyone know where I should have it set?

 

[nickg]

Raise the water level to half an inch above the collection cup nut. The tweak it VERY slowly up or down. What size tank is this on, and which size Coralife skimmer is that? I have seen these skimmers do really well for the price...

 

[rk4435]

Thanks Nickg.
It is a Coralife 125 on a 90 gallon tank. Based on what I cleaned out of the neck of the filler cup it seemed like it was doing something productive, just a matter of getting it dialed in.

 

[heathlindner25]

rk4435;895258 wrote: Thanks. I think I discover the massive bubble in the water column issue. When I took the collection cup off to clean it I left the skimmer running. I plugged it back up after I created the post and it is no longer shooting bubbles galore into the tank, I guess it was a back pressure problem or something like that.

Despite being a crappy skimmer, it is the best I can do for now and I do intend to get a better one when I can, perhaps when the IRS gets off its dead *** of gives me my tax refund that went to a fraudulent filer. They say call back in six months, I say OK Coralife skimmer.

As far as the bubble level, does anyone know where I should have it set?

didn't mean to come off rough sometimes I am brutally honest...lol it was a long day today no ill will intended. Coralifes I found in my experience never produce a lot of bubbles. Raise the level up a little bit. sorry about the bad response.

 

[mrflameangel]

I have used one when I first started. I thought it worked good for the money spent. But then I upgraded to the reef octopus and found out it ran circles around the coralife. But I have now upgraded my reef octopus to an Atb skimmer and now see that I will never buy another cheap skimmer.

Everyone has a budget. Now there is nothing wrong with your skimmer cause its what fits your budget. The only thing I would watch with that skimmer is your bio-load. Good luck

 

[rk4435]

Thanks guys. I do intend to upgrade when I can, especially because of the bioload. From what I could tell at the time it was among the better of the cheap skimmers. I remember comparing prices with ATB and Bubble King, a comparison that should be done when the wife is not around.

 

[mrflameangel]

rk4435;895346 wrote: Thanks guys. I do intend to upgrade when I can, especially because of the bioload. From what I could tell at the time it was among the better of the cheap skimmers. I remember comparing prices with ATB and Bubble King, a comparison that should be done when the wife is not around.

Very true when it comes to the wife. I fully understand that. When you do upgrade I would really look at a used atb or bk if your like me(money and wife). I just upgraded to a used atb and will never look at another cheap skimmer. The guys that swear by them are all correct. Yea it sucks for the money aspect but well worth the money.

 

[KrisDeitz]

ATB For LIFE!!

Best skimmer ive ever had and will have

 

[josh torbett]

I have the same one on 90 gal as well. like you I'm on a budget as well. Give me a call and I will give you any advice I can on the skimmer.

Josh
770-789-0791