Skimmer Break In

[johniii]

So i picked up a Reef octopus 150 yesterday :yay: . How long do they usually take to break in. Instructions say 3 to 4 weeks. But does it really take tat long?

 

[dakota9]

Short version, Yes

Long version, no..... but with a few caveats.

You'll probably start seeing some skimmate in a week or two, but it wont skim reliably until about the end of the second week at the earliest.

 

[johniii]

Do i need to up my water changes while it is breaking in?
Normally do 15% a week.

 

[dakota9]

No, stay on schedule with the water changes... The skimmer just needs to develop a "bio-layer". When you feel the inside of the glass on your tank, and it feels a bit slimy? yeah, that stuff........ That's what you are waiting to grow on your skimmer.

 

[90galguy]

I have this same skimmer and it's just humming along. No large amounts skimmate yet, but with my tank only 1-1/2 old I don't expect too much. I do have a question though. When emptying out the collection cup, how much "cleaning" should I do? I just read above about the skimmer developing a "bio-layer". Should I just be pouring out the skimmate and leave the brown film it's creating on the inlet tube to the collection cup?

 

[dakota9]

Don't clean it with soap, but rinse it, and wipe or brush it up a bit.....

 

[90galguy]

Dakota9;711362 wrote: Don't clean it with soap, but rinse it, and wipe or brush it up a bit.....

That's what I do. Thanks for the info.

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