skimmer setup

[rngrjeremy]

I bought an octopus skimmer, but was wondering about the adjustments on it. I dont just want it to run to run, but i want it to work to its full potential. it didnt come with directions in reference to operating it.How high should i set the bubbles in it to make it work to its full potential. If i open it, wide open it fills the cup with clear water.. if i close it off i get nothing but scum inside the top cup.. where should it be for the happy medium? i hope this make sence i dont really know how to explan it... i have added pics of the type of skimmer i have if that helps.. thanks jeremy
<fieldset class="gc-fieldset">
<legend> Attached files </legend>

>

class="gc-images" title="2010-04-10 23.00.35.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a>

>

class="gc-images" title="2010-04-10 23.02.24.jpg[/IMG] style="max-width:300px" /></a> </fieldset>

 

[drnecropolis]

You have to set it kinda low and let it "Break in" skimmers dont just start killing it right out of the box..

 

[rngrjeremy]

well i am greatful for the responce, but what is kinda low? and how long is the break-in? thanks

 

[drnecropolis]

Like the bottom of the neck.. Or midway.. Just somewhere its not going to overflow and empty the tank..

Could take a few days, take 2 weeks.. I haven't bought a new skimmer in quite some time..

 

[mufret]

You'll want to make sure that wedge pipe is fully open and let it run like that for 2 days to a week. Once it's broken in, you'll want to start adjusting the wedge pipe to get the water level in the skimmer where you want it. It's pretty foolproof.

 

[rngrjeremy]

well i have had the skimmer running for about a two weeks already... and i have been playing with the "wedge" pipe since then... however just wondering how much overflow i shouild have per day? i realize it comes down to how much waste, and the bio load i have going on in the tank.
I know if i close the wedge pipe i can fill the bottle supper fast but not and its not really cleaning much, however same for the reverse... i guess, what i am trying at what point is the happy medium?

 

[mufret]

It's really a preference (whether to skim wet or dry). With a needlewheel skimmer like this, I usually set my skimmer by having nice small bubbles rising about half way up into the neck of the skimmer cup. The things that will influence the setting/bubble size are the amount of water you have feeding the skimmer (most manufacturers state this should be 1 to 1.5 times the volume of water your skimming), the amount of air being pulled in the skimmer (can be controlled with a valve at the end of your airline tubing) and the amount of water leaving the skimmer (controlled by your wedge pipe)

 

[rngrjeremy]

thanks mufret, that does help.. i think i have it where i need it then, i just wanted to make sure...

 

[jcusmarine]

+1 on skim dry for a while. I have the wedge pipe fully open on mine for now. You are correct on the bioload also - for me, the octo I have is pretty oversized for my 45, so I plan on skimming as dry as possible for now. You will get a sense by stepping up minor adjustments over time after the skimmer is broken in as to how much skimmate you are producing and how quickly....but mufret hit the nail on the head and you should be looking to have a stable break in the foam at the base of the neck or midway where you will have consistent collection of waste in the cup. I vote for base of the neck or a notch above until you are comfortable with the skimmer. Make an adjustment when you have a time to monitor it for a while....