Confused by how to adjust skimmer

[Ghost25]

I just bought a used Aquamaxx HOB-1 skimmer. I cleaned it and installed it in my tank but I'm not exactly sure how I should be adjusting it.

How should I adjust the height of the collection cup? Right now it is full and water is returning to the skimmer body. Does this mean the collection cup is too low? Should I raise it until foam only overflows occasionally or will the gunk settle even when the cup is overflowing?

 

[mcgyvr]

http://www.f3images.com/IMD/UserManuals/UJ1151.pdf

Never used that model nor seen it but in general only the foam should travel up the neck and fall into the collection cup..
If its full of water/overflowing then dump it and raise the cup or adjust skimmer till only foam is going into the cup..
Some like "wetter skimmate" (more water in it but not overflowing at all) and some it so that its a much thicker "scum" in there..

Note break in period,etc.. see manual..

 

[MarineDepot]

I just bought a used Aquamaxx HOB-1 skimmer. I cleaned it and installed it in my tank but I'm not exactly sure how I should be adjusting it.

How should I adjust the height of the collection cup? Right now it is full and water is returning to the skimmer body. Does this mean the collection cup is too low? Should I raise it until foam only overflows occasionally or will the gunk settle even when the cup is overflowing?

Skimmers do take 2-4 weeks to break in. During this period, you will want to set the collection cup as high as possible and allow the skimmer to break in.

After at least 2 weeks, you can then start to adjust the collection cup lower and lower: until you consistently get a medium green/brown colored skimmate. In most aquariums, the collection cup will fill every 1-2 weeks: depending on your bioload and how clean/dirty your water is.

 

[Sk8r]

Also if you are skimming 'wet' and have an ATO---watch your salinity. Test it often until that skimmer calms down and you aren't discarding so much water.