Benya,
I am currently working on a couple of solutions to the microbubbles. One is to put some pantyhose over the collection cup (mainly where that little sponge and the grates are). The other that I am going to try is some filter material for ponds that I found at the LFS, it is a bit finer so it might help with the bubbles.
What type of tank is your 26 gallon? I have the fission in 2 of my tanks. Both are 24gal aquapods, but different lighting systems on them affect where I can place the skimmer due to where the water line needs to be. On the one with a MH setup, the back compartments are easier to access and are more open, so the skimmer is in the back compartment and the bubbles don't make it to the main tank. On the one with PC lighting in a hood, the hood makes it so I can't place the skimmer in the back, so it is up front in the display. This is the one that I am working on ideas with.
Best bet, try a lot of different stuff. The bubble-reducing sponges that the fission come with really aren't worth a darn, they allow a lot through still, so I am trying to find something that allows much less through.