New skimmer

[goodtimes2]

I know that with new skimmers there can be a 2 to 5 day period to break in to get the right amount of form production, but what is actually occuring to the skimmer that requires this break-in period. Is it building some type of coating from the saltwater? Just curious why so many new skimmers needs this break in period.

 

[Capt_Cully]

You sometimes can cut down the break in by giving them a good wash out. Most are made with acrylic which will have a coating on it. Get rid of that, and it will tune in sooner. And to answer your question, I think to a degree a little biofilm helps out. But alot of times in a new tank with a low bioload (after a cycle and some water changes) there just isn't that much DOC (disloved organic compounds-i.e. left over fish food, fish poop, etc..) for the skimmer to clear out. So that'll slow your foam production too.