Protein skimmer question

[eeyore357]

Hi everyone! Been learning here for a while and have ran into a question I can't seem to find the answer to. I am getting parts gathered up for my first tank and bought a used Super Reef Octopus 3000 INT. I placed the skimmer in the recommended water depth in a sink to test it out. I've never owned one so I could be wrong but it didn't seem to perform like most I've seen on youtube. The bubbles were about 1/4" and didn't seem to be above the water more than 3"-4". Could it be caused by being in clean freshwater, impeller, needs to be broke in again, normal........? Thanks!

 

[Jeff210]

Hi everyone! Been learning here for a while and have ran into a question I can't seem to find the answer to. I am getting parts gathered up for my first tank and bought a used Super Reef Octopus 3000 INT. I placed the skimmer in the recommended water depth in a sink to test it out. I've never owned one so I could be wrong but it didn't seem to perform like most I've seen on youtube. The bubbles were about 1/4" and didn't seem to be above the water more than 3"-4". Could it be caused by being in clean freshwater, impeller, needs to be broke in again, normal........? Thanks!

Breaking in a skimmer is as much art as it is science...

You have to watch it for a few weeks and tweak it appropriately..

 

[alf1096]

Skimmers will not work in fresh water and to reach full potential will require a break in period.

 

[SGT_York]

They need protein in the water to make the foam bubbles. Tap water will perform just like blowing a straw into a cup.

 

[eeyore357]

Thanks! That eases my mind.

 

[One fish]

Yeah man, I was pretty depressed when I filled and tested my skimmer in my bathtub before I put it on my tank. But now that it's running its all adjusted and working awesome!

 

[Fogvalley]

Never thought to not try it in the tank. Lol no wonder my floor gets wet