Should skimmer make bubbles in FW?

[MyMonkey]

Well, picked up a used skimmer. Ran vinegar and water through it. Made tons of bubbles. They rinsed it in FW. Ran pure FW throug it. No bubbles. Just wondering if the lack of bubbles is due to the FW. (ran out of Vinegar or would just test that theory) Any ideas?

 

[brians_224]

Yep - skimmers don't work with fresh water.

 

[PatrickJ]

They work in FW, just not really well. I seen them on large goldfish holding vats, they produce alot of waste.

The vinegar changed the surface tension of the water and it made it easier to create bubbles.

 

[MyMonkey]

Ahh.. I assumed it was the surface tension. Thanks for the replies. I was a bit worried that I broke it. Doh!