Skimmer Break In Time

[RobZilla04]

New Bubble Magus Curve 5, been trying to break in for five days now. Opened the cap on the bottom chamber and raised the unit twice (currently in about 6.5"). Still have tons of bubbles just over flowing into the cup and water flowing out of the drain tube.

Prior to installing it ran in vinegar/RODI water for an hour.

How long should I expect break in time to take?

Is there anything else that can speed up the process?

 

[vhuang168]

Took 2-3 weeks for my curve 5.


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[RobZilla04]

Dang I hope it doesn't take that long. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Starvin Marvin]

Hey - I'm not tying to hijack your Thread but since I have the same Brand and almost the same skimmer and almost the same issue, maybe it will help answer your question if I chime in.

Is it overflowing like my Curve A8 non-variable speed DC pump I just turned on is?

Mine is in the recommended 10" for this mode and it's a tank that's in day #2 of the initial cycle with cloudy water.

https://vimeo.com/202503725

Does that seem excessive compared to your setup and what's happening?

Can anyone else confirm if this looks like a "normal" overflow for bubbles?

Thanks in advance.



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[Bambang_NG]

Raise the skimmer until its not overflowing, let it run 4-5 day and pull it back to 10' water line. Its normal

 

[JohnnyHildo]

i can relate as i had a rough patch getting mine to calm down too. first thing, i've come to expect overflow from any new device being added into the system including the skimmer itself. they don't like the treatments on new plastic parts. i've had luck starting mine with the air adjustment turned right off and then backed off incrementally. also, from what i read that specific skimmer prefers around 8" of water for best operating depth.
to stop overflow for my skimmer when it's acting up i've found the best results with removing the skimmer cup and cleaning it but keep in mind no amount of cleaning is going to stop it from overflowing when there is something in the water it doesn't agree with.

 

[MJNTWise]

Hey - I'm not tying to hijack your Thread but since I have the same Brand and almost the same skimmer and almost the same issue, maybe it will help answer your question if I chime in.

Is it overflowing like my Curve A8 non-variable speed DC pump I just turned on is?

Mine is in the recommended 10" for this mode and it's a tank that's in day #2 of the initial cycle with cloudy water.

https://vimeo.com/202503725

Does that seem excessive compared to your setup and what's happening?

Can anyone else confirm if this looks like a "normal" overflow for bubbles?

Thanks in advance.



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Skimmer is too low...Raise it....Water Level :9.5"-11"

 

[Starvin Marvin]

@Bambang_NG
Ok I'll raise it and run it for a few days and then try lowering it again. Thank you

@JohnnyHildo
8" is 2" lower than recommended but honestly after reading the instructions I don't doubt that they could have made an error in writing down a good recommended level. This is just one of many hilarious excerpts from the user manual:

2. If installation is correct, it should appear much bubble quickly when pump start up. If no bubble or
pump makes a noise or strenuous shake, please stop and restart up. If it can't solve the problem,
please contact dealer or our technology person.


3. Every product tested before leaving factory, so some water blob maybe leave on it. It's not used
vestige and wouldn't affect use.


4. Just start to use a few days its result maybe is no very good, this is a normal phenomenon. After a
few days it can be normal working, if washing completely skimmer inside, this time will be reduced.


5. Please adjust bubble level according to aquaria's pollute. Don't adjust water level too high avoid
water quality fluctuate cause much water effused.

@MJNTWise
Currently I have it on a 1" block which makes it sit at 10" water level since my sump water is 11".
So I'm on the high side of your recommendation, I will try the low side or even lower as some others have suggested.

Also- there is no air adjustment possible on this unit, the only way would be to add something aftermarket to the intake silencer. Which I suppose I will resort to if the other fixes don't work. It's definitely good advice and many skimmers do have a little valve on the intake.

Thanks everyone!

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[MJNTWise]

There should be a way to adjust the water level in the skimmer..Right?

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[RobZilla04]

UPDATE: Woke up this morning and no over flow. I was able to plug the hole on the bottom as there were no more bubbles escaping there. After doing so I needed to turn the knob to 1.5 before getting the micro bubbles to the top of the chamber. Break in successful!

I have not lowered it yet. Still about 6.5 - 7 inches of water. I'll wait until I need to max out the adjustment knob before dropping the unit into deeper water.

I think the big tip was mentioned here. Raise the skimmer in the water until there is no extreme overflow during break in. I let the overflow drain right back in the sump during that time.

 

[Starvin Marvin]

Hey Rob, glad to hear it! Mine is still going crazy, but I will hang in there seeing as how your issue was solved by doing the same.


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[RobZilla04]

Hey Rob, glad to hear it! Mine is still going crazy, but I will hang in there seeing as how your issue was solved by doing the same.


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Raise the skimmer and place the setting on the lowest possible to prevent the bubbles from overflowing as shown in your video. From there check daily and adjust the setting (not the skimmer height) as it breaks in.

As a side note, I saw a video that explained having the smallest micro bubbles at the very top of the tube is the "best" setting.