skimmer "breaking in"

[dtaranath]

I've read this over and over again, yet I still don't understand it:

"You need to give the new skimmer some time to 'break in' before you actually start seeing results"

Can someone please explain this to me??

I ask because I had an ASM G-3 that pulled out rancid dark green filth on a daily basis. I just "upgraded" to an SRO 5000INT, and it barely produces anything like the ASM did. It's definitely producing foam, but it looks like "clean" foam, unlike the skimmate that my previous skimmer created. Granted, it's only been in operation 1-2 days...

I can only assume it has to "break in", but again, I have no idea what that means. I truly hope that it will one day produce the same results that I had on the ASM. If it doesn't, I would really have to question all the claims made by everyone about the super reef octopus line is that great, unless I'm doing something wrong.

 

[Drae]

You have this sro 5000 on a 220 display? Basically the skimmer comes with some residues from the factory sometimes and it should recieve a vinegar bath prior to install. If you didn't run it in some vinegar it's going to take a few extra days if not a couple weeks to break in. As the skimmer produces a little bit of a "slime coat" on the impeller and the plumbing it tends to start working and producing. Also... the 5000 is a tad big for a 220 display imo and they're finicky about water level and sump fluctuations. Play with it until you find the sweet spot and give it a few hours inbetween adjustments.

 

[vette.tech]

i agree wouldn't the g3 be more equal to the sro2000?

I had an sro1000int that took almost two months to break in and start really producing

 

[dtaranath]

very good observations, thanks. Yes, it is definitely a little big for just a 220. But I actually have about 300 total gallons at the moment, adding another 90gal inline to that. After the whole setup is said and done, it will be about 300gal of display and another 100gal of sump area, for a total of 400gal. That's why I decided to upgrade to the 5000 over something smaller. The sump area has a separate tank just to house the skimmer, and that level stays constant. Yet, I do see that the skimmer is finnicky, nonetheless, which I don't really like.

I thought based on everything I had heard about "breaking in", I would start the process now. Thank you for the advice on the vinegar bath. I will probably take it out and give it a good cleaning, and put the G3 back in.

Although, I will let it run for a few days just to see how it changes.

 

[dtaranath]

well, it took about 48 hours. I now have the disgusting dark green filth. and i love it. i think i'll just leave it in place now.

 

[dotcommer]

I have the SRO 500 Internal, glad to hear you are happy with it. I haven't used mine yet, since I am doing my build right now.

 

[dtaranath]

I have the SRO 500 Internal, glad to hear you are happy with it. I haven't used mine yet, since I am doing my build right now.

well, I will tell you that I am VERY happy now. Looks like it's "broken in". I highly recommend getting the neck cleaner for it, to keep it functioning at top performance. it's producing pure filth:

 

[boxorocks]

Nice but I dont like neck cleaners. If the neck is that dirty, take it out and clean it, lol.

 

[slief]

Nice but I dont like neck cleaners. If the neck is that dirty, take it out and clean it, lol.

You don't know what your missing out on. I have a neck cleaner on my Alpha 300 and trust me when I tell you, the cleaner is the cats meow! Mine turns on for 15 seconds every day and my neck is always debris free. I've been in this hobby for over 25 years and had countless skimmers during that time. The neck scrubber is the single best investment/add on to a skimmer that I have ever had. I clean my cup every 4 to six months. When I do, it always takes a few days for the neck to build up a slime layer to where it skims normally. The neck scrubber eliminates that and eliminates having to pull the cup off to clean the neck. Those things work great!

To the OP, I'm glad your skimmer has settled in to your liking!