Throwing in the towel....

[fishgate]

After over 3 years I am giving up on the frustration called a "protein skimmer". I have had 2 decent quality skimmers and just can not get them dialed in. 1/2 mm to the right, and it overflows, 1/2mm back, and all the skimmate ends up in the neck. I will just up my water changes a bit and concentrate on my algae scrubber.

Anyone else give up or about to give up on skimmers?

 

[NedFlounders]

In my case, the biggest factor was ensuring the water level in the sump was correct. I have a Reef Octopus 110. In order for it to skim effectively, the upper 1/3 of the intake for the skimmer has to be above the water line of the sump. I simply added some plastic lighting grids underneath of it to elevate the skimmer a little bit. Dialing in the valve wasn't too difficult after that.

 

[username in use]

After over 3 years I am giving up on the frustration called a "protein skimmer". I have had 2 decent quality skimmers and just can not get them dialed in. 1/2 mm to the right, and it overflows, 1/2mm back, and all the skimmate ends up in the neck. I will just up my water changes a bit and concentrate on my algae scrubber.

Anyone else give up or about to give up on skimmers?

Almost sounds like the skimmer is oversized so that when it is adjusted correctly it never produces enough skimmate to froth up into the cup.

 

[fishgate]

Almost sounds like the skimmer is oversized so that when it is adjusted correctly it never produces enough skimmate to froth up into the cup.

This is possibly the reason, but in either case, I don't need it anymore.

 

[Sk8r]

Could be. I have a modest-quality skimmer, but I get black skimmate out when I use vinegar carbon dosing.

 

[davocean]

What kind and how old is your skimmer?
Agree constant sump level helps avoid these issues, but a brand new skimmer can go crazy until broke in

 

[tzylak]

Fishgate, What is wrong having the skimmate collecting in the neck?? -It is still collecting, right?
Once a week I insert my middle finger as far as I can into the PS collector neck and swipe off a thick film of brown goop.
Then I choke off the air intake tube for about 30 seconds so that the PS overflows to flush out the muck cloud that I created.
Done.

 

[Sapelo]

I agree with Sk8r, I had a so-so experience with my skimmer until I started carbon dosing which has made it much more functional

 

[fishgate]

What kind and how old is your skimmer?
Agree constant sump level helps avoid these issues, but a brand new skimmer can go crazy until broke in

One is a Vertex Omega 150 and the other a Bubble Magus CS180. Both around 2 years old. Both behaved the same. Both well broken in. CS180 I had 3 years like this. Both went in center section of sump with consistent water levels. Both in recommended water depth.