Where's the skimmate?

[fishgate]

I never had great luck tuning or getting great performance out of my old skimmer (Seaside Aquatics CS5) so I just got a new skimmer (Omega 150). It has only been in the tank for about a week but there is 0 skimmate being formed. Is it possible that I have nothing at all to skim? It is a 150 gallon total volume system with just 3 fish and a cleanup crew.

 

[shifty51008]

That is a very small bioload so you may not get much for skimmate unless you run it very wet. But also depends on the size fish, bigger fish will give more skimmate than 3 smaller fish.

 

[jrr98002]

Depends on the size of the fish as shifty said, how much you're feeding them (if you're overfeeding at all, you'll usually get some skimmate). I've not used your particular skimmer myself but sometimes skimmers also have a sort of 'break-in' period. I'm not exactly sure why, but they take a week or a little more to settle in and start producing. I've had that happen with a couple new skimmers. Like I said, I have no idea why, but that could also explain it.

 

[Dan_P]

I would first get a second opinion on your skimmer "tuning". Sounds like you might need a refresher course.

There is always stuff to skim, unless the tank is very new or you perform a lot of water changes. If you find that you have your skimmer properly set up, then maybe you don't have much to skim.

The only reason there would be a break in period for a skimmer is if the plastic parts are coated in something acting like an anti-foaming agent. Mold release used in the manufacture of plastic components might be such a chemical.There is no scientific reason for a break in period.

 

[A.Astore]

I have a very small bioload currently and have to run mine very wet to pull anything (also have a 150 gallon). I assume you have messed with all the obvious things like making sure the water height is in the recommended etc.

I am by far not a pro at the whole skimmer thing but I had to fight with mine initially to get anything.

 

[scooter31707]

I agree ^^^, also it still may be going through it's break-in period, if you did not do that prior putting it in the sump.