bubbles with the CPR2

[mflee9]

I just bought a CPR2 Back Pak for my brand new 29 gal tank. Nothing in the tank except RO salt water.
Are there supposed to be a lot of tiny bubbles going out into the tank?
The only way it doesn't do this is if I turn off most of the air from the power head. It doesn't seem to produce enough bubbles for skimming when I turn the air down.
How much air is supposed to be going into the skimmer chamber?
Has this ever happened to you?

 

[ryebread]

I am using a CPR Bak Pak 2r on my 29gallon. When I first got the skimmer up and running it did the same thing that you speak of. The skimmer needs to build up a coating to get rid of the bubbles. My bubbles went away within a week. Some folks get rid of the bubbles in a day........some it takes a couple weeks. I would let it go for the time being and let it run it's course. Very good skimmer on a 29gallon IMO. I can't believe the sludge this thing pulls out of my tank. Good Luck.
Ryan

 

[mflee9]

Thanks Rye.
Do you open the air valve all the way?
It is producing sludge even with salt water only. I hope this is normal as well and not a sign that the RO water I bought isn' t really RO water.
I'm going to put LS and LR in tomorrow.

 

[ryebread]

I do keep the air valve wide open untill I feed the tank. I turn off the skimmer for a couple of hours a day during feeding time. I am not totally sure on this but, there is probably not much need for the skimmer yet untill you get some bio-load in there. It may hurt your cycle. I would wait on skimming just yet.

 

[danrw84]

rye, is the CPR better than the little red sea prizm?
how worth it would it be for me to upgrade on my 29?