Prizm skimmer question

[molly]

Hi-
I just ordered a Red Sea Prizm skimmer and set it up last night. Does anyone have any ideas about how high the foam should rise? I had it just to the top of the collection cup and this morning the entire thing was filled with clear water. How low should I keep the foam level?
Thanks!

 

[jim672]

Molly,
I also have a Prism and had the same thing happen when I first set it up. What you have to do is close the intake valve so that you can't see any air bubbles coming out of the water that flows back into your tank. How far you close the valve will depend on alot of things including how much protein the skimmer is trying to take out of your tank. My tank is pretty clean now and my intake valve is about 2/3 closed. When I replace evaporation or do water changes I have to watch that the water level isn't too high, and sometimes have to close the intake a little further.
Experiment a little. Close the valve about 1/2 and let it run for a little while. If it's working properly you'll be able to see a dark green gunk accumulating in the top of the accumulation cup. If at 1/2 you're still seeing clear or almost clear water accumulate, close the valve a little more.
Skimmers should just remove protein, not waste alot of good salt water.

 

[mlm]

Red Sea says that the water level in the skimmer should be just below the collection cup when the skimmer is running.

 

[adivedog]

Try adjusting your water lever to just below the black o ring on the collection cup. I have to keep mine about a 1/4" below the O ring to keep it operating right.