Protein Skimmer not, well, skimming

[aviator]

Well, I've run it again all night. Looks like the cup might just might be collecting things, but based on the video's I've seen on youtube, I can say with confidence that this skimmer does NOT work as well as most others. I think I am going to contact the seller and start the return proces. I think I'm just better off saving my pennies for a good skimmer.
In the mean time, I think I'll concentrate on setting up a sump. now, if I can just get my head around how exactly you're supposed to keep the water level in a sump even using a gravity feed from the main tank... I just don't get that. looks like i have a LOT of reading to do.
I'm not really having any trouble with my tank, so it's not a critical issue, I'm just trying to keep the tank as clean as possible.

 

[al&burke]

Mine puts out so many bubbles I only run it at night when the lights are off so I don’t have to look at it. So don’t get a Coralife brand.
Flower I have the same problem except my bubbles are coming from the actual pump (PH)