Red Sea protien skimmer?

[popoty]

Hello,
I just set up my Red Sea Prism Deluxe (hang on) skimmer. It produces so many bubbles that the tank becomes cloudy from them. If I lower the air flow the bubbles lessen but the water flow back into the tank becomes a dribble. There seems to be no in between.
**Am I using the skimmer correctly?
**When the air flow is lowered will the waste make its way to the collection cup?
My tank is still cycling so I cant tell if it is working properly. No bio load to remove.
**Skimmer on or off during cycling?
You guys/gals are great.
Thanks
55gal FO
Cycling w/2 Dammsels

 

[bahamianme]

Why did you put on your skimmer? Do you have any fish in the tank at all as it is still cyling? I was told that once my tank cycle...and I put fish in...than you put on your skimmer....You have to have stock in the tank in order to produce waste in order for the skimmer to work.....

 

[reefnut]

Most will say leave the skimmer off during cycling.
The prism will take a bit to get broke in. After the break in period you should be able to set it so you get min bubbles in the tank.
The one I had said to keep the water flow at about where the rubber gasket is going to the collection cup. Using that setting I had good luck with mine...

 

[bahamianme]

I've just notice that you are cycling with 2 damsels.......You could have waited a few more weeks after the tank cycled and if you added more fish......

 

[reefnut]

To skim or not to skim during cycling is a good debated issue. I have read that skimming during cycling will reduce the amount of ammonia and in turn could keep more LR & LS critters alive. On the other hand, it takes longer to complete the cycle.
It's a preference thing...

 

[popoty]

sounds good, maybe i will run the skimmer on weekends till the tank is fully cycled

 

[plhsurfer]

I have the same skimmer.. I have placed a piece of sponge down in the skimmer just prior to the discharge plate. This is where the carbon insert would be placed. This has made the bubble issue a thing of the past. Hope this helps!

 

[popoty]

plhsurfer,
I will definately try the sponge idea! the media basket is empty now.
Also, how far open can you turn the air flow w/ the sponge method?
thanx

 

[popoty]

Are the bubbles returning to the tank from the skimmer benificial in any way? oxygenation? or are they just an annoying byproduct from the skimmer?

 

[plhsurfer]

Originally posted by popoty
plhsurfer,
I will definately try the sponge idea! the media basket is empty now.
Also, how far open can you turn the air flow w/ the sponge method?
thanx
My valve on the intake tube is open about a 1/4 turn from closed. I just mess with mine until the bubble collum ends at the o-ring.

 

[hattrick58]

After some time the flow will be easier to adjust. I never mess with the adjustment on mine anymore. When it was new it seemed particularly difficult to adjust after a water change.