Setting up a new skimmer

[floating paper]

I recently purchased a Coralife 65g super skimmer. I've had it running for 2 days, and have a few questions. I read in the directions to have the micro bubbles at the base of the collection cup. It's producing white suds...I use the word suds loosely, because I know it is not soap. The suds aren't spilling over into the collection cup. Should they be? It's also not producing any waste into the cup. I read that it takes 72 hours to adjust sometimes, and am just wondering if I set it up correctly. Should I adjust the dial so that the suds are higher in the cone, and able to spill out into the collection cup?

 

[gill again68]

I have the 220 Coralife and made some mistakes to begin with. First of all on the exhaust side, the filter, I ended up ditching it. The reason I ditched it is because I didnt like cleaning it every other day. That sponge in there will get funky quick. I have gone to a no sponge sump! You may want to keep it but make sure that it has room so that there is no back pressure on the exhaust. Watch the water line. When your skimmer breaks in it should not need for you to push the bubbles so high in to the cone. It will "perk" so that the foam / bubbles/ suds will take the skimmate to the collection cup. Also your depth for your intake pump is critical. I do mean critical! I found that I had my pump a little to deep and it wouldnt produce like it should. I have since adjusted it and I think I get as much gunk out of my water now that I have seen anyone get. You will most likely fiddle with this skimmer a bit until you get it "dialed in". I think this is one of the drawbacks of a cheap skimmer. Although, I think once you hit that magic spot then it will work just fine. Hope that helps.