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skimmer trouble
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benn3393 View Drop Down
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Joined: April 04 2005
Location: Cedar City
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Points: 75 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote benn3393 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: skimmer trouble
    Posted: April 04 2005 at 10:05pm

I have a cheap skimmer.  for all Noobs like me-spend the money and get a nice one.  okay, here's my trouble.  I've had it on the tank for about two weeks.  Yesterday, I was cleaning up all my saltcreep and when I got done, I noticed that for the very first time, the skimmer was actually skimming!  I played with it to see what works best.  Next day I have just a little bit of gunk in the cup, and the foam hasn't really moved much at all.  So I clean it.........

Now I'm back to nothing.  the Lady at the LFS has the same skimmer and she said to take the basket with the foam filter off, that's what made hers finally start working.  She also said that if you use any water conditioners that it'd foam like crazy for a while.  I tried this, and it doesn't seem to be working any better than before, nor do I have "crazy foam."

Are all skimmers this tempermental, or am I just new.........
Randy in Cedar City

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reptoreef View Drop Down
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Joined: January 08 2004
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Points: 2060 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote reptoreef Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 04 2005 at 11:03pm
It can take up to a couple of weeks for the "breakin period" for a skimmer to work well. IMO, adjust the foam to begin at the base of the riser tube that runs into the collection cup and watch regularly. Don't clean or mess with it any more than that unless it's over producing the clear to greenish/light brown water(back the water height off a bit). For the most part, be patient.
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jfinch View Drop Down
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Joined: March 06 2003
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Points: 7067 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jfinch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 04 2005 at 11:21pm
Any mud in the neck will greatly decrease skimmate production, ime.  It's a balancing act.  Clean the neck and about 24 hrs later you'll easily be making a cup a day of dark skimate.  Three days later and the neck's filthy and it's hardly producing 1/2 cup a day.  Clean the neck and the cycle starts over.  That's my experience with skimmers.
Jon

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Mark Peterson View Drop Down
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Joined: June 19 2002
Location: Murray
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Points: 21436 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 05 2005 at 4:27pm
I say, don't worry about it. Skimmers aren't necessary anyway. I haven't used one since 1998.
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