Can you do skimmer break-in in a bucket of tap water ?

[Idech]

My tank upgrade isn’t before 4 weeks still and I’m getting my new skimmer this week. I have a tank running without a skimmer at the moment (it isn’t working anymore) so I was wondering if I could get the new skimmer ready before the tank transfer ?

Would it work if I let it run in a bucket of tap water for 2 weeks? I understand there are no proteins to break in tap water but I could pour a cup or so of my tank water in it if necessary.

Thanks.

 

[SliceGolfer]

Plain tap water will not work as the skimmer needs the proper salinity to create the micro bubbles. Running in a bucket of saltwater would clear the skimmer of manufacturing oils and such, plus allow you to get experience on how it runs and to make adjustments.

 

[Potatohead]

Use some old tank water from a water change in a 5 gallon bucket and let it run

 

[reeftivo]

My tank upgrade isn’t before 4 weeks still and I’m getting my new skimmer this week. I have a tank running without a skimmer at the moment (it isn’t working anymore) so I was wondering if I could get the new skimmer ready before the tank transfer ?

Would it work if I let it run in a bucket of tap water for 2 weeks? I understand there are no proteins to break in tap water but I could pour a cup or so of my tank water in it if necessary.

Thanks.

+1 on the NO for fresh water break in

skimmer has to develop a slime coat via organics. Also without proper salinity it will not be able to produce the air draw necessary to create a fine enough bubble to properly operate.

 

[jason2459]

Brand new skimmer could use a quick run with something like vinegar or citric acid mixed with freshwater to remove residues.

 

[Enderg60]

Just be patient and put it in the tank when its done. A new tank will not have anything worth skimming for a few weeks anyway. Dont waste your time on this.

 

[KrisReef]

My tank upgrade isn’t before 4 weeks still and I’m getting my new skimmer this week. I have a tank running without a skimmer at the moment (it isn’t working anymore) so I was wondering if I could get the new skimmer ready before the tank transfer ?

Would it work if I let it run in a bucket of tap water for 2 weeks? I understand there are no proteins to break in tap water but I could pour a cup or so of my tank water in it if necessary.

Thanks.

I would not want to put tap water in my new skimmer other than to rinse it out before I put it on any old bucket of salt water and let it run awhile and then fiddle with the water depth and adjust the air flow to see how I wanted to set it up on the new system.

The only other thing I would focus on is to keep the bucket salinity at the same level as the DT target so that the performance evaluation is applicable when it gets installed.

I personally would not worry about it much before I set it up but if you have 4 weeks to wait then figuring out all this stuff is something to do just to keep distracted for the duration.

 

[Idech]

Plain tap water will not work as the skimmer needs the proper salinity to create the micro bubbles. Running in a bucket of saltwater would clear the skimmer of manufacturing oils and such, plus allow you to get experience on how it runs and to make adjustments.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that part !

Use some old tank water from a water change in a 5 gallon bucket and let it run

I’ll do just that then.

Brand new skimmer could use a quick run with something like vinegar or citric acid mixed with freshwater to remove residues.

I thought about doing this but wasn’t sure. I don’t want to ruin the skimmer before it even gets a chance to work, lol !

Just be patient and put it in the tank when its done. A new tank will not have anything worth skimming for a few weeks anyway.

I’m transferring everything from a 75 gallons that’s been set up for 2+ years into a 110 gallons + sump and adding 20 lbs of live rock so it won’t be brand new.

Since my original skimmer isn’t working anymore, there will be 5 weeks of accumulated proteins in the water. That’s why I’d like the new skimmer to do a good job right away.

I personally would not worry about it much before I set it up but if you have 4 weeks to wait then figuring out all this stuff is something to do just to keep distracted for the duration.

Yes, it will help me for sure ! The wait is soooooo long !

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Tank water, saltwater, skim mate. Patience

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

at least rinse very well to help remove residue from manufacturing, before running DT water through it.

 

[Idech]

at least rinse very well to help remove residue from manufacturing, before running DT water through it.

It’s been running in a bucket of water from the tank for 2 weeks. It’s not skimming yet but I’m sure it will help.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

It’s been running in a bucket of water from the tank for 2 weeks. It’s not skimming yet but I’m sure it will help.

oops, didn't look at the date on the posts