Help with Kent Nautilus EX skimmer

[mex71]

Hey Folks, hope someone can help.
I recently purchased a Kent Nautilus EX protein skimmer 24" from a lfs.
I recieved my Rio 12hf pump today and put it together and plugged it in expecting a test with great results. Yea right!
I plugged it in and it filled all the way up and overflowed. I opened up the red handled ball valve all the way and still the same. I do have the pump hooked up around 6-8" away. What am I missing?
Helllllllllllllpppppppp!

TIA

 

[barbianj]

First of all, you can't skim freshwater. Did you try it in salt?

 

[mex71]

not yet, but i did remove the barb fitting on the ball valve and that seems to be doing the trick. thanks.