How do you know if a protein skimmer is working right?

[sally666]

I’m getting a 29 gallon tank in the future and I only have bad experiences with protein skimmers with my current 10 FOWLR tank. The first one was an air powered protein skimmer that didn’t work very well and I even bought a Fluval protein skimmer but it was difficult to operate.

I found this hang on back protein skimmer on the web. Does anybody have experience with this and how do I know if it is on the correct setting?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bullet-3-hang-on-back-protein-skimmer-aquaready.html

 

[TX_REEF]

I've found that protein skimmers are not a piece of equipment to "go cheap" on. Even a quality unit can take a few weeks to "break in " to a point that it operates effectively. I'd be skeptical to purchase the unit you linked given the lack of reviews, maybe you can find some testimonials on youtube? You can tell a protein skimmer is working right because the collection chamber will fill with dark, nasty smelling liquid, and will not constantly fill with relatively clear liquid and overflow.

If I were you, I'd go with something more reputable, such as:

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/q...ZJOhOiv7kNlizI6MJVLGdpnjs3KEv4HUaAhnpEALw_wcB

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I mean the principle is the same across the board. It skims the gunk. You either like wet skim or dry skim. I'm more in the middle.

Some skimmers do have poor design that could lead to issues. But for the most parts its all about proper installation. I paid $40 for a magtool skimmer and it took a week for break in. Skimmed like a champ for my 15G.

Some skims are good out of the box. Some require break in periods to coat it before it works good.

Edit to add: Search the forum. Plenty of good reviews on the skimmer. Including youtube.

 

[sally666]

I've found that protein skimmers are not a piece of equipment to "go cheap" on. Even a quality unit can take a few weeks to "break in " to a point that it operates effectively. I'd be skeptical to purchase the unit you linked given the lack of reviews, maybe you can find some testimonials on youtube? You can tell a protein skimmer is working right because the collection chamber will fill with dark, nasty smelling liquid, and will not constantly fill with relatively clear liquid and overflow.

If I were you, I'd go with something more reputable, such as:

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/q...ZJOhOiv7kNlizI6MJVLGdpnjs3KEv4HUaAhnpEALw_wcB

I think I’ll keep my fluval protein skimmer. I turned it on last night and the bubbles were clear. My tank is only four days old. How soon before the bubbles turn brown? I only have live sand in the tank currently.

 

[TX_REEF]

the bubbles will generally appear clear when rising up the tube, but they should push organics up and over into the collection cup which should then appear as a brown liquid. When I ran a skimmer, it probably took a full 2 weeks from when it was brand new to skim "properly". As long as the collection cup isn't constantly overflowing with mostly clear tank water, you probably just need to give it time to "break in" which effectively means the interior will coat with a film that allows effective skimming. If it is overflowing, you'll need to reduce the amount of flow through the unit or raise the height of the collection cup.

Finally, if the tank itself is brand new, there aren't going to be many nutrients/organics in the water to skim. so, I wouldn't expect any noticeable skimming until you have some livestock, when your cycle is complete.

 

[sally666]

the bubbles will generally appear clear when rising up the tube, but they should push organics up and over into the collection cup which should then appear as a brown liquid. When I ran a skimmer, it probably took a full 2 weeks from when it was brand new to skim "properly". As long as the collection cup isn't constantly overflowing with mostly clear tank water, you probably just need to give it time to "break in" which effectively means the interior will coat with a film that allows effective skimming. If it is overflow, you'll need to reduce the amount of flow through the unit or raise the higher of the collection cup.

Finally, if the tank itself is brand new, there aren't going to be many nutrients/organics in the water to skim. so, I wouldn't expect any noticeable skimming until you have some livestock, when your cycle is complete.

Thanks! I’ll just be patient with my protein skimmer. This is the one I got:

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I've been using an aquaready 1.5 hob skimmer on my 32 for years, I'm happy with it.

I've also got the fluval ps2 skimmer, I was never happy with it myself so I stopped using it, its now part of my un-used equipment pile

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

I've found that protein skimmers are not a piece of equipment to "go cheap" on. Even a quality unit can take a few weeks to "break in " to a point that it operates effectively. I'd be skeptical to purchase the unit you linked given the lack of reviews, maybe you can find some testimonials on youtube? You can tell a protein skimmer is working right because the collection chamber will fill with dark, nasty smelling liquid, and will not constantly fill with relatively clear liquid and overflow.

If I were you, I'd go with something more reputable, such as:

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/q...ZJOhOiv7kNlizI6MJVLGdpnjs3KEv4HUaAhnpEALw_wcB

I have to respectfully disagree about not going cheap on a protein skimmer. I’ve had this inexpensive skimmer for almost two years now and it actually works decent, picking up smelly skimmate and controlling nutrients in my nano tank. Although in the beginning I did replace the original wooden airstone with an Eheim diffuser. Other than that no issues.
But . . . I recently purchased a Bubble Magus QQ2 but haven’t installed it yet.

 

[TX_REEF]

I have to respectfully disagree about not going cheap on a protein skimmer. I’ve had this inexpensive skimmer for almost two years now and it actually works decent, picking up smelly skimmate and controlling nutrients in my nano tank. Although in the beginning I did replace the original wooden airstone with an Eheim diffuser. Other than that no issues.
But . . . I recently purchased a Bubble Magus QQ2 but haven’t installed it yet.

there are always exceptions! Awesome to hear you found a bargain that works great :beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:

 

[jonnywink]

I’m getting a 29 gallon tank in the future and I only have bad experiences with protein skimmers with my current 10 FOWLR tank. The first one was an air powered protein skimmer that didn’t work very well and I even bought a Fluval protein skimmer but it was difficult to operate.

I found this hang on back protein skimmer on the web. Does anybody have experience with this and how do I know if it is on the correct setting?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bullet-3-hang-on-back-protein-skimmer-aquaready.html

I have the Bullet-2 and have no problem with it. Works great

 

[sally666]

Is this normal for fine misty bubbles to come out of a new protein skimmer?

 

[phillyb614]

I have a bullet 3. It is a fantastic skimmer! Highly recommend it. It might be a bit overkill for a 29 gallon, but all you would need to do is not run it constantly. Mine is on a 20 gallon that I’ve had running for years. The previous skimmer was a cheap $30 coralife and it wasn’t worth a crap. I eventually had a bad GHA issue and a cyano issue. Clearly too much nutrients in the water. The crud the bullet 3 pulled out of the water looked like over used motor oil.

If your tank is brand new, you are not going to see the skimmer pulling much out of the water until the tank gets a bit older and more waste is produced.

Anyway, that’s my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[sally666]

The collection cup of my skimmer is filling up with water. Is this normal? What if the entire collection cup is filled with water? How does it drain out?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

The collection cup of my skimmer is filling up with water. Is this normal? What if the entire collection cup is filled with water? How does it drain out?

Your tank is pristine. You will not skim anything until your tank has cycled and has produced excessive organic waste.

Water in the collection cup means your rate is too high. Turn the knob until you have clear bubbles just at the bottom of the collection tank.

I know you are eager to skim but your not going to skim when there is nothing to skim. Patience young Jedi!

 

[dg2028]

I also have the bullet 2. I put it on my heavily stocked 29 gallon 3 months ago and it has been working flawlessly. I should have put it on there at least a year and a half sooner to prevent algae outbreaks. It required no break in time or adjustments and produces dark skim right out of the box. No overflowing even when going two weeks without draining the collection cup. Put the airline under water when priming it.