Problem Dialing in Protein Skimmer

[shadynate]

I have an all-in-one tank from redsea. Specifically, the max nano peninsula. I took the protein skimmer out because I could not dial it in. Either it was not creating bubbles to fill into the cup, or from the most minuscule adjustment on the air, overflowing the cup.

But then I realized, I had no fish in the tank when I was doing that. I could only imagine for a skimmer to work properly, there has to be some bio load. Am I correct in that thinking? Or do I just not know how to dial in the skimmer?

 

[crazyfishmom]

It can take a few days for a skimmer to stop overflowing when you first set it up and yes you need some protein/fats/bacteria to help skimmate formation. It’s normally advised that you leave the cup off for a few days after you set it up if it is overflowing.

 

[Rob Biederman]

did you break in the skimmer? A lot of them have air reduction valves to help with the issues you are seeing. I am no expert though I never had a skimmer with no fish so the bioload to skim out

 

[Rob Biederman]

No bioload*