Rate my skimmate

[bluecheese]

Tank’s been running since August 2021. First time using a skimmer.

Reed Octopus 110ext Recirculating Skimmer.

I just put the skimmer in the sump yesterday afternoon and let it run undisturbed all night. From what I understand, there is usually a break-in period for new skimmers.

I just don’t know if the skimmate is too wet, just right, or a normal product of a skimmer breaking in.

 

[TokenReefer]

Looks dirty. How's it smell?

 

[bluecheese]

Looks dirty. How's it smell?

Forgive me, I'm new to this, but isn't the skimmate supposed to be dirty?

It smelled a little funky. I have since emptied and cleaned the collection cup.

 

[Rp8]

Too wet. Adjustment should be made, then let it work for a couple days to see results. Ensure you follow directions for depth of water.
Bubbles should start low and build up to cup to ensure all waste particles are caught.

 

[bluecheese]

Too wet. Adjustment should be made, then let it work for a couple days to see results. Ensure you follow directions for depth of water.
Bubbles should start low and build up to cup to ensure all waste particles are caught.

Since its a recirculating skimmer, sump depth doesn't impact the water level in the skimmer.

There were basically zero instructions for this skimmer, other than an exploded view for assembly, and a warning not to plug it in with wet hands.

So, should the water level be brought down? Up? More air or less air?

 

[TokenReefer]

I have mine set to a slightly wetter skim like yours as I was trying to get nitrates down (removing more water with nitrates in it). This is part of dialing in how you want to remove waste. My skimmate load changes depending on the bio-load in the water to be skimmed out; keep that in mind. There won't be thick skimmate all the time, it reacts to your system; unless of course your system is always dirty lol

 

[TokenReefer]

Personally, just my opinion, I'd dump your cup and go about your day; looks good to me

 

[bluecheese]

I have mine set to a slightly wetter skim like yours as I was trying to get nitrates down (removing more water with nitrates in it). This is part of dialing in how you want to remove waste. My skimmate load changes depending on the bio-load in the water to be skimmed out; keep that in mind. There won't be thick skimmate all the time, it reacts to your system; unless of course your system is always dirty lol

Thanks. I figured since this the first time skimming this tank, it would get fairly nasty at first. I feed my fish a lot, so I expect a good bit of junk being skimmed out multiple times a day.

 

[Rp8]

+1 for token reefer. All though I run mine a little dryer. Tune it by opening or closing the air valve. Wetter more air dryer less. They take a week or so to break in and any adjustments take a day or so to see the final results. It’s your preference.

 

[Rp8]

P.s.
GO TIGERS!!!!

 

[bluecheese]

+1 for token reefer. All though I run mine a little dryer. Tune it by opening or closing the air valve. Wetter more air dryer less. They take a week or so to break in and any adjustments take a day or so to see the final results. It’s your preference.

Appreciate it. I'll leave it as is and monitor.

 

[TokenReefer]

Just one more thing to consider; it looks like a good skimmer (better than mine :) ). Just be careful it doesn't do too good of a job. If you've spent any time on the boards you may have come across the issues that bottoming out nutrients in a new tank can cause. I actually just scheduled it to be off for 8 hours during peak photo period because my nitrates are hovering very low...

 

[EakTheFreak]

Most have a break in period. I’ve only had 3 since entering the hobby. My first two took about 3 days to break in.

+1 to @TokenReefer about skimmate and color depending on how dirty your tank is.

Send an updated photo here in 3-4 days!!

 

[bluecheese]

Just one more thing to consider; it looks like a good skimmer (better than mine :) ). Just be careful it doesn't do too good of a job. If you've spent any time on the boards you may have come across the issues that bottoming out nutrients in a new tank can cause. I actually just scheduled it to be off for 8 hours during peak photo period because my nitrates are hovering very low...

I'll keep an eye on the parameters. I tried to get away with not putting a skimmer on this tank, but nitrates were starting to get out of control. With as much as I feed this tank, I suspect I won't have an issue with ultra-low nutrients.

 

[bluecheese]

P.s.
GO TIGERS!!!!

Geaux Tigers. Where y'at baw?

 

[Rmckoy]

IMO I would leave it break in for a few days after if the skimmate is still the same I would dial it back a little to produce a thicker and darker skimmate

 

[bluecheese]

IMO I would leave it break in for a few days after if the skimmate is still the same I would dial it back a little to produce a thicker and darker skimmate

Dial the air intake back?

 

[Rmckoy]

Dial the air intake back?

Being a recirculating skimmer you can open a gate valve to allow more water to exit the chamber ? Im trying to relate to my external skimmers ….

I would leave it break in for a few days . But later if the same I would lower the water level , air or combination of both to produce less foam . Which would end with a darker and thicker skimmate

 

[bluecheese]

Being a recirculating skimmer you can open a gate valve to allow more water to exit the chamber ? Im trying to relate to my external skimmers ….

I would leave it break in for a few days . But later if the same I would lower the water level , air or combination of both to produce less foam . Which would end with a darker and thicker skimmate

I believe it should work exactly like your external skimmers - this is an external skimmer (I have it in the sump because of space issues.)

So, the gate valve can control water level inside the skimmer.

 

[Big Smelly fish]

It’s too wet for my taste, i shim more on the dryer side. Darker green