Bubble level in skimmer?

[SmoothSmoke]

Where should the level of bubbles be at in a skimmer? I've uploaded a photo and marked some lines. Which color is the line where I want the bubbles to reach to?

 

[ReeferEric]

It's all dependent on how much you want to skim. I have mine right at the bottom of the cup where the purple is, It's a little more wet, but thats fine with me.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

It's all dependent on how much you want to skim. I have mine right at the bottom of the cup where the purple is, It's a little more wet, but thats fine with me.

Thanks! I really have no clue where to set it at and where it is optimal. I have it set to where the red line is at. But nothing in the cup yet. Have it running since yesterday.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Between the Blue and Pink line. I keep adjusting mine on a every other day basis to keep it there.

 

[ritter6788]

I keep my water level between the blue and the pink, closer to the blue though. Right where the water ends and the bubbles start. I like to set it as high as possible without overflowing the cup or skimming too wet. I get a thick brown/black skimmate, not tea colored.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Thanks for the feedback! So how does skimmate gets into the collection cup if the bubble level is below the top of the cup?

 

[ritter6788]

Thanks for the feedback! So how does skimmate gets into the collection cup if the bubble level is below the top of the cup?

The head of foam will increase and decrease depending on different factors. Picture a soda with a little foam on top, now blow bubbles into it with a straw and the bubbles will multiply and rise towards the top of the glass. Same with a skimmer. You actually want to set an internal water level and not a bubble level. The bubble level will vary depending on feeding, nutrients and other outside influences. The internal water level should remain fairly consistent.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

This is how mine is set at thia moment. Im very confused. Not sure if I should raise the foam level.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Close ups

 

[ritter6788]

Sorry if I'm confusing you more!

Looks like your internal water level is at a good starting place. You can gradually increase it over time until you start collecting skimmate in the cup. You don't want to start out too high or you will get overflows. Start low and work your way up until you find a spot you like.

 

[SmoothSmoke]

Awesome thanks! I have no corals or fish in yet. Still cycling. Trying to learn how to use the skimmer. Hoping to have it broken in by the time the cycle is completed. Thanks for your help.