New skimmer advice

[AzReefn]

I just got my (new) skimmer today [emoji16]
I ended up getting the SCA 302 and after reading hundreds of reviews I am happy to say I didn't have any issues, and was quite impressed with the build quality. Now I'm a noobie and dont really know much about ers (except the principle) but, after reading about all the small issues people were having it appears they've addressed them all. I can elaborate if anyone is interested. I'm sure higher dollar brands are of even better quality but, if it performs I'm happy.
So, I rinsed it and put it in the sump at 8" of water. Should I have the bubbles high near the reaction chamber/cup, or should I keep it very low while breaking in?

 

[Mal11224]

Hi, if you are not getting an overflow then your skimmer may very well be broken in. Usually during the break in process, the skimmer overflows even on the lowest setting. If yours is not doing that then you should try to fine tune it to where you can draw skimmate gradually into the collection cup. The skimmate will gradually thicken as it moves closer to the rim of the cup.

 

[4FordFamily]

Hi, if you are not getting an overflow then your skimmer may very well be broken in. Usually during the break in process, the skimmer overflows even on the lowest setting. If yours is not doing that then you should try to fine tune it to where you can draw skimmate gradually into the collection cup. The skimmate will gradually thicken as it moves closer to the rim of the cup.

Agreed

 

[AzReefn]

Hi, if you are not getting an overflow then your skimmer may very well be broken in. Usually during the break in process, the skimmer overflows even on the lowest setting. If yours is not doing that then you should try to fine tune it to where you can draw skimmate gradually into the collection cup. The skimmate will gradually thicken as it moves closer to the rim of the cup.

Ok, I raised the bubbles a few inches from the top. It seems to be working good, it only overflowed when I turned it up. So when I start getting junk then I adjust for wet or dry skimmate correct? Any preference on wet or dry?

 

[Mal11224]

Ok, I raised the bubbles a few inches from the top. It seems to be working good, it only overflowed when I turned it up. So when I start getting junk then I adjust for wet or dry skimmate correct? Any preference on wet or dry?

Sounds good. Dry skimmate is better in my opinion. The waste is thicker and more concentrated. Also, a wet skimmate may pull too much of your good water out of the tank and cause your salinity to dip if you are using an ATO (auto top off). It will thicken and you will see the brown stuff accumulate.