New to skimmers

[SGT]

I picked up the aquamaxx hf-m for my new saltwater tank to begin cycling. The skimmer is pumping stuff back out of the breather tube like crazy. If I lower the box too far it spews everywhere. Should I have waited for every to settle after putting the sand and water in before turning the filtration on? Here is a picture to get an idea of what is happening.

 

[Bethany Yates]

I picked up the aquamaxx hf-m for my new saltwater tank to begin cycling. The skimmer is pumping stuff back out of the breather tube like crazy. If I lower the box too far it spews everywhere. Should I have waited for every to settle after putting the sand and water in before turning the filtration on? Here is a picture to get an idea of what is happening.

It looks like the water level is too high. The water/bubble line that is sitting at that blue circle should be at the base of that clear plastic collection cup. Also, in a brand new tank, there will not be enough organic matter dissolved in the water for a skimmer to function properly. Better wait until the tank is cycled and under a bioload.

 

[SGT]

It looks like the water level is too high. The water/bubble line that is sitting at that blue circle should be at the base of that clear plastic collection cup. Also, in a brand new tank, there will not be enough organic matter dissolved in the water for a skimmer to function properly. Better wait until the tank is cycled and under a bioload.

Thanks for the info! I'll just let it be and adjust the height.

 

[jda]

Lower the water level as far as it will go. If it still overflow, then you need to wait until the water clears up - some filter floss or a small-micron filter sock will help you here.

If it overflows a bit after this, then just let it run since some will overflow for a while as they "break in" which is otherwise known as removing the grease/stuff from the manufacturing and shipping process. It should settle down in a day or two, if not much sooner.

 

[Rmckoy]

#1 with above . being new there will not be enough dissolved organic matter to remove .
but that being said .
a skimmer will have a break in period and it will be higher than normal .

 

[jda]

Even if there is no organic material to remove, which is very true in new tanks, a skimmer does wonderful things with gas exchange. I would run it as soon as possible.

 

[KTrevino]

Agree with the everyone, won't pull organics out until fish are added. Normal for it to over-skim in this stage of a tank. Can turn on or leave off, like mentioned can increase oxygen saturation of the tank water although there is not any livestock to benefit.

 

[SGT]

Thank you everyone for the comments and helpful tips. I'll make some minor adjustments and see what becomes of it.

 

[SGT]

Just a little update: it's already starting to calm down. I've lowered it some since the original post and there is nothing bubbling over or spewing out the breather tube. Thanks again for the advice. I was starting to wonder if I might have a mess on the floor.

 

[Jen1978]

I am starting my build on my 55gal and bought the same HOB last november on black friday. How are you liking it's performance so far?