Octopus Break In Period

[Serpentman2024]

I'm running a new Classic 152-S Protein Skimmer. I expected it needed to be broken in so just letting it overflow back into the sump. Just curious how long the break in period typically is. Days? Weeks?

 

[tzabor10]

You can certainly adjust it. But depending on your tank and nutrients it will certainly vary

 

[Serpentman2024]

You can certainly adjust it. But depending on your tank and nutrients it will certainly vary

This is definitely due to break in. It's wide open and in 7" of water and overflowing like a volcano. I'm not worried about it. Just curious how long these typically take to break in.

 

[Serpentman2024]

Update: Still way overflowing. FYI, from the Coralvue site: "All skimmers require a break in period before any stable formation of foam will be made or collected. This process can take up to 4 weeks especially with smaller systems

 

[Manpeckz]

Is the cup set to the highest level for the darkest skimmate?

 

[Serpentman2024]

Is the cup set to the highest level for the darkest skimmate?

Yes. And I actually raised the skimmer so its even shallower than normal recommendation. Everything is running wide open. Its definitely just going through its break in period. I'm not too worried. Just wanted to post the update as an FYI.

 

[crazyfishmom]

It is really all over the place. One of mine took 2 days to stop going nuts. I had another one that took almost 4 weeks. A lot of it has to do with actual protein buildup and water volume and what needs to be pulled out. It may take a bit of time.

 

[Serpentman2024]

It is really all over the place. One of mine took 2 days to stop going nuts. I had another one that took almost 4 weeks. A lot of it has to do with actual protein buildup and water volume and what needs to be pulled out. It may take a bit of time.

I'm just impatient. It's like a nonstop volcano! lol. Been a while since I've used a new one. In hindsight, I probably should have rinsed in vinegar before using it. I bought an Aquamaxx HOB for my 40B tank and it was pulling gunk within a couple of days.

 

[scrappy35]

I’ve got a Red Sea skimmer “breaking in” now. Overflowing like crazy and turned all the way down. The last one in a mature tank took a few weeks to settle in and actually work right.

 

[Serpentman2024]

So finally got this thing dialed in, sort of. They say it should sit in 8-9” inches of water. More like 3-4”. As the tank matures, I’m guessing I may have to drop it down.