Skimmer intermittency

[Dub]

I have observed that my skimmer produces skimate, however upon checking It i will find no bubbles reaching the collection cup, as if it only works part time. Also there is

a lot of air coming out from under the skimmer all the time (see picture).

 

[Water Dog]

What skimmer are you running and what size tank do you have? I ask because oversized skimmers will often idle until there are enough organics in the water column to skim. So “intermittent skimming” with oversized skimmers is not uncommon. Not sure if you’re running an oversized skimmer or not, but that some nice dark nog you’ve got in your collection cup!

 

[Dub]

I have Red Sea Reefer 170, a 34g DT and 9g sump. The skimmer is a red devil skimmer. At the present time I have it stocked with 2 green/blue Chromis, 2 clowns, 2 yellow tailed damsels 1 fire shrimp, 1 flame angel, 4 mushrooms, and several crabs and snails. The tank was set up 2 months ago and has had steady parameters.
Thanks for your reply I know the skimmer is a cheaper one and I’m considering buying another one but will need one with a small foot print.

 

[Water Dog]

Based on your picture and the dark skimmate it’s producing, I’d say it’s performing quite nicely.