Skimmer Question

ENARP · Mar 10, 2016

I have a Cadlights Nano Skimmer on my JBJ 45. It is not running yet and probably won't be for over a month while going through cycle. I have run skimmers before, but they were all with wooden air stones...(old school). I turned it on just to test it and it ran over immediately. Adjusted it down to where the water level was about 5 inches down in the tube. The smallest adjustment sent it back over the top. I have read they need to be "broke in", not sure exactly what that means. I was just wondering if 5 inches is too low for the skim to reach the cup or will the break in solve that? I guess I am just looking for someone who has had one and can give me some advise on how these "new fangled gizmos" need to be set initially.

john.m.cole3 · Mar 10, 2016

When I first got my skimmer it "flooded" all the time. I dialed it down to its lowest setting for 3 days, then slooooowly made minute adjustments until it produced a skimmate I was happy with. I marked that spot with a sharpie. Every time I clean it, it has to re-break in if you will. I've found a low spot that allows it to re-break in for 24 hours and marked that spot too. Now I follow my marked spots for just after cleaning and normal use. Good Luck!

Catchemall · Mar 10, 2016

When I first bought mine it did the same thing. I had read that it needed to break in so I did the viniger bath then reinstalled added the drain tube and routed it back into my sump. Well all that really did imo was place what it was trying to get out of the water back in. I really don't think it ever needed broke in because what I did was let it overflow into a bucket and get out what it needed to get out. It overflowed a gallon and stopped and worked like a champ immediately. So it's prob just trying to do its job. It's crazy what these things are capable of really.

sbash · Mar 10, 2016

I have an AquaMaxx ConeS (CO-3 I think), it felt like it took forever to break in and actually start producing real skimmate. I swear, it took weeks, if not a couple months. I had to have it wide open in order to not flood for the first while, eventually I was able to slowly start dialing it in.

I suspect the entire skimmer needs to develop a good slime coat before it can work effectively. If it is overflowing at the most open setting, you could put it high up, and slowly lower it into the water to the recommended level, then start closing the valve.

ReeferBob · Mar 11, 2016

Most skimmers should be run 24-48 hours with the collection cup off and running over to start breaking in.

dacianb · Mar 11, 2016

Actually molding those plastic parts, manufacturers add tiny amount of oils to be able to remove the parts from molds. Wash the skimmer with vinegar and the "breaking" period will be much lower.
This small amount of oils makes them so inefficient for a while.

john.m.cole3 · Mar 11, 2016

dacianb said:
Actually molding those plastic parts, manufacturers add tiny amount of oils to be able to remove the parts from molds. Wash the skimmer with vinegar and the "breaking" period will be much lower.
This small amount of oils makes them so inefficient for a while.

That sir, is useful information.