Skimmer questions..

[Stege_saurus]

I have never ran a skimmer before, so I'm rather new to this. I finally was able to purchase one although it's on the cheaper side compared to what others may run.

-What is the best way to "tune" a skimmer?
I want to dry skim because I feel that may be a bit more effective. Any time I adjust the valve on it, it doesn't seem to be aligned how I feel it should be.
-How can I be sure it's really working as it should?
I haven't seen any discolored skim in the collection cup, it all seems to be the same clear color as the aquarium water.
-Am I able to use any rubber mat type material to help silence it?
It's not overbearing, but I can still hear the vibrations slightly.

If you need pictures of my setup or anything for clarification, feel free to ask.

 

[Billldg]

First and foremost, how old is the tank? Also, what type of skimmer did you purchase?

 

[Stege_saurus]

Tank is one year old, Coralife 220 Skimmer

 

[cmaxwell39]

The corallife skimmer is tricky to adjust. I ran one a looong time ago. While it can be tuned, it was never entirely stable and consistent.

Do you have a picture of how it is set up and running currently?

Also, you said that the skimmate you were getting is clear like the tank water. How long does it take for the skimmate to collect?

Adjusting a skimmer is a make an adjustment and check it in hours/overnight to get it dialed in. It will take the skimmer a while to stabilize after an adjustment is made so you have to give it some time. Also, if this is a new skimmer, it will take a while for the skimmer to "break in" and build the slime coat that is necessary for it to operate correctly. I would run it for a few days/a week with the valve wide open and then you can slowly start closing the valve to raise the water level in the skimmer and start getting skimmate.