need help tuning my skimmer

[tom dylewski]

I have an ETS Super Reef Devil skimmer. Unfortunately, no matter what I try I cannot get a stable foam column. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to tune this skimmer, or if I just need a bigger pump (it came with a CAP 1800).

Thanks

Tom

[Skipper]

Skimmers can take from anywhere to a week, up to three weeks to break in. Patience is the keyword with a new skimmer.

[pstolfo]

Skipper,
Just curious,why does it take so long to "break in" a skimmer?

Psychopauly

[Skipper]

I'm not a 100% sure on this, but I would bet that it has to do with a biofilm forming on all the surfaces of the skimmer.

[pstolfo]

Skipper,

So a used skimmer has to be broken in like a new skimmer? Do skimmers have to rebreak-in after cleaning them? Just curious, all I've ever used are multiple backpacks on my tanks-never a real skimmer.
thanks
Psychopauly

[Skipper]

Do skimmers have to rebreak-in after cleaning them?
If you have removed it and done a thorough cleaning....yes. If you have just cleaned a portion of it....no. However, with a minor cleaning it may take a few hours before it is back to normal skimming.

[tom dylewski]

well, my super reef devil has been running for a month... I checked AE Techs website, and they say that a RIO 2100 is the best pump for the skimmer... I couldn't find one locally, so I got a RIO 2500. Needless to say, the skimmer is running extremely well now, and I have a nice stable foam that doesn't disappear for no reason whatsoever (witht he CAP 1800, I'd get a nice column, come back a couple hours later, and there would be almost no foam!)....

Tom

[drtango]

Consider dumping the bio-balls and doing the Beckett foam head modification (search on Beckett)--I did this after much fiddling and frustration--the ETSS works 100% better. Foam heads can be found at HD pond section for about 13.00. I use a Rio 3100.

JT