jdjeff58,
Congratulations on your purchase! Let me lend a hand to your questions...
1) The ideal water level for the RS180 is right at the top of the inlet elbow. That optimizes pump efficiency and ability to adjust the outlet pipe which controls the minimum water level in the skimmer and thus the foamate level and skimmate quality. If the water level is too high it will raise the minimum water level in the skimmer and make it less flexible/ efficient.
2)Try pulling out the inlet pipe a bit. That will allow more flexibility when connecting the pump outlet elbow to the body. It is not uncommon on the RS Series for there to be a small offset between the pump outlet and inlet. It will not negatively affect skimmer performance in any way.
3)Neoprene (wetsuit material) is an excellent buffer between the skimmer body/ pump and the sump floor. It can go a long way towards eliminating/ limiting the transfer of vibrational energy from the skimmer pump to the sump to the cabinet etc...
4) The sticker will not peel of nor should it be peeled off. It is waterproof vinyl. No Worries
5) A warm water & vinegar bath is very helpful to clean the skimmer out before installing it. It will minimize the break in period if not eliminate it.
6)Not usually.
7)The lid does not fasten to the cup top. The groove on the lid rests on the rim of the cup. The holes are for ventilation so that pressure will not build up in the cup and cause the lid to POP off...
Hope those answers help.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the skimmer!!!
-Jeff