BioCube Skimming Question

[dileggi]

Hey everyone! I had a question about running a protein skimmer in my biocube.

I have a bc29. I purchased the Oceanic bc skimmer. In order to run the skimmer, I have to remove the filter pad from the intake/first chamber. When I do this, I swear that my water started to have a cloudy look. I assumed this was from removing that carbon pad. But, I also wasn't collecting anything from the skimmer. The tank is about 4 months old. So, I disconnected the skimmer and put the filter bad back in.

Now, I just read someplace that it could take a week or two for the "break in" period for a skimmer once it's up and running.

My question is, should I run the skimmer and forego the filter pad? Or has someone come up with a way to do both? Also, does anyone know if it's true about a break in period for a skimmer?

Thanks in advance!

[mfp1016]

Yes, skimmers usually have a week to break in. Basically a slime coat must develop inside the skimmer.

I would forgo the carbon because it reduces your ability to turn your system over. You can just get a $2, 250 micron bag and put carbon in that and put it in your second chamber.

To mount my BC 29, I cut a piece of plastic that fits into that carbon pad slot. This way I can adjust the height of my skimmer.

[dileggi]

Thanks mfp. What about all the debris and such that the pad captures? I'm assuming without that there, it would just all filter back into the tank, right?