skimmer problem

[fielder]

I am new to the hobby, so haven't got a clue. I have a percula 90 with a turboflotor skimmer. My question is quite general though, the foam is white at the moment although some scummy stuff is appearing now and then coz we have live rock in there at the mo. Where abouts is the foam s'posed to be in the foam cup? Is it s'posed to be spilling over into it fast or not really going in there at all, or does it not matter if the foam is white? I am so confused, I went to ask the lfs where i bought it and they weren't very helpful. Also, is the water around the skimmer s'posed to be bubbly too?
Any help would be much appreciated coz we would like a fish asap!!!

Caroline

[Jason McKenzie]

Hey Caroline, Welcome to 3REEF.

I can only gather that your skimmer has an air in-take line that can be adjusted. If you fine there is a ton of foam in the collection cup that is clear (White) then the skimmer is getting too much air. I would decrease the air going into the skimmer a little at a time. The skimmer should build up a dry column of foam and spill into the cup. The foam bubbles should then pop and the liquid should be green in colour. Now because your tank is so new it may take some time for the skimmer to really start working. All skimmers have a break-in period of a couple of weeks.

Make sure your tank has completed it's cycle before you add any fish.
Check out some of the links on the left hand side of the page there is a lot of great info @ 3REEF

Jason

[fielder]

ok, still don't quite get it though. I have been fiddling with the air regulator valve as you suggested which has been very educational! I still don't quite get it tho, the foam cup is full of water, as the foam spils into it, it turns to water and it doesn't take long to fill up. I turned the air down, then the foam didn't reach the top to spill into the cup at all. What do i need to do?

[JohnO]

Hi Caroline,

Refer here for some instructions

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_..._2.asp?CartId=

quote " The quantity of sucked air should be adjusted so, that 75 % of the reaction pipe are filled with air bubbles. After the first start, it takes some hours before the first foam is pushed into the collection cup. This is due to a reaction between the surface of the acrylic glass and the aquarium water. An equilibrium of electrical loadings must take place. After 24 hours latest, the foam should be pushed evenly into the collection cup. The quantity of liquid and organic substances depends on the pollution of the aquarium "