ATB 840 Skimmer help

I just got my new ATB 840 v1.5 skimmer on Friday.

I set up (I think I set it up right - there were no instructions or anything) and turned it on in 6" of freshwater in an extra tank I have. It has the large pinwheel on it.

The skimmer is very loud. It makes this strong rattling noise. This noise goes away when I block the air intake tube but then this causes the water level to flood the collection cup. Anyone have any advice or experience with this? It has been running for about 12 hrs straight now.


On a side note, any recommendations on how to clean and break in the skimmer (I heard vinegar solutions are a good idea)?

This is my first skimmer so I am eager to hear your opinions.

Thanks

 

Just let it run. It will quiet down. You can use vinegar... but I always just throw mine in. Vinegar will clean it, but it has to get slimed up and broke in. You want the bubbles breaking about half way up the neck, just let it go for a week and tune it then.

 

So far the bubbles it makes all pop on the surface of the water in the skimmer and are big fat bubbles not the small fine ones I see online. I dont have any climbing up the side. I can adjust how high the water level is in the skimmer - should the water level be about half way up the side? Does it matter that it is now running in tap water?

thanks

 

You won't get the Bubbles your looking for in freshwater, I'm sure it will be pretty thick in your sump though that's a nice skimmer.

 

+1. It matters.Skimmers don't work in fresh water especially with no organics. Put it in the sump and let it go.