Problems with skimmer?

[ryanj]

I have set up a new tank about a month ago. I bought a seaclone 100 skimmer, mainly because of its price in comparision to other brands. Its been up and running everyday for the past 3-3.5 weeks, but nothing is collection in the cup. Is it because the tank is new? I put live rock in there 3 weeks ago after the skimmer was running, there seems to be a lot of junk (brown stuff that comes off when a fish picks at it) on the rock and in the sand. Should the protein skimmer be getting ride of this or my power filter? Fish are fine and so are water tests. Is the best way to get ride of all the stuff settling on the bottom to just vaccum it out? Thanks for all of your help.

[dme330i]

While this skimmer is considered "low performing" it should have at least collected some "stuff" in 3 - 3.5 weeks. Make sure you've followed the directions. Is the water level in the skimmer correct? Is it producing bubbles? There are several variables that could be affecting the performance - hard to say.

[ryanj]

bubbles coming from where? coming from the return into the tank, in the cylinder, in the intake tube. Where are there supposed to be bubbles. And I will go home tonight and go back through the manual. (i thought of that) Its just a read some stuff on skimmers today here and I got kinda worried. Let me knew where the bubbles are supposed to be. Thanks

[dme330i]

The majority of the bubbles should be in the cylinder (some will probably make their way out of the return). If you don't have bubbles in the cylinder, then it's not skimming (thus, no skimmate).

[ryanj]

pretty sure i have bubbles in the cylinder. will check asap when i get home. Thanks a ton.

[Geoff]

the entire large chamber should be filled with fine bubbles. these bubbles collect the DOM (dissolved organic material). it is then pushed out the top of the skimmer neck into the collection cup. you want a foam to be coming out of the neck. it should be slightly wet, not brown and crusty. you will prolly end up dumping it once a day for a skimmer of that size.

G~

[ballvice]

Ryan,

I have the same skimmer and am loving it... Make sure it is put together by the instructions...critical components are the air-line that connects throught the sponge filter, and the plastic connector that connects to the powerhead (inside the sponge)....

Be sure ALL of your fittings are tight, especiall the collection cup....

Going back to the air-line..make sure you put the black adapter at the other end with teh air flow adjuster....

My recommendation..crank it all the way open and get some foam going and then throttle it back.

I have heard a lot of people tank this unit down, but it has worked flawless for me with VERY MINOR tweaking.

Frank

[ryanj]

Guys,

Thanks, turns out i come home and there are no bubbles in the freakin cylinder. So i adjusted the air intake and bubbles are already flowing into the cup. Should be good now. THanks for the advice. Anyone know anything about blue tangs? I've had one for about 5 days, it hides alot in one particular spot. I also noticed a white dot on its side today. Stress related. I do have two damsels that i have had for over a month. I am getting ride of them this weekend. Do you think maybe they cause the tang stress.?

Ryan

[ballvice]

Does it look like Ich?

I don't even know if Ich exists in SW...SW is relatively new to me.

Frank

[ballvice]

BTW..keep me updated on your SeaClone..>I like mine so far (its a loaner) and I may actually buy it of my bud (not that he cares) or a larger one.

Frank

[PufferMatt]

i love the seaclone 100s, ive owned three in the past and have been very pleased with them.

[ryanj]

Just to let you guys know, i read up on the regal tang. Everyone who has had one for some time say for the first week or two they hide alot and get a few white spots, but then go away in a day or two after you see the spots. I was getting worried, just spent every dollar i had on that fish and i didnt want to kill him because i put him in the tank too soon or with the wrong tankmates. Hopefully he'll be fine. And about the skimmer, since i adjusted it, crap is already building up.

[loren]

does the seaclone 100s, make any noise ?

[ballvice]

Mine makes very little...the "WHISPER" filter on my 55G FW right next to the 55G SW is WAY noisier...I wonder why they call it a Whisper...**** thing sounds like a SCREAMER!

GRIN

Frank