Running a Skimmer

[Scuba1]

I started my skimmer today, but not sure what should happen?
I have a prizm, I could see bubbles in the chamber, but they remained in the same position, should they rise into the top chamber? If so how long should this take asi had it on for 3 hours testing, but nothing happened.

it is also fairly loud (in the living room) is it OK to have it on a timer to run all the time except between 3pm & 9pm? or is it essential to run all the time?

thanks

[rdaled]

Best to run a skimmer as much as possible. Most run one 24/7. They also may take several days to break in and start producing skimmate. My Remora took about 3-4 days to really kick in.

I'm not familiar with the Prizm so not sure on the noise thing.

[skeety]

as someone very familiar with the prism, let me chime in.

Most people HATE this skimmer. Personally, I think it's not to bad. Does take a good amount of tweaking, but for it's size and price, it'll work.

First piece of advice...for the next few weeks, keep a CLOSE eye on it. Check it frequently. As early on, they can VERY easily start overflowing.

There is a dial on top of the intake tube that is used to regulate the intake. See the attached diagram to figure out what I'm talking about in my notes to follow.

I've had the best luck dialing the skimmer in such that (looking at the body of the skimmer), the bubbles go down to about the red line I drew (most efficient way to set it). If you can't see that, then your best bet is to dial it in so that the bubbles in the column leading into the collection cup START at the blue line (not as good as the red-line method, but still pretty good).

To dial it in wetter (after cleaning the tank), drop the bubbles a bit below the red line, or a bit above the blue line. To skim more dry dark skimmate, above the red line, or below the blue line.

This skimmer's collection cup will need cleaned at least ONCE a week. If you clean it MORE than that, you will have pretty good results with this skimmer.

Please note, you probably won't see any skimmate for about a week or so. It takes time for ANY new skimmer to get broken in.

But do keep an eye on it until you see regular consistent results.

Please feel free to come back with more questions.

[Scuba1]

Skeety, thanks for the reply.
If i do turn the skimmer off for a while, am i starting from scratch, or will the skimmate still be there.

Im reluctant to leave it on all day.

1) Because my girlfriend wont be impressed with the sounds it makes!
2) Dont want it to overflow when im not there!!

I have also bought Purigen (a filtration sack) as LFS said this will help.
Do I put this in the canister filter, near the top or bottom of filter?
And is a 400l bag suitable for 180l tank?
(ive asked this on another post, but though id metion it here too )

thanks