Dialing in SWC skimmer

[DHaut]

So I just got the new SWC 160 Cone skimmer and, since I'm pretty noob to big skimmers (I only ever had an airstone skimmer and an aquac remora that was kinda meh) I could use some help on how to work this thing.

I've got it in abou 7-8" of water and it's got what I think is a good bubble column. It's overrated for my tank, so I don't know if that makes a difference. Anyone have any tips for getting it dialed in to pull at least some darker tea colored skimmate? I don't really understand what the air valve adjuster does either.

Thanks for the help!

 

[chinatown]

I got the 120. The air valve controls how big the air bubbles are in the skimmer and the gate valve controls the water level inside the skimmer. I adjusted the gate valve to a point where the bubbles are reaching the neck of the collection cup and i get fairly dark skimmate.

 

[DHaut]

So for the air valve, do you have more or less air? Bigger or small bubbles?

 

[chinatown]

I set it to the max (+) end. I really can't tell the difference to be honest.

 

[DHaut]

Yeah, that's good to hear. I could tell a difference either. It seems like when I set my bubble break level closer to the top of the collection cup it always overflows. My bubble level doesn't stay consistent for some reason - I guess it's just the break-in period.

 

[nanchil]

I have the same skimmer and it took more than a week to break in. And +1 to chinatown's commends.

 

[DHaut]

cool...i'll give it more time then. thanks.

 

[DEL]

leave it on - all the way for about 2 days..leave the little plug open so it overflows back to your sump..in 2 days..slowly move it to the + side..until its cranked all the way..then adjust the height of the bubbles..should be about an inch below neck..make sure to put the little plug back as well..

 

[DHaut]

now there's an idea!

ok, so crank water level all the way up, crank air valve all the way to "-" and unplug cup to let it flow back to tank for 2 days. then adjust air to "+" and then turn water level down. I'll give it a shot.

thanks!

I'll give it a shot.

 

[chinatown]

is it better to have it all the way to + or -?