8
R
UNNING IN
While running in the skimmer,
do not use a separate
collection bottle outside of the
sump as overskimming could
easily lead to flooding your
floor with skimmate.
Check levels daily and
adjust if required.
Running in the Skimmer
Because a completely
clean skimmer will require
running in again, it is
generally recommended
that overcleaning the body of the
skimmer be avoided.
The procedures shown on the
following pages are required to keep
the skimmer running efficiently and
will not lead to the need to run in the
skimmer again.
NEVER clean any skimmer
components with detergents
or any other household
cleaning products. ONLY
use products designed for marine
aquarium use.
Adjusting for Desired Performance
When adjusting water level in skimmer, a higher water level will give you more liquid in the collection
cup (“Wet” skimming) while a lower water level will collect a dryer skimmate (“Dry” skimming)
Dry skimming.
Slower but less
water is lost.
Wet skimming.
Faster but more
water is lost.
A new protein skimmer (or one that has been thoroughly cleaned) requires a running in
period before it reaches peak efficiency. During this time, it may spill microbubbles into
the sump and may under/overskim.
For this reason, your skimmer will require daily inspection and adjustment. This is
commonly known as running in the skimmer. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Be aware that a new aquarium may have little to remove at first. As the aquarium matures and
the skimmer is run in, it will begin to collect dissolved material in the collection cup (known as
“skimmate”).
