Substance in Skimmer

newton27 · 12-03-2006, 10:07 AM

Hello all, I have started my system up two days ago,

40g
20lbs of LR to cure system with
caribsea sea bed, 4 inchs thick
wet/dry system
heater
air driven skimmer in wet/dry box

The question is: What is the clear substance in the skimmer? Mine has a weird smell, hard to describe, totally clear. I have seen pictures of the skimmers in action on established tanks and see the foaming, it has color. This stuff looks like concentrated saltwater...should I have anything at all yet, as the system is only been running two days.

All chemistry is correct.

Mr.Firemouth · 12-03-2006, 09:16 PM

It sounds like wet foam. Wet foam is the saltwater that pumps up to the cup instead of the bubbles bursting and leaving the skimmate behind. I would make sure you adjust the hieght of the skimmer so that you are getting a drier foam.

newton27 · 12-04-2006, 08:26 AM

OK, it has a real pungent smell...It is clear though, should I dump this (clear liquid) back in the water and adjust?

Mr.Firemouth · 12-04-2006, 09:43 AM

NO!!! Never return anything from the skimmer back to the tank. Dump it out and clean your skimmer at least once a week for best performance.

Does your skimmer have any adjustments on it?
Can you raise or lower it so the bubbles are just below the surface of the tube?

12-03-2006, 10:07 AM	#1
newton27 Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 37	Substance in Skimmer Hello all, I have started my system up two days ago, 40g 20lbs of LR to cure system with caribsea sea bed, 4 inchs thick wet/dry system heater air driven skimmer in wet/dry box The question is: What is the clear substance in the skimmer? Mine has a weird smell, hard to describe, totally clear. I have seen pictures of the skimmers in action on established tanks and see the foaming, it has color. This stuff looks like concentrated saltwater...should I have anything at all yet, as the system is only been running two days. All chemistry is correct.

12-03-2006, 09:16 PM	#2
Mr.Firemouth Tenant Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St. louis Area Posts: 57	It sounds like wet foam. Wet foam is the saltwater that pumps up to the cup instead of the bubbles bursting and leaving the skimmate behind. I would make sure you adjust the hieght of the skimmer so that you are getting a drier foam. __________________ WHAT'S IN YOUR TANK?

12-04-2006, 09:43 AM	#4
Mr.Firemouth Tenant Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St. louis Area Posts: 57	NO!!! Never return anything from the skimmer back to the tank. Dump it out and clean your skimmer at least once a week for best performance. Does your skimmer have any adjustments on it? Can you raise or lower it so the bubbles are just below the surface of the tube? __________________ WHAT'S IN YOUR TANK?

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12-04-2006, 08:26 AM	#3
newton27 Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 37	OK, it has a real pungent smell...It is clear though, should I dump this (clear liquid) back in the water and adjust?

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