Substance in Skimmer

[newton27]

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]

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]

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]

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?