| If you are new to the aquarium many tasks may | | | | manufacturing. Generally in my experience this is |
| seem quite daunting. However with a little bit of | | | | no longer necessary. Most of the latest skimmers |
| research and persistence the setup and | | | | on the market will start pulling skimmate |
| maintenance of an aquarium should be quite easy | | | | immediately with no prior break in or cleaning. |
| and enjoyable. The protein skimmer is the most | | | | So first thing is first. Assemble the skimmer |
| important part of the aquarium. Not only does it | | | | according to the manufacturer instructions. Place |
| provide you with a nutrient export, but it also | | | | the skimmer into the sump and make sure it is |
| keeps your water crystal clear. | | | | level and in the correct amount of water. When |
| Below I am going to provide some explanations | | | | choosing the placement of the skimmer find a |
| as what to look for when setting up a protein | | | | place that doesn't have to much water flowing |
| skimmer as well as certain aspects to consider | | | | moving by. To much water flow moving by the |
| before purchasing. | | | | skimmer is going to reduce the efficiency of the |
| Checklist | | | | skimmer greatly. So if you are using a large |
| 1. What size is your aquarium? Make sure you buy | | | | return pump that is more than 4-6x your water |
| a skimmer that is rated double your actual | | | | volume you will want to go with an external |
| aquarium size. So if the manufacturer rates it at | | | | protein skimmer. |
| 50 Gallons, buy the 100 gallon version. | | | | Next turn on the protein skimmer and make sure |
| 2. What is the footprint? Make sure it will fit in | | | | the riser tube is all the way open. To find the rise |
| your sump! Always make sure you can find | | | | tube look for the pvc that is the highest point on |
| accurate measurements. You don't want to | | | | the external plumbing and generally it is labeled |
| receive your new expensive skimmer only to find | | | | with an "open" and "closed". Open would mean the |
| out it won't fit. | | | | water level in the skimmer is at its lowest point. |
| 3. Internal or External? Protein skimmers are | | | | Closed means that's the highest the water can be |
| available in internal (Just place it in the sump) Or | | | | adjusted to. When first turning on the skimmer |
| external which requires additional plumbing and | | | | you want to be sure you are all the way "open". |
| another pump to feed water to the skimmer. | | | | Once you are comfortable that the skimmer is |
| 4. What water level does the skimmer perform | | | | operating correctly and in the correct amount of |
| best in? This is one specification that many people | | | | water slowly adjust the riser tube ("closing") so |
| overlook. The new pumps skimmers are using are | | | | that the water level is just below where the |
| very picky, if you are an inch or 2 off you may | | | | collection cup starts. Be sure to keep an eye on |
| either overflow the skimmer or it may not | | | | the water level as most of the time there is a |
| perform at all. Make sure your water level in the | | | | delay in the rising of the water and you don't |
| sump is appropriate for the skimmer you plan to | | | | want it overflowing. Let the skimmer break in for |
| purchase. Or if you water level is to high you can | | | | a few days and generally you will start to see it |
| build a simple stand to place the skimmer on. | | | | pulling out the nasty organics within a few hours. |
| (most new skimmers run in 8-10" of water) | | | | Another option is to run the skimmer for 3-4 |
| Now that we have the checklist down lets cover | | | | days completely open. Then after the break-in |
| setting up the new Protein Skimmer. | | | | period adjust the water height up to the |
| Many manufacturers recommend doing a vinegar | | | | manufacturer suggested level to begin the |
| bath before operating the skimmer in the | | | | skimming process. |
| aquarium to remove any oils used in | | | | |